Tradewinds - August/September 2018

Tradewinds

COMPLIMENTARY

August/September 2018

WWW. NCFISH.ORG

A Publication of North Carolina Fisheries Association, Inc.

BEATING THE

ODDS

Surviving Pamlico Sound

Fisherman’s Village The Right Line for You

Board of Directors The North Carolina Board of Directors is comprised of members representing all of the State’s coastal regions as well as the many facets of the industry gear type, targeted species, and commodity groups. The association elects its board members and officers annually.

Tradewinds A publication of the North Carolina Fisheries Association Tradewinds have been used by captains of sailing ships to cross the world’s oceans for centuries. The captain of a sailing ship would seek a course along which the winds could be expected to blow in the direction of travel.

Tradewinds were important in the development of trade and provided a means of transportation and communications to isolated coast communities We are still isolated in a sense even with our modern ships, aircraft, telecommunications and the internet.

We need a connection from island to island, person to person…and to the rest of the world.

We hope that this Tradewinds will become as important to you as the Tradewinds were to our ancestors, not only to in-landers wanting to know more about the coast, but coastal people learning about other coastal people.

NCFA Staff: Glenn Skinner Executive Director Jerry Schill Director of Government Relations Aundrea O’Neal Administration & Accounting Tradewinds Editor Nikki Raynor Membership/Receptionist Tradewinds- Co-Editor 101 N. 5th Street Morehead City, NC 28557 Office: 252-726-(NCFA)6232 | Fax:252-726-6200 www.ncfish.org

Tradewinds is proud to announce that our publication will now be archived at: North Carolina Collection at Wilson Library University of Chapel Hill, NC

Brent Fulcher-252-514-7003 Chairman Glenn Skinner-252-646-7742 Executive Director Dewey Hemilright-252-473-0135 Treasurer Area 1Mike Blanton-252-619-2694 Area 2Dewey Hemilright-252-473-0135 Area 3Mark Vrablic-252-305-2718 Area 4Vacant Area 5Wesley Potter-252-229-1881 Area 6Brent Fulcher- 252-514-7003 Area 7- Doug Todd-910-279-2959 At LargeSonny Davis-252-725-0784 At Large- Chrissy Fulcher Cahoon-252-670-7223 At LargeRoss Butler-757-435-5317 At LargeJeff Styron-252-675-8354 Charter BoatRalphie Craddock-252-473-0953 Albemarle Fisherman’s Association Terry Pratt-252-339-7431 Carteret County Fisherman’s Association Bradley Styron-252-342-8821 Ocracoke Working Waterman’s Association Hardy Plyler-252-928-5601 Pamlico County Fisherman’s Association Wayne Dunbar-252-670-7467 Brunswick County Fishermen’s Association Randy Robinson-910-209-3463 NC CatchKaren Amspacher-252-732-0982 The Tradewinds is a free publication published bi-monthly by the NC Fisheries Association.

All parties advertised herein and the claims represented are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. Though every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all advertising and copy contained herein, the publisher may not be held responsible for typographical errors. The NC Fisheries Association reserves the right to refuse any advertising or editorial deemed inappropriate. The agency, its employees, agents or representatives may not be held responsible for any actions or consequences derived as a result of following advice or instructions contained herein. ©2018

August/ September 2018

From the Chairman.................. 4 From Glenn Skinner.............. 4-5 Nikki Raynor............................. 6 From the Editor........................ 6

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contents 41

A Word From Jerry................... 7 The Right Line for You............. 9 Brown’s Island.........................11 Oysters & Economy............... 13 Overfished & Overfishing....... 15 Core Sound Waterfowl Museum................ 19

Affiliate News........................................ 35 Bluewater Fisherman Assoc................. 37

Carolina Paella Recipe.......... 21

Book Review:Blackbeard’s Sunken Prize................................................. 38

Marketplace............................ 23

AMSEA.................................................. 39

FEATURE STORY

Red...Right............................................ 41

Beating the Odds.............. 24-25

Talk on the Docks.................................. 43

Captain’s Spotlight................. 27

Tred Barta..............................................47

Fisherman’s Village.................29 Council & Commission Meetings............31 The Graying of the Fleet........ 33

43

On the Cover:

F/V Mad Lady II Captain Kenny Rustick

TW Disclaimer: Articles and letters appearing in Tradewinds are the opinions of the authors and unless specifically noted may or may not reflect the opinions or official positions of the North Carolina Fisheries Association.

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Photo by Cathy Rose, Harkers Island, NC

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WWW.NCFISH.ORG advertisers: Ace Marine................................................ 7 Atlantic Seafood...................................... 30 B&J Seafood........................................... 32 Barbour’s Marine Supply Co..................... 6 Beaufort Inlet Seafood............................ 32 Blue Ocean Market................................. 12 Calypso Cottage..................................... 26 Capt. Jim’s Seafood................................ 40 Capt. Stacy Fishing Center..................... 28 Capt. Willis Seafood Market................... 28 Carteret Catch......................................... 18 Carteret County Fisherman’s Association.......................................... 35 Chadwick Seafood.................................. 44 Chadwick Tire ........................................ 40 Davis Fuels .............................................. 8

Day at the Docks..................................... 20 Fisherman’s Village................................. 29 Fresh Catch............................................. 36 Fulcher’s Seafood................................... 14 Gordon’s Net Works................................ 14 H and R Repair......................................... 8 Hardison Tire .......................................... 16 Henry Daniels F/V Joyce D................... 12 Homer Smith Seafood.............................. 8 Hurricane Boatyard................................. 30 Locals Seafood....................................... 18 Mountain State Fair................................. 17 Murray L. Nixon Fishery, Inc. ................. 36 N.C. Dept. of Agriculture.......... Back Cover Offshore Marine...................................... 22 O’Neal’s Sea Harvest.............................. 40 Pamlico Insurance.................................. 22 Potter Net and Twine.............................. 38 Powell Brothers Maintenance................. 10

Quality Seafood...................................... 22 R.E. Mayo Seafood................................. 16 Rocky Mount Cord Co.............................. 9 Salt Box Joint.......................................... 18 Sea Tow.................................................. 26 Seaview Crab Company......................... 18 Shore2Sound Adventures......................... 8 Ted & Todd’s Marine Services................ 12 The Clement Companies........................ 16 Tred Barta............................................... 47 Walker Marine......................................... 22 Wanchese Fish....................................... 12 Wanchese Trawl..................................... 12 Wells Fargo Bank.................................... 26 Wheatly Boys.......................................... 10 Wheatley, Wheatley, Weeks, Lupton & Massie............................................... 5 Wild Caught............................................. 20 Wilheit Packaging................................... 26

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A word from the chairman ...

A thought from Glenn ...

BE THE SOLUTION, NOT THE PROBLEM!

I

would like for everyone to take a minute and think about your involvement in the fishing resource of the great state of North Carolina.

Whether you’re a Gill Netter, For Hire Guide, Shrimp Trawler, Shellfish Harvester, Crab Potter, Pound Netter, Head Boat, Channel Netter, Long Liner or Rod and Reel Fisherman, NCFA is always present to represent responsible harvesting of OUR resource. That’s right: It’s each and everyone’s resource and responsibility to ensure that it’s there for future generations to come. NCFA, accompanied by members from Carteret County Fisherman’s Association, Brunswick County Fishermen’s Association, Pamlico County Fishermen’s Association, Albemarle Fishermen’s Association, NC Watermen United and NC Catch were all present in Raleigh during Seafood Lobby Day with one common goal: Harvest of Fresh Wholesome Sustainable North Carolina Seafood for all.

So, with all of that positive effort, it saddens me to see us work against ourselves so much. Yes, there will always be some user conflict. What would you expect from a resource that is so bountiful? It is our duty to work with each other as humans to always strive for the most successful, equitable and responsible harvest both commercially and recreationally. That also goes for individuals and organizations that advocate for the resource. NCFA has, and always will, encourage non-members and other organizations to be part of this responsible process.

It is very easy to point the finger or put blame on an individual.

This industry has never been easy, but it can be very rewarding in many ways. So, I have a suggestion: The next time folks point the finger or insinuate blame, take a minute and think about how to be part of the solution.

For the most part, advocating for this responsible management of the resource with the regulatory and legislative branches of government is a very thankless job. But at the same time it is crucial for our resource and existence. Taking time out of your day to advocate for responsible management and harvesting of OUR resource is a responsibility that belongs to us ALL, commercially and recreationally . Please take time to thank the people that are there advocating for the resource, when you can’t be there. And most of all, if you want to play the blame game and point the finger, be at our next Board meeting and be a part of the process.

You’re either part of the solution or part of the problem. Which are you?

Brent Fulcher, Chairman

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DOES LESS FISH LANDED REALLY MEAN THERE ARE LESS FISH TO LAND?

f you told the average person that since 1997 the total amount of finfish and shellfish commercially harvested in N.C. has declined from 228 million pounds to 60 million pounds, most would assume that there have to be less fish in North Carolina’s waters, and that’s just what the North Carolina Wildlife Federation (NCWF) is banking on. The statistics listed above are just one of many cited by the NCWF, in response to a recent Tradewinds article entitled “What is the Health of North Carolina’s Fish Stocks?”. In their response, the NCWF cites bits and pieces of data that appear to support their claims of “declining fish stocks” and “failed fishery management” in North Carolina.

While most of the numbers used to support the Wildlife Federations claims are accurate, they are presented to readers in a very misleading fashion. In an attempt to appear unbiased, the author did acknowledge that the closure of the purse seine fishery for Atlantic Menhaden alone had reduced commercial landings by nearly 100 million pounds, but left readers to assume that this was the only regulation to impact commercial landings. I have no doubt that the Wildlife Federation is wellaware of the fact that since 1997, many areas in North Carolina have been permanently closed to trawling and that North Carolina’s gill net fisheries have been regulated down to a fraction of what they once were; thus, severely reducing our ability to harvest many species. They also failed to mention that strict daily bag limits and increased size limits imposed on traditionally important species, such as: Weakfish (Grey Trout), Red Drum, Speckled Trout and Southern Flounder, have forced commercial and recreational fishermen to discard many fish that were once able to be harvested.

In the case of Southern Flounder, the size limit has been increased to the point that recreational and commercial harvest now consists of almost 100% female fish, potentially reducing that species’ ability to reproduce. Another factor that has impacted North Carolina’s commercial landings is the reduction of commercial effort. From 1995 to 2017, the total commercial effort has decreased dramatically, in fact, the number of commercial trips is down more than 50%. The number of fishermen and vessels that are landing fish has been cut nearly in half. While the Wildlife Federation appears to recognize this

reduction in effort, they quickly dismiss any impact this reduction might have on landings by speculating that “if commercial landings have declined simply because of a reduction of effort or interest, uncaught fish might be available to the recreational fishery, and their landings would improve.”. The author used recent recreational landings of Southern Flounder to support this theory and stated that “Southern Flounder catches have dropped from 539,941 pounds as recently as 2010 to 267,811 pounds in 2016”, but once again failed to tell their readers the whole story.

If you take the time to research North Carolina’s recreational landings, you will quickly notice that the most recent estimates for Southern Flounder (and most other species), are significantly higher than they were once thought to be. In fact, the 2010 & 2016 recreational landings of Southern Flounder (cited by the Wildlife Federation) have risen to 1,141,531 pounds and 695,638 pounds respectively, which may validate the NCWF theory that a decline in commercial landings caused by reduced effort should result in improved recreational landings.

While it is above my pay grade to determine whether or not fish lost to commercial fishermen and recooped by recreational fishermen are in any way responsible for improved recreational landings, I can tell you that North Carolina’s anglers are catching significantly more fish than the Wildlife Federation would lead you to believe. I can also tell you that by only using the numbers of fish harvested, it is easy to fool readers into thinking that the numbers cited are all that recreational and commercial fishermen are catching. Simply put… By excluding the many fish that have to be released (due to the strict bag limits and increased size limits that I mentioned earlier), they can make the overall catch appear much smaller, consequently convincing their readers that there is a problem.

It would be irresponsible for me to tell you that declining trends in some species of fish are not partially responsible for decreased commercial landings, but it is absolutely absurd for anyone to imply that declining stocks are the primary reason that landings have dropped. Even more absurd is the fact that the North Carolina Wildlife Federation chose to end their letter with the following statement, “Sugar coating the stock status report based on cherry picked data is a disservice to the citizens of our state and those who depend on her marine resources for their livelihoods or recreation”. The Wildlife Federation accusing anyone of “cherry picking data” is the height of hypocrisy,

seeing as this has become their primary tactic in their war against North Carolina’s commercial fishing families. There are still many hurdles to overcome before we can declare fisheries management in North Carolina a complete success, but I can assure you that commercial fishing is the least of them. I will close by saying there can be no greater disservice to North Carolina citizens than to hand feed them half truths in an attempt to deprive them of the healthy and wholesome product that North Carolina’s commercial fishermen provide!

Glenn Skinner NCFA Executive Director

Did you Know?

The medicinal value of horseshoe crab blood comes from its ability to clot in the presence of bacteria, rendering the bacteria harmless. Even though bacteria are usually destroyed by modern sterilization techniques, some bacteria, called endotoxins, may survive the sterilization process. This blood-clotting ability of the horseshoe crab makes it very valuable in testing for injectable medicines, vaccines and sterile medical equipment. The horseshoe crab has also proved valuable to the medical field in another way.

Studies involving the nerve pathways in the eyes of horseshoe crabs have led to many discoveries in human eye research. The outer shell of a horseshoe crab is made primarily of chitin. Scientists discovered that when used as a coating for suture material and burn dressings, chitin rapidly increased wound healing, cutting the time by half.

International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 4 Number 2 (2015) pp. 956-964 http://www.ijcmas.com

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JOIN JOIN JOIN JOIN

TODAY JOIN TODAY JOIN TODAY JOIN TODAY JOIN

TODAY JOIN TODAY JOIN TODAY JOIN TODAY JOIN

Membership Matters:

Hi friends. Hope you’re all enjoying this issue of Tradewinds. If you’re new here, then welcome!

The NCFA is a non-profit organization that was founded by commercial fishermen for commercial fishermen, in 1952. We promote sustainable fisheries and lobby local, state, and federal policymakers on behalf of the North Carolina commercial fishing industry. We care about the fishermen, the heritage, and the tradition of the industry. No matter where you visit on the North Carolina coast, commercial fishing plays an important role, and has for hundreds of generations. Many North Carolina families pay their bills, clothe their children, and feed their families by fishing. With non-governmental conservation organizations trying to impose harsh, unnecessary regulations on our NC commercial fishermen, our way of life and means of making a living is being threatened.

Working long hours of back-breaking and dangerous labor, commercial fishermen are some of the hardestworking people you will ever meet. This is what they’ve known to do since they were old enough to go out in the boat and learn from their parents and grandparents. We do not want to lose this way of living, and we need your help! If you want to help in our fight, please consider joining the NCFA or making a monetary donation.

From your Editor

Thank you to each and every one of you for your support in this new venture!

I hope that you are satisfied with the story qualities that are provided in this publication. My main focus and purpose for taking on this task is to keep our fishermen informed, educate the public and to show that you (whether you are a fisherman or a consumer) are an ESSENTIAL part of our industry!

If there is a question, subject or interest that you may have and would like to see in this magazine, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I will try my best to get the question answered, story written or interest directed to the proper people that will supply that information for you.

With your continued support, we can show that we are using conservative, sustainable practices to keep our industry going for the years to come.

Thank you Again!!!

Aundrea O’Neal

252-503-8302 Aundrea@ncfish.org Tradewinds@ncfish.org

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www.ncfish.org

With becoming a member, you can expect to receive a weekly update from us that is sent out every Friday as well as a new issue of our Tradewinds publication bi-monthly, for one year from your joining date.

If you’re not already a member of the NCFA and would like to become one, flip to page 46, fill out the membership application form, and send it with your payment to our office, at: NORTH CAROLINA FISHERIES ASSOCIATION PO Box 86 Morehead City, NC 28557 Alternatively, you can join our NCFA family by visiting our website and signing up there: www.ncfish.org/join-ncfa/ Our members are what keep us going. Your support is everything!

Thank you so much!

Nikki Raynor

BARBOUR’S Marine Supply Co. Everything for Boats Since 1919

1-800-682-2643

NCFA Legislative Affairs, Jerry Schill

A word from Jerry ...

THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON SEAFOOD & AQUACULTURE IS NEEDED! THESE PAST 2 YEARS WITH H-867 AND H-361 PROVE IT!

T

he North Carolina General Assembly has adjourned. Or has it? Although they adjourned on June 29th about noon, it was announced they will have a special session in late November after the general elections. The purpose is to address the results of the election as there are 6 constitutional amendments for voters to approve or disapprove.

Depending on what the voters decide, the legislators may need some additional legislative action.

As far as we know, they will not be limited in what they can consider during this special session, so everything will be on the table including: H-361, Support Shellfish Industry; H-867, Coastal Fisheries Conservation/Economic Development; H-1049, Support Sustainable Fisheries Communities; H-1063, Commercial Fishing License Reforms.

It’s doubtful that anything other than the constitutional amendments will be acted on, but we’ll be watching!

This was a very strange and rather stressful legislative session. While NCFA worked on a bill that would provide some much needed relief for commercial fishing families, (H1049, Support Sustainable Fisheries Communities), most of our time was spent on H-361, “Support Shellfish Industry”.

Although the shellfish bill was introduced by legislative friends of commercial fishing, our membership was split on some of the bill’s provisions. In addition, NCFA’s Board did not have the opportunity to discuss the bill and come up with a position. At the first committee hearing in the Senate, there were an equal number of supporters and there were others who saw problems with the bill. To the sponsors’ credit, they worked to address our major concerns. Nonetheless, the more our folks learned about

the bill, the concerns just snow-balled.

Of particular note is that the N.C. Shellfish Grower’s Association through its President, strongly supported the bill but during the late stages of the session at a special meeting, voted to oppose.

The bill passed the Senate but the House voted unanimously not to concur with the Senate so it was sent to a conference committee to work things out, and even though that committee reported the bill out of conference, it was never brought to the House floor for a vote before session adjourned. As noted above, technically the bill can be considered during the special session in November. If it’s not acted on then, the issue is dead until another measure can be introduced in the long session next year.

There are numerous lessons that should be learned from this session, but it really can be boiled down to a few words: Joint Legislative Commission on Seafood & Aquaculture! The JLCS&A is a former legislative study commission that was made up of 15 members, legislators and stakeholders as follows: 4 appointed by the Senate Pro-Tem; 4 appointed by the House Speaker; 4 appointed by the Governor and 3 appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture. The group would only meeting between legislative sessions and discuss and debate controversial issues at meetings in various locations included the coast, and submit a report to the General Assembly with recommendations.

That process certainly wasn’t perfect, but it was a far cry better than the way we’re dealing with fisheries issues now. Let’s sit down and air things out before a bill is introduced. H-867 and H-361 are proof positive that the reinstatement of the Joint Legislative Commission on Seafood & Aquaculture is vitally needed!

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The Right

LINE for You Osprey- Rocky Mount Cord Company’s Crab Pot and Fishing line was developed exclusively to handle the rigors of Watermen of the East Coast and beyond. Osprey exceeds the requirements of today’s method of crabbing and fishing.

“Osprey’s firmness, strength, and abrasion-resistance were balanced to perform for many seasons when using the automatic haulers- either in single lines or in multiple pot sets”, states Joe Bunn, President of Rocky Mount Cord Company in Rocky Mount, NC. “With the advent of higher speed braiders that make a more consistent cover, Osprey was developed to lock firm in the haulers without the cover wearing out when fished for multiple seasons.” Rocky Mount constantly performs tests “We are to compare competitive cords in going to the Crab and Fishing marketsverifying the continuing quality of insure our their products.

Quality. We “Recently we performed tests on are local a couple of new Crab lines on the and we are market. These cords often looked a lot like Osprey, but were far from not going the quality of Osprey. Osprey is anywhere.” consistently stronger, but that is not the whole story. Osprey uses high tenacity tire cord- just like in your performance 60,000-mile automobile tires- in both the cover (jacket) and in the core. We perform abrasion tests on these products, to simulate what was happening every day on the water as a Waterman would use a hauler to pull up pots. Osprey’s jacket lasted up to twice as long as the same diameter rope offered by competitors.”

“Even something as simple as the weight per spool, proved Osprey’s superiority, with the weight of the jacket being over 3 pounds heavier in 1000 feet of #8 (1/4” diameter) and over 5 pounds heavier in the #9 (9/32” diameter). Plus, we don’t load up Osprey with a bunch of cheap fiber like carpet yarns.

You get what you pay for” according to Louis Hinson, Vice President of Manufacturing of the Company.

With the cost of a single rigged pot currently exceeding $40.00, it is worth more to use a trusted line like Osprey instead

of Brand X. “We are going to insure our Quality. We are local and we are not going anywhere.”

Andy Barker abarker@rmcord.com

Rocky Mount Cord Co 381 N. Grace St Rocky Mount, NC 27804 800-342-9130 ext. 124 Fax: 252-977-9123

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No quantity too BIG or too SMALL, Just give us a call!

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Brown’s Island 4 Leonard Gillikin

OCTOBER 15, 2017 / DAVID CECELSKI COURTESY, STATE ARCHIVES OF NORTH CAROLINA

L

eonard Gillikin posing with pipe on the ocean beach at Brown’s Island. He is leaning on a tripod, presumably one that Charles Farrell used to support his camera.

Though relatively young—he was born in 1913— Gillikin was the lead man on the mullet gang at Brown’s Island.

This is the 4th in a series of Charles A. Farrell’s photographs from Brown’s Island, in Onslow County, N.C., in 1938. An earlier version of this story appeared in Southern Cultures, a quarterly journal published by the UNC Center for the Study of the American South.

He is wearing a cloth fedora at a rakish angle and a coat of the kind of herringbone twill that was issued to laborers in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), one of the Roosevelt administration’s “New Deal” work programs for the unemployed and underemployed during the Great Depression.

The Federal census indeed lists Gillikin as a CCC road

worker, though no doubt he also farmed and fished back home in Otway.

You can see the sun on his hands and face. Behind him an axel for an automobile or light truck rests on the beach, perhaps intended for conversion into a cart. In the distance, the camp’s hogs are grazing among the sea oats.

At Brown’s Island, as at all of the state’s mullet camps, the fishermen worked on shares, not for wages; the captain typically earned an extra half- or full share, as did the owners of the boats and seine.

Tomorrow– Buck Gillikin, the camp’s cook Reprinted with permissions by David Cecelski https://davidcecelski.com/2017/10/15/browns-island-4-leonard-gillikin/

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Oysters

Are Important to North Carolina’s Economy

Oyster reefs create important feeding grounds and nursery areas for many other commercially and recreationally important fish species. A 2011 study demonstrates the value and ecosystem services that sanctuaries, maintained by the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, can provide.

The construction of oyster reefs by the state and private marine contractors creates jobs while benefiting the environment. This has been demonstrated by: A 2015 study by RTI International demonstrating the job creation potential that these types of green- and bluecollar jobs can have.

A 2016 study by RTI International showing the costbenefit of the state’s oyster habitat enhancement programs.

The federation’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act project that built 50 acres of oyster reef in a publicprivate partnership in 2009.

In 2014, North Carolina watermen landed 727,775 pounds of oysters, worth $4.5 million, up from 586,625 pounds worth $3.4 million in 2013. 2016 harvest was ~650,670 pounds worth an approximate value of $4.0 million. Before the 2005 escalation of oyster restoration efforts by the NC General Assembly, N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, nonprofits and other fishery stakeholders, annual harvests averaged 230,000 pounds of oysters valued at $1 million. A sustained effort toward the restoration of wild oysters will continue and improve upon this trend.

The private growing of oysters, through the state’s lease

program, has the potential to increase the production of oysters in the state. A 2013 study by the Rural Center compares the mariculture industry in Virginia to the one in North Carolina and demonstrates the potential growth for this industry in North Carolina. In 2016, Virginia’s aquaculture oysters were worth $16.5 million to growers alone, with 40.2 million market oysters sold.

With North Carolina providing more designated shellfish growing areas than Virginia, this potential for shellfish aquaculture and idyllic growing conditions has many times been referred to as, “The Napa Valley of Oysters.”

North Carolina Sea Grant has recently hired a new marine aquaculture specialist, Chuck Weirich, to expand the industry in an environmentally sustainable, economically beneficial way. (ncoysters.org/oysters/economy) Reprinted with permissions north carolina fisheries association 13

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The Difference between Overfished and Overfishing

They are different forms of the same verb, but in the world of fisheries science and in state law, they have very different meanings State law defines overfishing as “fishing that causes a level of mortality that prevents a fishery from producing a sustainable harvest” (NCGS § 113-129).

Overfished is “the condition of a fishery that occurs when the spawning stock biomass of the fishery is below the level that is adequate for the recruitment class of a fishery to replace the spawning class of the fishery.”

The definitions themselves use terms that need explanation to fully understand, so here’s a primer.

First, sustainable harvest — harvesting at a sustainable rate allows the population numbers to be maintained or even increase over time. The long-term yield (harvest) from a fish population partially depends on the rate of harvest (fishing mortality). If there is no or little harvest, then there will be no, or a small amount of yield from the fish population. If

harvest is too high, the population will decline. In theory, there is a harvest rate, known as maximum sustainable yield that will maximize the long-term yield from the fishery. Fishing at a rate higher than that which produces the maximum sustainable yield is known as overfishing, and leads to a reduction in the longterm yield from the population. In this circumstance, reducing the harvest rate would lead to an increase in catches over time.

A fish population is said to be overfished when the spawning stock is below a level that cannot replenish itself through natural reproduction. The spawning stock, or mature part of the population, is that part of the population that is capable of producing offspring, also known as recruits. A certain number of recruits are needed to maintain, or sustain future populations. This number of recruits is specific to each species based on things such as life, history and the nature of the fisheries that harvest the population. If the population is fished so heavily that the spawning stock (mature fish) is reduced to the point that not enough young fish are produced to ensure the stock will maintain itself, the stock is considered overfished.

N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries • 3441 Arendell Street • Morehead City, NC 28557 • 252-726-7021 or 800-682-2632 Reprinted with permissions. 7/25/2018

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Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center

SUMMER TASTE OF CORE SOUND

with special guest, local seafood ambassador and Triangle restaurateur

Chef Ricky Moore

Friday, August 24 --- Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center, “At the End of the Road,” Harkers Island Core Sound is delighted to welcome local seafood ambassador, chef, and restaurateur Ricky Moore to this year’s Summer Taste.

The night and menu will be a mix of what you’ve come to expect from the Taste of Core Sound with a twist from the celebrated Durham icon.

Chef Ricky Moore’s Saltbox Food Joint seafood experience has become the Triangle’s go-to location for fresh local seafood that relies on truly seasonal product.. His commitment to “underutilized” fish like croaker, spot and mullet has helped establish a new market for these plentiful species, as well as opening doors for those who love seafood but never had the chance to enjoy the “fishy fish” taste of the kinds of seafood he, and Coresounders, grew up loving.

“I believe if you say you love seafood, try it! Don’t cut yourself short because you’re used to eating a certain way or a more sought-after fish. Try it!” he says over and over. His emphasis on fresh, local seafood has earned Saltbox Seafood Joint praise from Our State, USA Today, Garden & Gun, and Vogue.

“Core Sound is honored to have Chef Ricky Moore return to Carteret County for our Summer Taste tradition,” Pam Morris, President of Carteret Catch and collections manager at the Core Sound Museum added. “Ricky has helped support Carteret Catch in the past by preparing a full-course seafood meal aboard a working shrimp trawler at the Fishermen’s Village. He is a fabulous voice for the seafood industry.”

Core Sound’s Summer Taste has a reputation all its own. Now in its 10th year, folks plan ahead to travel to Harkers Island for the traditional seafood. From scallop fritters to stewed shrimp, the Summer Taste has drawn seafood-lovers from across

Eastern North Carolina to enjoy what Down East folks have eaten all their lives. The combination of Core Sound cooks and Chef Ricky Moore will be a true food experience!

The music begins at 6 with Photos by Saltbox_Baxter-Miller

a welcome reception featuring a taste of cold seafood appetizers of Southern favorites like cucumber crab salad and tomato sandwiches.

At 7 the main course comes with a focus on “what’s fresh” in August. Charcoaled mullets, shrimp and grits and seafood casserole will headline a innovative menu that spans Ricky’s lifelong love of fresh seafood and Core Sound’s commitment to old recipes and traditional cooking. To round out the menu, sides will feature summer vegetables like butter beans and squash. And don’t miss the light rolls and homemade dessert!

Once the cooking is complete, Chef Ricky will share some of his food memories and how his Eastern North Carolina upbringing has shaped his career. “I was always into food. My family were all good cooks. We grew up eating country cooking, taking what was in season and keeping the cooking simple so the true flavor of the seafood and fresh vegetables would come through,” Ricky emphasises.

Ricky found his love for cooking in a home economics class in New Bern High School, followed by time in the Army that carried him around the world to explore food traditions beyond what he had ever experienced before.

His memories and experiences will be a highlight of the evening for sure.

Core Sound’s summer Taste will conclude with the Summer Raffle drawing for a golf cart or $5000 cash, along with other prizes.

Tickets | $50 for members, $65 for non-members; to reserve tickets, please call 252.728.1500 or go online to purchase ticketsfisheries at coresound.com. north carolina association

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WILD CAUGHT Local Seafood & Music Festival August 17, 2018 (7pm-10pm) August 18, 2018 (12pm-10pm)

Gloucester Community Center 476 Pigott Rd. Gloucester, NC 28528 WILD CAUGHT celebrates roots music, local seafood and produce, and maritime traditions. No camping on site. The festival opens Friday night at 7pm with music until 10pm. Saturday’s music is from noon to 10pm. WILD CAUGHT seafood and fixings are served Saturday afternoon. Bring something to drink, chairs, bug spray, and sun protection.

“A Community Heritage Celebration” September 14 & 15, 2018 Day at the Docks was started to celebrate the “Spirit of Hatteras” when the village recovered from Hurricane Isabel in 2003 as an intact community, anchored by the commercial and charter fishermen. The event is a confirmation of the strength of community, heritage, and living traditions of the waterman.

For more information, please visit our website http://hatterasonmymind.com/HVCA/DayAtTheDocks/

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Debbie Moose

Photo by: Rob Vatz

Carolina Paella From Carolina Catch: Cooking North Carolina Fish and Shellfish from Mountains to Coast. Text © 2018

by Debbie Moose. Food photography copyright © 2018 by Juli Leonard. Used by permission of the University of North Carolina Press. www.uncpress.org Traditional Spanish paella includes mussels, shrimp, sausage, and chicken. My simplified version speaks with a Carolina accent, spotlighting the state’s abundant clams. I used an aromatic rice grown in South Carolina, but any medium-grain rice will do.

Use a large, wide sauté pan or a paella pan, not a deep-sided frying pan.

Makes 4 servings 1⁄2 cup olive oil 1 cup chopped white or yellow onion 2 large tomatoes, chopped 3⁄4 teaspoon salt, divided 1 cup medium-grain rice 1 pound swordfish fillet, cut into 1-inch chunks 1⁄2 teaspoon crushed red pepper, or to taste 1 teaspoon paprika 1 cup fresh green peas 12 littleneck clams, rinsed well 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Photo by Juli Leonard

Heat the olive oil in a large, wide sauté pan over medium heat.

Add the onions, tomatoes, and 1⁄4 teaspoon of the salt. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until the onions are soft and the tomatoes have given up their juices.

Add the rice, swordfish, crushed red pepper, paprika, and 3 cups water, or enough to cover the ingredients (the amount will vary depending on how much liquid you get from the tomatoes).

Season with the remaining salt. Add the peas. Place the clams in the mixture, gently nestling them into the liquid so that they are mostly covered.

Raise the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Simmer, uncovered, for about 30 minutes or until the rice is cooked, the clams have opened, and the liquid is gone. You can gently shake the pan to redistribute the ingredients, but do not stir the mixture during cooking. Gently move clams if necessary to keep them in the liquid. Sprinkle with the parsley and chives and serve.

Notes: Discard any clams that don’t open after the cooking time. The crust that may form on the bottom of the paella, called socarrat in Spanish, is prized. If you smell a toasty but not burned aroma and feel a little gritty resistance when you poke the mixture gently with a spoon near the end of the cooking time, you have it. The socarrat adds a smoky note to the dish.

Promotional Recipe Note: This Carolina Paella recipe is approved for promotional use with the provided credit line. Please contact Gina Mahalek at (919) 962-0581 or gina_mahalek@unc.edu to request permission to use any additional recipes from Debbie Moose’s Carolina Catch: Cooking North Carolina Fish and Shellfish from Mountains to Coast.

north carolina fisheries association 21

Offshore Marine Electronics 315 Steel Tank Road Beaufort, NC 28516

252-504-2624 Get “Offshore” and Go Fishing!

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Marketplace

White Oak River Seafood Patrick Finn started life as the son of a Marine Corps officer. His father Robert came from a farming family in Illinois. While serving in the Marine Corps, Robert was stationed at Camp Lejeune in Onslow County. Robert learned about commercial fishing and used gill nets and shrimp trawls to bring in additional income to support his family of six. Pat was about 9 years old when he started fishing with his father. Robert taught Pat everything he knew about fishing, that was when Pat got the “fishing bug”. It is in his blood and he loves the life! Pat has now been fishing for over 50 years, he has done it all and continues to do so. He gillnets for fish, trawls for shrimp, rakes for clams, and uses crab pots to catch fresh crabs.

Throughout his life he has been a deck hand, a captain, as well as a lone fisherman; he has used all types of fishing gear. In all of his years in the industry, Pat has witnessed tremendous changes in the commercial fish-

ing regulations. With the growing mountain of regulations, he has seen it become increasingly harder to earn a living via commercial fishing. He has seen fish house after fish house close due to overregulation; many generational fishermen have left the industry because they struggle to support their families or cannot afford health insurance anymore. Non-governmental special interest groups are doing everything in their power to increase regulation and squeeze the remaining fishermen from the industry.

In learning all that he knows, Pat realized he needed to change his methods. In addition to selling at the fish houses, he obtained a dealer’s license and started selling his catch to the public. In 2012 he set up the stand that he now calls his business; White Oak River Seafood. It is located at the Salty Air Open Market in Cedar Point, NC. His business has grown from a humble pop-up tent to multiple metal buildings. In addition to the fresh North Carolina seafood that he sells, Pat recently expanded his business to include fresh fruit and vegetables. He calls his business a “family affair”. Pat’s long-term partner Elaine Davis, their children, as well as their friends have been instrumental in supporting him in his endeavor.

Pat would love for any and all to visit him at White Oak River Seafood in Cedar Point. Also, feel free to follow him on Facebook and Twitter for updates and information on his latest products.

White Oak River Seafood 307 Cedar Point Blvd.

Cedar Point, NC 28584 www.facebook.com/whiteoakriverseafood www.twitter.com/WhiOakRivSeafoo

north carolina fisheries association 23

Beating the

Odds

T

he fishing vessel Mad Lady II departed Marshallberg Harbor at noon on Sunday, July 15th, to go shrimping in Pamlico Sound.

Aboard the vessel were Captain Kenny Rustick and mate Will Grant. After traversing the waters of Core Sound, they entered Pamlico Sound south of Cedar Island, via Harbor Channel.

They started shrimping off Cedar Island Beach and worked that area through the night. The next morning, the catch declined.

Captain Rustick contacted another fisherman, Thomas Smith on the F/V Miss Monica, and learned that Thomas was catching shrimp near the northern end of Ocracoke Island, which was approximately thirty miles from Rustick’s location. Rustick steamed north to the area where Smith was located, north of Bluff Shoal near the area known as “Legged Lump”, and they began shrimping in the area. After sundown, they anchored in the company of two other shrimp boats. The weather was fine.

The following morning, Tuesday July 17th, they started shrimping at approximately 6:30 am in the area between Bluff Shoal and Legged Lump. After making three tows that day, they had approximately 1,700 to 1,800 pounds of shrimp on board and the wind was starting to breeze up out of the southwest. Rustick made the decision to head towards Engelhard to offload his shrimp and seek safe harbor as the wind was forecast to increase. He called Patrice Clarke at Engelhard/Mattamuskeet Seafood and advised that he was en route there,

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estimating the approximate time he should arrive.

As the F/V Mad Lady II was making passage from just north of Ocracoke towards Engelhard, the winds started to breeze up and the seas began to grow. A thunderstorm passed to the west of them, causing the winds and seas to increase even more. As a result of the sea state, they had to change course from heading towards Engelhard, to head towards Hog Island instead, on the west side of Wysocking Bay. When they were approximately six miles southeast of Hog Island, the block on the stabilizer broke, which entangled the stabilizer rope in the port side trawl board. At approximately 3:30 pm, Captain Rustick received a radio call from Captain Ron Sparks. He notified Captain Sparks of his location and the problem with the stabilizer. Shortly thereafter, the stabilizer rope chaffed in two and the vessel rolled violently to starboard, causing the fish box on the stern of the vessel containing approximately 1,800 pounds of shrimp plus ice to break loose, rolling the vessel to starboard. With each successive wave, the list of the vessel to starboard increased.

Somewhere between 4:00 and 4:30 pm, while both the captain and the mate were in the vessel’s cabin, the vessel took a hard roll to starboard; due to the winds and waves striking the port side of the vessel. Captain Kenny Rustick told his mate Will Grant to get out of the cabin “’cause she’s rolling over”. By the time Will got out the door, the vessel rolled on her starboard side filling the cabin with water. Captain Kenny didn’t have time to exit the cabin. Just before the cabin completely filled with water, he got one last breath. After a struggle, Captain Kenny managed to get the window open on the port side of the cabin, opposite from where

he was located when the vessel rolled over. He was able to swim out of the window and to the surface. Meanwhile, Will had surfaced on the other side of the vessel. About the same time as Captain Kenny surfaced, a 120 quart cooler containing some of their food and water popped to the surface. Will grabbed the cooler and swam it towards Captain Kenny, who grabbed the other end. Due to the sea conditions, it was very difficult to maintain a grip. The fish box floated by Captain Kenny and he grabbed one of its legs, but the sea took it out of his grip. Shortly after, they spotted the fish box lid nearby, which had a surface area of 4 ½ by 6 feet. Will swam to it and Captain Kenny managed to swim over to it as well, with the cooler. Despite the violent seas, they managed to get on top of the fish box lid with the cooler placed between them. Captain Kenny removed his belt and Will used the belt to tie the cooler to the fish box lid. The cooler being between them prevented them from being able to see each others’ faces, so after each wave crashed over them, they would call out to each other to verify that they were still together.

Just before dark, they drifted to Gull Rock.

They could touch the bottom for the first time in hours, soon they drifted across the rock. The south-west winds and currents began to carry them offshore. They attempted to paddle inshore without success. By the lights on the shore, Captain Kenny recognized that they were offshore of the Middletown Anchorage. They could see 15 to 20 trawlers anchored north of Gibbs Shoal, where they had sought safe harbor from the weather. They attempted to paddle towards the anchored trawlers, however, the wind had shifter to the west and then the north-west, pushing

Photo by U.S. Coast Guard

them further offshore.

Unknown to them, Mrs. Patrice Clarke had notified the local Marine Fisheries officer that they were overdue; Marine Fisheries officers along with the local Wildlife officers began searching for them. During the night, Captain Kenny and mate Will observed the blue flashing light on the Wildlife officer’s boat back near Hog Island, where teams were searching for them.

After midnight, the winds subsided and they were able to retrieve some water from the salvaged cooler. Several times during the night, as their legs dangled from the fish box lid on which they were laying, they would feel things bump their legs. On one occasion, Captain Kenny felt a hard bump on his leg and he kicked something that felt “meaty”. He asked Will if he had accidentally kicked him, to which Will replied “no”.

Captain Kenny remembered that as they were trying to paddle with the fish box lid, Will had his legs curled up behind him. During that time, Will had observed shark fins in the water circling around them, but he did not tell Captain Kenny for fear that he might panic.

In recent years, scientists have discovered that Pamlico Sound is a nursery area for Bull Sharks - one of the most aggressive animals in the sea; along with tiger sharks and great whites as those most likely to have a “bad-ending” encounter with humans.

Just before sunrise, a Marine Fisheries vessel that was searching for them passed inshore of them. Shortly thereafter, another commercial fisherman, Parker Williams passed near them. At approximately 6:30 am, Williams, the Wildlife and Fisheries officers, and the United States Coast Guard located the boat approximately ¾ of a mile south of Hog Island.

Captain Kenny and Will observed the US Coast Guard helicopter flying in search patterns and could hear the US Coast Guard C130 aircraft flying overhead, but could not see it due to cloud cover. The US Coast Guard helicopter flew near them and they tried to flag it down, but weren’t seen right away. At approximately 7:20 am, the Coast Guard helicopter spotted them and lowered a rescue swimmer. They had drifted approximately 7 miles from the F/V Mad Lady II. The rescue swimmer put an inflatable life vest on each of them, they were then hoisted into the helicopter and flown to the US Coast Guard Air Station at Elizabeth City, then transferred to Sentara Albemarle Medical Center. Both men suffered from Rhabdomyolysis, which is a condition that occurs when damaged muscle tissue breaks down and releases myoglobin into the blood stream, which can cause kidney damage or kidney failure. They remained in the hospital for 2 ½ days.

While they were hospitalized, their friends, other commercial fisher-

men, along with some divers from Hyde County refloated the F/V Mad Lady II and towed her salvaged hull to Cedar Island.

Friends of Captain Rustick and his mate Will Grant, and the local commercial fishing community immediately organized a fundraiser for them. The Core Sound Waterfowl Museum on Harkers Island donated the use of their facility. On Saturday, July 28, 2018, the fundraiser was held with over 1,000 persons attending and more than 1,400 shrimp dinners being purchased and consumed.

Commercial fishing is the 2nd most dangerous job in the country according to the US Dept. of Labor. North Carolina fishermen have had more than their share of commercial fishing fatalities: F/V Josephine, loss of 4. F/V Lady Mary, loss of 6 including 4 members of one family.

F/V Sea Tractor, loss of 3. F/V Seafarer, loss of 2. F/V Miss Debbie, loss of 3. Sadly, the list goes on.

The North Carolina Fisheries Association, Carteret County Fisherman’s Association, Carteret Catch, and Core Sound Waterfowl Museum would like to extend a huge thanks to all volunteers, donors, and all who came out to buy a plate in support of our local shrimpers. We are so grateful for the safety and health of Captain Kenny Rustick and mate Will Grant, because most of the time, these types of stories don’t end this way.

north carolina fisheries association 25

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CAPT’S

SPOTLIGHT CAPTAIN DARREL “PUG” CLARK F/V NEMO

WANCHESE, NC

I

’m a first-generation commercial fisherman. It all started when I was around twelve or thirteen years old. I would go shrimping with my dad or granddad from time to time, that’s when I got hooked! No one in my immediate family fished for a living when I was growing up.

Throughout my high school years, I would fish nets in the mornings before school and in the summertime. After graduating from high school, I went long lining for a year. I’ve always loved being in the sound, so now I mainly strike net and target mullets. I also crab, shrimp, and fish for flounder, it just depends on the season.

I built both of my boats. One is 22 feet long and the other is 27 feet long. I spend most of my time in the 22-foot boat. Anyone who wants to enter the commercial fishing industry should know that it is a 24/7 job and the work is not always on the water, especially if you’re the owner/operator. If anyone is looking forward to becoming a fisherman for a living, I would recommend fishing for someone else for a while to gain knowledge and experience in the field before investing a lot of money into gear and equipment.

Name of Boat: F/V Nemo Homeport: Wanchese Owner: Darrel Clark Captain: Darrel Clark Builder: Darrel Clark Year: 2003 Length: 27’ Hull Material: Wood & Fiberglass Beam: 9’ 8” Draft: 24” Engine: 250hp Suzuki Gear: N/A Top Speed: 30kts Propeller Size: 3 x 16 x 21.5 Ice/Fish Capacity: N/A Electronics: Lowrance north carolina fisheries association 27

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The tide is coming in, I know the fish will follow.

I’ve got the fishing fever. Lord, let me find a hook so they will bite and swallow.

Would like to catch a big fish, but a small one will do just fine.

I’ve got my soda and cooler, plenty of hooks and twine.

I can almost taste that fish, getting excited, now I need to unwind.

But if I don’t catch one, there’s always tomorrow.

I just tell myself that the big one got away.

I know I’ll catch him one of these days.

Experience a Day in the Life of a Commercial Fisherman

Ready to go fishing with my rod in my hand.

I stand gazing at the water seeing a fish in my pan.

FISHERMAN'S VILLAGE

I’ve got to go fishing

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north carolina fisheries association 29

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Council & Commission Meetings

Council Approves Management Changes for Atlantic Cobia

Summer Flounder Commercial Issues Amendment

Members of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council approved an amendment to remove Atlantic cobia from the current federal management plan and transfer management responsibility to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. The amendment is designed to prevent inconsistent regulations in state and federal waters and improve flexibility in the management of Atlantic cobia from Georgia northward to New York.

The Council approved a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Summer Flounder Commercial Issues Amendment. The Council and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission had previously approved a public hearing document at their joint meeting in April 2018. The amendment DEIS will be submitted to NMFS for review, followed by public hearings tentatively scheduled to begin in September 2018.

Red Snapper The Council received an update from NOAA Fisheries on the status of Amendment 43, approved by the Council last year with the intent to allow a red snapper season in 2018.

The amendment is currently under review by NOAA Fisheries and public comment is being accepted on the proposed rule until June 18, 2018. Over 2,000 comments have been received thus far with the majority in support of opening the fishery. If approved by the Secretary of Commerce, NOAA Fisheries indicated the red snapper season could open in August, with a recreational bag limit of 1 fish per person/day, no minimum size limit, and a commercial trip limit of 75 pounds gutted weight.

Presentations Estimating and Reducing Black Sea Bass Discard Mortality Douglas Zemeckis (Rutgers University) presented the results of a research project on black sea bass discard mortality.

Funded by the Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2016-2017 Collaborative Fisheries Research Program, this project aimed to estimate the discard mortality rate of black sea bass following capture with rodand- reel fishing gear at a deepwater offshore shipwreck in the Mid-Atlantic and identify the capture-related factors that influence discard mortality.

Other Business The Council approved several draft amendments for public scoping. Meetings/webinars will be scheduled for later this year and publicized as they are finalized. The amendments include options for modifications to for-hire charter permits, yellowtail snapper management, recreational permits and reporting, best fishing practices, and other measures.

The Council also received notification during the meeting week that an amendment requiring trip level weekly electronic reporting for federally permitted charter vessels was approved by the Secretary of Commerce. The implementation date for the new requirements will be announced later this year.

NMFS Climate Strategy Vincent Saba (NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center) presented an overview of climate change research within NOAAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Northeast Fisheries Science Center. Much of this work falls under the umbrella of the NOAA Fisheries Climate Science Strategy. Current research indicates that the Northeast shelf has warmed faster than most other coastal waters globally and that continued distribution shifts of valuable commercial species are highly likely. Future research will focus on incorporating climate variables into ecosystem models and evaluating the impacts of climate change to inform stock assessments and management. For additional information, visit: https://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/ecosystems/climate/national-climate-strategy.

north carolina fisheries association 31

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The Graying of the Fleet – East Carolina University Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) Debra A. Kosko DNP, MN, FNP-BC

Beat the Heat!

The dog days of summer are upon us which means heat related illnesses, some life-threatening, can occur. In 2015, heat exposure resulted in 37 work-related deaths and 2,830 nonfatal illnesses. The highest rate of nonfatal heat-related illnesses occurred in Kansas and South Carolina.

What are heat related illness? The most serious is Heat Stroke.

It occurs when your body builds up heat that cannot be released.

Symptoms include confusion, seizures, and fainting. This is a medical emergency so if it happens to a co-worker, call 911. While waiting for help to arrive, move the co-worker to a cooler, shady area, loosen the clothing, and fan air on the person or apply ice packs.

Heat Exhaustion is another heat related illness that occurs when your body loses too much water and salt through sweating.

Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, thirst and heavy sweating. Heat Fatigue causes cramps and heat rash.

Rhabdomyolysis is a condition associated with heat stress and prolonged physical exertion, resulting in the breakdown and death of muscle. This can result in irregular heart rhythms and seizures,

as well as kidney damage.

Fishers age 65 and above are at greatest risk for heat-related illnesses because our bodies become less efficient at regulating temperature as we age. In addition, many older fishers are on medication that can dehydrate or have mild kidney disease from hypertension that makes it more challenging to regulate body fluid.

Beat the heat with water, rest, and shade. How much water should you drink? The key is to not wait until you are thirsty to drink – thirst means you are already dehydrated! Rather, drink 4 cups of water every hour or, even better, drink a small amount of water every 15 minutes. Periodically take yourself out of the sun and rest.

So as the dog days of summer continue, stay hydrated and keep a watchful eye on your fellow fishers for any heat-related symptoms.

GWEP is a collaboration of the ECU College of Nursing, Brody School of Medicine, and the PA Program to provide health screening for mature fishers and their families in eastern North Carolina. We would like to provide health screening in your community or at your next event, so please call or email: koskod@ ecu.edu; 252-744-6421.

References: Centers for Disease Control, NIOSH, https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/default.html US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2017/work-injuries-in-the-heat-in-2015.htm Kenny, G. P., Yardley, J., Brown, C., Sigal, R. J., & Jay, O. (2010). Heat stress in older individuals and patients with common chronic diseases. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 182(10), 1053–1060. http://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.081050 US Department of Labor, OSHA, https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/dropin_article_long.html

north carolina fisheries association 33

Get involved Become a member in your community CONTACT : Albemarle Fisherman’s Association Terry Pratt 252-339-7431 Pamlico County Fisherman’s Association Wayne Dunbar Hwd0123@gmail.com 252-670-7467 Oz Hudgins Home: 252-745-7424 Mobile: 252-571-2002 Carteret County Fisherman’s Association Bradley Styron qualityseafood@clis.com Office: 252-225-0073 Mobile: 252-342-8821 Brunswick County Fishermen’s Association Randy Robinson fishmancsx@gmail.com 910-209-3463 Ocracoke Working Waterman’s Association Hardy Plyler hplyler@gmail.com 252-588-0512 34

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Around the Coast Affiliate News

I want to hear from YOU!!

Albemarle Fisherman’s Association

Terry Pratt~Catching a few crabs, price has dropped.

Some of the boys are still catching a few catfish, other than that, not much going on.”

Send your letter to the Editor and get in a future issue of TRADEWINDS!!!

Brunswick County Fisherman’s Association

Randy Robinson~ All the Shrimpers are getting ready.

The boats are on the railways getting new nets. As far as the fishing is concerned, been catching a few Flounder and Whiting. The USCG buoyed the inlet and it’s in good shape right now.”

Carteret County Fisherman’s Association

Tradewinds@ncfish.org Or

Aundrea@ncfish.org

Bradley Styron~ “First, I like to start off by saying

how blessed we are that our local fishermen Captain Kenny Rustick and Will Grant survived the unfortunate event of the F/V Mad Lady II sinking during a storm in Pamlico Sound on July 17th. I’d like to thank the USCG, NCDMF Marine Patrol, Wildlife and all of the fishermen that assisted in locating them and the Mad Lady II and bringing them home safely. We are truly grateful for everyone who has been so generous in their efforts to get these men back to work with our fundraiser, donations and concerns for their wellbeing. On the fishing side of things, Shrimping seems to have picked up and it looks decent for Brown Shrimp even though we’ve had a lot of bad weather.”

Pamlico County Fisherman’s Association

Wayne Dunbar~ “Crabbing is still hot, but that’s about the only thing going on right now.”

www.ncfish.org

Carteret County Fisherman’s Association Proud Affiliate of the North Carolina Fisheries Association

Ocracoke Working Waterman’s Association Ocracoke Fish House~ Hardy Plyler

“We’ve been packing poundnet fish, gillnetters have been catching Spanish Mackerel on the beach, shrimp boats have been catching a few shrimp. Our retail market has been doing really good due to a lot of tourism to the island.”

north carolina fisheries association 35

M U R R AY

L.

N O X I N ERY FISH

INC.

1141 Nixon Fishery Road Edenton, North Carolina 27932 HACCP CERTIFIED www.nixonfishery.com 1-800-672-4756 â&#x20AC;¢ Fax: 252-221-4118 Phone: 252-221-4115 36

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A WORD FROM: BLUE WATER FISHERMEN’S ASSOCIATION PO Box 51828, Boston, MA. 02210

Carbon Monoxide "Gassed" Fish As President of BWFA, the issue of CO (Carbon Monoxide) treated tuna has been brought to my attention. After being made aware of this process and how it is misleading our US Seafood consumers, I have asked Jason Bahr, a well-respected Tuna Technician and Seafood Broker to explain to you the process, the reasoning, and the dangers involved with this troubling issue.

“For those of us who love a nice rare tuna steak there is something we need to be aware of frozen CO treated tuna. Treating tuna or meat with CO can enhance a reddish color or even turn a pink or brown tuna a bright red color. This is important because the main way tuna quality and freshness is determined is by how red it is. If you artificially turn it red there is no way to determine if it is fresh or if it has spoiled or is unsafe to eat. There is also a significant culinary experience between untreated fresh and CO treated frozen. The CO takes a lot of the natural flavor and experience out of the meat. There is nothing more disappointing then ordering tuna and having a CO treated steak come out on the plate. You don’t need bright red tuna for it to be good. A pink natural tuna steak will taste as wonderful as a red one. We have been conditioned to only eat “red tuna”. Not to say that nice red fatty bigeye steak isn’t amazing, but a pink yellowfin or albacore steak can be just as good for those who don’t want to pay $30 or more for an entrée.

What happens to tuna without CO? Why is some more red than others? Tuna flesh contains myoglobin, a pigmented protein that stores oxygen. The more myoglobin the “redder” it is. This is impacted by species, physical exertion, age and care when captured. When the tuna is exposed to air, the myoglobin oxidizes. This turns the meat from red to pink to brown. Pink and brown color does not mean it has spoiled yet, but it is getting close. Myoglobin changes color well before the fish spoils. With CO treatment, it is impossible to visually tell if this is happening and spoiled fish can still look reddish.

So why is CO used if it doesn’t taste as good and could poten-

tially be dangerous? The answer is simple, money. CO treated is much cheaper than fresh, red tuna and since it doesn’t change color you can serve it much longer than fresh fish. But there is the rub. Since the color remains even after it has spoiled it can make people sick.

What does the US FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) say? For some reason, the FDA lists CO treatment as GRAS (generally recognized as safe). This is concerning because if it is generally recognized as safe then why does the EU, Japan, Canada and many other countries have an outright ban?? These other countries have banned it because of fears it can mask spoiled fish.

What can be done? First, we need the FDA to stop listing CO treatment as GRAS. Also, the consumer needs to be made aware they are eating frozen, CO gas treated fish. Technically this is supposed to be done now but, is hardly ever done. Fresh, locally caught yellowfin tuna is a mainstay for fishermen and seafood purveyors in North Carolina and throughout the US. We shouldn’t have to guess whether what we are eating is fresh or frozen gas treated.

Please support your local fishermen and ask your favorite retail seller or restaurant to only use fresh, not frozen CO treated tuna that looks pretty on the outside, but could be poison on the inside.”

Jason Bahr

After reading this I would hope that all of you will take a closer look at what you are BUYING, what you are SERVING and what you may be EATING! BWFA-President Martin T Scanlon north carolina fisheries association 37

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Book | Review-

Provided by The University of North Carolina Press * An Interview conducted by UNC Press Publicity Directory Gina Mahalek

Mark Wilde-Ramsing and Linda Carnes-McNaughton’s book ‘Blackbeard’s Sunken Prize’ is the premier account of the discovery and excavations on Blackbeard’s flagship the Queen Anne’s Revenge.

The authors have done a phenomenal job of covering the various elements of this extensive and popular history. Numerous historical accounts interwoven with comparative historical components and intermingled with original art work on Blackbeard through the ages sets the stage for the presentation of the artifacts found on the shipwreck.

From the recording, preservation and interpretation of artifacts that help tell the story and keep the book interesting make this account the most significant to date. Filled with pictures and drawings that help explain their point the book

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A Conversation with Mark Wilde-Ramsing and Linda Carnes-McNaughton Gina Mahalek: June 10, 2018 marks the 300th anniversary of the grounding of Queen Anne’s Revenge (QAR). How did the QAR sink, and why?

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is a great reference guide to what is known about Blackbeard and piracy in general and sure to be included in the library of every serious student of this subject.

Since the discovery of the shipwreck numerous books have been written by some of the most renowned authors on the subject of piracy yet none of them reach the level of content and professionalism presented in this book. When all are considered together Wilde-Ramsing’s and Carnes-McNaughton’s book is at the head of the list and will for many years, be the bar from which all future books on this subject will be judged.

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Mark Wilde-Ramsing: We know from historical accounts given by some pirates at the scene and from archaeological evidence, Queen Anne’s Revenge grounded at the entrance to Beaufort Inlet (called Topsail Inlet in the old days) and after their hasty abandonment, the ship deteriorated in place slipping under the water and waves, and then into the sand bar itself. The ship had been out to sea for a year and a half, earlier as a French slave ship (Concorde) and later under pirate control and with all that time under sail, it would have been heavy, leaky, and hard to manage through the narrow, shallow, and unmarked inlet channel towards the safe harbor of Beaufort. The concentrated footprint of the wreckage, not much larger than the ship itself, indicates to archaeologists that it grounded and deteriorated in place. The fact that only a few coins and a small amount of gold dust have been recovered indicate there was ample time to save lives and valuables. Some of the pirates accused Blackbeard of sinking the vessel on purpose, for only he and a few comrades reportedly took all the loot, estimated at hundreds of thousands in today’s dollars taken during the raid of Charleston, South Carolina.

Linda Carnes-McNaughton: Two lines of evidence describe the sinking event; first are the eyewitness accounts of those pirates and crewmembers who survived and later gave testimony; second is the archaeological record, which indicates a slow-wrecking event reflective of a ship that became stuck on a hidden sandbar and then heeled over onto its side as the days and weeks passed. We also know that it was a larger vessel than [Blackbeard’s] other fleet ships and was armored with numerous heavy cannons and spare anchors, so once things began to go wrong, there was little chance to save it. As the call to “Abandon Ship” was echoed across the water, everyone got off, some into the water and some in smaller boats (like Blackbeard and 80 others). What is also relatively absent from the shipwreck indicates to us that they took workable weapons, portable personal gear and of course, the valuables as they left their sinking vessel. Whether the grounding was intentional (as some suspected) or accidental, we can never be totally sure, but as archaeologists, we are certain that what went down that day is what we are left to recover.

Man Overboard Retrieval Devices Putting a swimmer in the water to help someone get back onboard the vessel is a high risk operation. It is not a decision to be made lightly.

Many would-be rescuers drown trying to save drowning victims. Ideally, one would prefer to rescue the man overboard from the safety of the vessel. We will look at some different methods and equipment for doing just that.

Most of the people who fall overboard fall into one of four categories: 1.

Those that are calm, can follow instructions, and still have the strength to hold onto or maneuver themselves into rescue devices.

2.

Those that are calm, can follow instructions, but due to the length of immersion and temperature of the water, have lost their manual dexterity and strength.

3.

Those that are not calm, will not follow instructions, and may be panicking or otherwise uncooperative.

4.

Those that are unconscious.

Perhaps the most common man overboard (MOB) rescue device is a rigid life ring. A life ring can be thrown, mark a position, and can be used by the victim to lie on to get higher out of the water.

But, a life ring is difficult for a victim to hang onto while being lifted onboard a vessel, especially if the victim is cold.

Putting a life ring over the head and under the arms may not be as effective as just lying Rigid Life Ring in Use on it, which gets more of your body out of the water. If the man overboard is calm, not cold, has sufficient strength, and the freeboard of the vessel is not too high, a life ring may serve as a recovery device for victim that is not unconscious or incapacitated.

Be aware that if you throw a life ring and it hits the victim in the head, you can cause a severe injury. A life ring should always have a tether line that floats, so that the manoverboard can be brought back to the vessel.

Victims that are calm and MOB Recovery with a Lifesling cooperative, but without strength, need a rescue device that is easy to get into and can be hoisted onboard by the crew. There are several devices on the market that meet the need. Two of the better known devices are the Marsars Man-Overboard Rescue Sling (www. marsars.com/small-boat-rescue) and the Lifesling (www.thesailingfoundation.org/what-we-do/safety-at-sea/). Those who

are able to follow simple directions can get into these devices without much trouble and the crew can then stay out of the water and on the deck to assist in their recovery.

Another device is called the ARM-LOC made by Water Rescue Innovations of Duluth, MN (www.waterrescueinnovations.com). It can be thrown like a throw bag. It is then slid over the arm of the man overboard. When the yellow lanyard is pulled it inflates, locking onto the arm. It eliminates the need to hold onto a line if the man-overboard is cold or incapacitated. It can also be held close to the chest for flotation.

The person in the water can then be pulled towards the vessel. Any of these devices may towed to the victim, so there is no need for a rescue swimmer to swim out to a conscious person in the water and endanger themselves.

An uncooperative or panicked man overboard, is the most dangerous MOB recovery situation, for both the victim and a potential rescuer in the water. The decision to put someone in the water to assist a man overboard is a serious matter and should generally be done only with the permission of the master.

One needs at a minimum, a trained crew, a rescuer wearing a flotation device, thermal protection, and a tether line to the vessel. The line should have a quick release carabiner so that the rescue swimmer can quickly detach from the vessel if needed.

Coast Guard rescue swimmers, and open-water, Red Cross-trained lifeguards are trained in escape tactics if a person in the water endangers the rescuer. However, they are also trained to not go into situations where they know they may have to wrestle Marsars Device in Use or subdue a person in the water.

They are trained to assess the risk that the man-overboard poses to the rescuer before approaching them. A person who panics can easily endanger and overwhelm the rescuer. Best practice is to always have a float bag or something that the victim can grab onto instead of the rescuer.

That leaves the rescue of an unconscious man-overboard, who may need a person in the water to rescue them. This is always more safely done and easier if the person can be rescued from a small skiff. But, the time it takes to launch a skiff must be minimal.

Falling overboard is not just a great risk to the person in the water, but to the rescuers themselves as well. In any of the circumstances described, the man-overboard always has a better chance at survival if they are wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD). A PFD greatly expands the window of time that a victim has for rescue.

Increase your odds of being rescued by finding a PFD that you can work in. The NIOSH website, www.livetobesalty.org, is a good source to compare different styles of available PFDs and see which will be compatible with your operations.

You can learn Man Overboard Recovery and other marine safety skills at an AMSEA marine safety workshop. AMSEA provides U.S. Coast Guard-accepted Fishing Vessel Drill Conductor workshops and marine safety training across the U.S. Visit www.amsea.org or call (907) 7473287 to find out about training opportunities in your area. north carolina fisheries association 39

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“ Red Right ….… ” THE EPIRB;

funny name, serious function, stands for Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon.

This complex little device has one simple mission… To save your life! When activated it repeatedly sends a signal to a satellite, which in turn is relayed to the appropriate Coast Guard Station. The signal has two critical bits of information, the EPIRB identification number and your location. The Coast Guard now knows, who you are, where you are, and that you’re in distress.

This takes the “Search” out of Search and Rescue.

Whether you purchase one or acquire one from another vessel, you must register it with NOAA. That is how the Coast Guard knows who you are when they get that distress call. And of course, the battery cannot be expired, otherwise it’s just a piece of useless plastic floating in the ocean beside you.

There are two mounting bracket types; Cat 1 and Cat 2.

The Cat 1 bracket has a Hydrostatic release mechanism, allowing the EPIRB to automatically float free and activate, when the vessel is sinking. Make sure the Hydrostatic expiration date is current and the EPIRB is mounted as such it will not be trapped by part of the vessel when it floats free.

The Cat 2 bracket does not automatically release. You will need to activate the EPIRB and get it to the water manually.

All EBIRBs work best when floating away from obstructions, so just keep it tethered to you with its long cord.

So, who is required by Federal law to have an EBIRB on board?

The simple rules are;

If you’re fishing out more than 3nm; and your boat is 36’ or greater then you require a CAT 1.

Less than 36’, a CAT 2 will suffice.

Photo of an EPIRB in a Cat 1 bracket Stay safe and Return….

- Phil Amanna, Coast Guard Auxiliary - Barry Everhardt, Coast Guard CIV, CFVS

The Morehead City Coast Guard Auxiliary is always looking for volunteers. Take a look at our website for more information about joining: www.uscgauxmoreheadcity.org

Go to the NOAA website to register your EPIRB or you can call them, Toll-Free: 1.888.212.7283 NOAA EPIRB Registration website: https://beaconregistration.noaa.gov/RGDB/forms Hope you found this information useful and you have an operational EPIRB on your vessel.

north carolina fisheries association 41

North Carolina Fisheries Association 2nd Annual Maritime Angels Fundraiser Kicks Off October 1, 2018

North Carolina Fisheries Association founded Maritime Angels in 2017 as a way of assisting children of commercial fishing families that fall on hard times at Christmas. .

If you would like to donate, please visit www.ncfish.org and We will also be collecting new, unopened toys at our office, located at 101 N. 5th Street in Morehead City, NC. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated.

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Talk on the Dock RYAN BETHEA:

A NEW KIND OF FISHERMAN

Ryan Bethea is not your typical fisherman working the waters off Harkers Island. For one thing, as his surname might indicate, he’s not a local Down Easter.

“I’m from the Bull City,” he said, referring of course to Durham.

His boat of choice is not a wooden workboat or a Carolina skiff, but rather, an environmentally-friendly kayak. “I have a skiff if I need it, but whenever possible I prefer the kayak.”

Most remarkably, the 33-year old gave up a full-time job teaching middle school in order to make a living off the water. He was, however, no stranger to water.

“I was a water baby, and later on the swim team, and was a certified life guard. I love to water ski and fish,” he reflected. “I’ve always been around the water.”

So how did he make the leap from an inland classroom to the waters of Westmouth Bay? “While teaching I decided to get another degree and study oyster aquaculture,” he explained. “I did graduate research at VIMS (Virginia Institute of Marine Science) in oyster genetics. That’s when I met Dr. James Morris.”

James Morris is a marine ecologist based at the NOAA lab on Pivers Island. He’s also the son of Jimmy Morris who runs Millpoint shellfish hatchery in Sea Level. James operates Morris Family Shellfish, and sells his farmed-grown clams and oysters locally as well as to inland restaurants.

So Ryan counted himself lucky to have Dr. Morris as a mentor.

After exploring his options, Ryan secured a five-acre lease off Harkers Island in 2015. He was also able to get a Self-Help start-up loan to help purchase needed supplies and equipment.

Both sets of Ryan’s grandparents grew up on farms, and his career switch to oyster aquaculture was a way to honor his past but in a modern way. His business is called Oysters Carolina.

“My grandmom on my mother’s side was born in Mt. Airy and my grandfather was a Moravian pastor. He took a church outside of Edmonton where farming is big. My grandparents on my Dad’s side were African American, and farmed in the rural community of Hamlet, North Carolina. So oyster farming is a way to pay homage to them.”

The former social studies teacher demonstrated a deep appreciation for the history and culture of North Carolina.

“I love North Carolina and the people. Early history we didn’t have a lot of development, and Virginia and South Carolina looked down on us. We’re still not built up on the coast. But we have all this clean and pristine water. Oyster farming is a perfect way to meld all that together and promote our state – I have a lot of pride in North Carolina.”

The waters may be pristine, but other factors – such as fluctuations in salinity and oxygen levels - can lead to an oyster die-off.

Oyster farming is not risk-free.

“I was so happy to get the lease, I didn’t care about the possibility of mortality,” Ryan explained. “One year we probably lost 90 percent. But last year we had triple stacked cages and most on the top survived while the ones on the bottom didn’t fare so well. I think it’s stocking density in the oysters and the DO (dissolved oxygen) was low – the water was so hot!”

This year’s crop, some 350,000 oysters grown, was looking good.

Oysters get their nutrients from the water, so no feed or additives are necessary.

Oysters grown in floating bags or cages are triploids. This doesn’t mean they’re genetically modified – it simply means that they have an extra set of chromosomes and cannot reproduce. So in warm-weather months, while the meat of wild oysters is “poor” because they’re concentrating on spawning, triploids are fat and marketable.

Because cultured oysters are grown as singles, rather than clusters, they are perfect for the lucrative “half shell” market.

“We grow our oysters in cages made of dipped wire mesh,” Ryan explained. Some growers float their oysters in thick mesh bags made of plastic, but Ryan worries about the impact of plastic on the marine environment.

“Why put all that plastic in the water? I try to avoid it. In fact, I harvest using a pillow case.”

Ryan has a shellfish dealer’s license, and delivers his product to individual customers in Wilson, Charlotte, and the Triangle, and to a high-end restaurant in Cary.

“I don’t do any business east of Wilson. I don’t want to take business from anybody. I’d hate for someone to buy my oyster from around here instead of one of the local guys.”

(Continued on page 44)

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(Continued from page 43)

Do the local fishermen give him a hard time for being an “outsider” in their midst?

“No,” he shrugged. “Everyone has been welcoming, really nice. I wouldn’t expect anything else.”

Ryan has been a member of the North Carolina Shellfish Grower’s Association for five years. He stressed the importance of belonging to an organization so that members can support one another and discuss issues important to their trade.

Recently the Shellfish Growers met to discuss a controversial legislative bill that would have greatly expanded the amount of public trust acreage any one entity could lease, and would have allowed nonresidents to enter the fishery. Many feared this would pave the way for a corporate takeover of the aquaculture industry.

“In my mind, our state needs to proceed slowly, and grow this business from the grassroots up, involving people,” Ryan emphasized.

“This industry is in its infancy. You don’t get a lot of shots to create something new, but that’s what we’re doing and we need to do it right.

Why race to the finish line?”

Ryan Bethea must be doing something right, because Oysters Carolina won first place in the North Carolina Seafood Festival’s inaugural People’s Choice Oyster of the Year award.

He travels to a variety of events around the state and offers samples of his salty bivalves. He and other growers are discussing ways to brand their oysters, as flavors differ from water body to water body. Oyster growers see the region as a future “Napa Valley of Oysters.”

“I pay attention to food, and I like to eat,” reflected the young entrepreneur. “And I love to eat oysters!”

So, if you see a curly-headed young man paddling a red kayak along the shores of Harkers Island, and he’s hauling a pillow case full of oysters, it’s Ryan Bethea of Oysters Carolina, forging new ground as the next generation of oyster farmer.

Barbara Garrity-Blake www.raisingthestory.com Living at the Water’s Edge (UNC Press) P.O. Box 91 Gloucester, NC 28528 (252)342-8028 *Photo Credits: Barbara Garrity-Blake 2018

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Tradewinds is a bi-monthly publication owned and published by North Carolina Fisheries

Association, Inc. (NCFA). The North Carolina Fisheries Association is a non-profit organization based on Families, Heritage, and Seafood.

Commercial fishermen established the North Carolina Fisheries Association, Inc. in 1952 to serve fishing families by protecting their heritage and promoting seafood.

Over six decades later, NCFA still believes the commercial fishing industry begins and ends with families â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from those who harvest seafood to those who help supply the industries needs and to those who enjoy the harvest. We are committed to presenting an accurate portrait of the industry and the people who sustain it.

Tradewinds Ad Prices are as follows: Full Page: 8.62 X 11.25

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For any additional information or to advertise, call 252-503-8302 or email:

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~-Note: With Annual Prepaid Ad Commitment there is a 10% discount off the top (excludes Business Directory) **As a courtesy your ad will also be placed on NCFISH.ORG in a digital Tradewinds Flipbook** north carolina fisheries association 45

NORTH CAROLINA FISHERIES ASSOCIATION, INC. P.O. Box 86 101 N. 5th Street, Morehead City, NC 28557 www.ncfish.org 252.726.NCFA (6232)

NCFA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

If you enjoy fresh North Carolina seafood and you support the hardworking fishing families that put it on the plate, become a member today!

MEMBER INFORMATION Name: Mailing Address: City, State, Zip: Email: Primary Phone: Other Phone: Website:

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES Individual Associate Member Commercial Fisherman Dealers, Packers & Processors

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TRED’n WATER BY TRED BARTA

A Sustainable Resource By: Capt. Tred Barta

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pproximately 50% of United States of America are Democrats and the other 50% are Republican, the math has not changed in the last 50 years. As a matter-of-fact, most of the time elections are won and lost in the envelope of 1-2%. Personally, I am a right-wing Republican just right of Attila the Hun. This being stated, I would be stupid, ignorant, uneducated, and wrong to publicly say that the left does not have some good ideas.

If you look at today’s politics, even when something is nonnegotiably true, neither the left nor the right can take a minute to celebrate. It is a well-known fact that commercial fishermen and sport fishermen have been at odds with each other for a very long time. It is also true that the feelings of friction are spurred by different organizations that keep the fire intensely hot. At any rate, I have some good news for both sport fishermen and commercial fishermen alike, news that cannot be disputed or denied; news that should be celebrated by the sports and commercials equally.

The 2017 Annual Report to Congress on the status of US Fisheries shows more progress rebuilding fish stocks.

The report to Congress shows that fishery management is bringing home what all of us truly want: maximizing fishing opportunities while ensuring the sustainability of fisheries and fishing communities at the same time. Hooray everyone! What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. What’s good for sportfishing in this situation is also good for commercial fishing. A substantial resource that can be managed based on science, for the good of all parties.

Let’s celebrate this great news!

I want all of you to read these numbers very carefully. Combined commercial and recreational saltwater fishing generated more than $280 billion in sales and supported 1.6 million jobs in the United States by the end of 2015 (I quote NOAA). By ending overfishing and rebuilding stocks, we are strengthening the value of US fisheries, not only to the economy but to our local communities as well! NOAA tracks for 474 stocks of fish and overfishing remains near an all-time low. Last year, we reached a milestone in the number of overfished stocks; they are at their lowest level, just 15% are listed as overfished.

Personally, I cannot imagine the great state of North Carolina which I love, absent of the history and tradition of commercial fishing. I also cannot imagine myself or my family not having sportfishing available as a lifetime passion. One thing I know for sure is that after the CCA’s violent protest against commercial fishing in so much of Florida, one can hardly get a fresh fish in a Florida restaurant anymore.

Most, if not all of the seafood there is frozen and imported from foreign countries.

I do not want this to be the case for North Carolina.

I would like to end with a very obvious

sentiment… To encourage sport fishermen and commercial fishermen to get to know each other better. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, God created the ocean and the fish that live in it for mankind. ALL of mankind. When we eat fish, it comes from the ocean and it was either caught by a commercial fisherman or a sport fisherman. We all eat from the same table, so let’s join forces. Congratulations to the great report!

‘Til next tide, Capt. Tred Barta

A MAN OR

A MINDSET?

TRED BARTA KNOWS NO LIMITS.

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