Tradewinds Aug.-Sept. 2017

Tradewinds

COMPLIMENTARY

August/September 2017

WWW. NCFISH.ORG

of

Celebrating the Rich Heritage North Carolina’s Fishing Families

“A Dedication to Those We have Lost”

Also inside:

• Reeling in History • The Salt Box • Those We Have Lost • Investigating Nitrogen Trends

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 Peggy Page Administration & Accounting David Bush Fisheries Biologist Aundrea O’Neal Tradewinds Editor 2807 Neuse Blvd, Suite 11 New Bern, NC 28562 Office: 252-633-6232 • Fax:252-633-6233 www.ncfish.org

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 4Henry Daniels-252-943-1602 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 LargeMike “Jimbo” Ireland-252-671-3621 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 Plyer-252-928-5601 Pamlico County Fisherman’s Association Wayne Dunbar-252-670-7467 Brunswick County Fishermen’s Association Randy Robinson-910-209-3463 NC Catch-Karen Amspacher 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. ©2017

August/September 2017

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contents

From the Chairman.................. 4

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From Glenn Skinner................. 4 From David Bush..................... 5 Reeling in History.................. 6-9 Author Robert Fritchey........... 10 Core Sound Waterfowl Museum Anniversary Weekend..... 12-13 Carteret Catch........................ 14 Day at the Docks.................... 16 Saltbox: Chef Ricky Moore.... 18 Captain’s Spotlight................. 20 FEATURE STORY

In Memoriam: Those We’ve Lost............. 24-26 Bottle Nosed Dolphin Reduction Plan........................................ 28

Council & Commission Meetings.......... 32 Bluewater Fisherman Assoc................. 35 Affiliate News........................................ 37 USCG Auxillary......................................39

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Sea Grant: Investigating Nitrogen... 40-41 Rain Gardens ........................................42 Talk on the Dock....................................44

On the Cover:

F/V Miss Debbie, Photo provided by Lisa Stotesberry

WWW.NCFISH.ORG advertisers: Ace Marine.............................................. 21 Atlantic Seafood...................................... 21 B&J Seafood........................................... 33 Barbour’s Marine Supply Co................... 45 Beaufort Inlet Seafood............................ 33 Blue Ocean Market................................. 21 Capt. Stacy Fishing Center..................... 45 Capt. Willis Seafood Market................... 39 Carteret Catch................................... 14, 19 Carteret County Fisherman’s Association.......................................... 37 Chadwick Tire ........................................ 29 Dr. Westbrook......................................... 29 Fulcher’s Seafood................................... 35

Grudens.................................................. 47 Hardison Tire .......................................... 27 Henry Daniels F/V Joyce D................... 15 Homer Smith Seafood............................ 19 Hurricane Boatyard................................. 43 J.M. Davis Industries, Inc. ...................... 45 Locals Seafood....................................... 15 Murray L. Nixon Fishery, Inc. ................. 15 N.C. Dept. of Agriculture.......... Back Cover Offshore Marine...................................... 21 O’Neal’s Sea Harvest.............................. 29 Outerbanks Catch................................... 11 Outer Banks Seafood............................. 29 Pamlico Catch......................................... 19

Powell Brothers Maintenance................. 43 Quality Seafood........................................ 9 R.E. Mayo Seafood................................. 43 Ted & Todd’s Marine Services................ 29 The Clement Companies........................ 17 Wanchese Fish....................................... 17 Wanchese Trawl..................................... 17 Walker Marine........................................... 9 Wheatly Boys.......................................... 13 Wheatley, Wheatley, Weeks, Lupton & Massie............................................... 5

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A word from the chairman ...

PROUD TO BE A COMMERCIAL FISHERMAN

C

ommercial fishermen have many things to be proud of, but the Seafood Lobby Day on June 14th at the General Assembly in Raleigh has to be one of the finest. More than 200 fishermen and families along with county delegates from all over the state gathered at the State Capital for the event due to the many legislative issues introduced, both good and bad, for the industry this session.

NCFA, along with Carteret County Fisherman’s Association, Brunswick County Fishermen’s Association and NC Watermen United arranged buses for the trip to Raleigh. There has been a lot happening in the Raleigh arena dealing with HB 867 in which the CCA and its new partner, NC Sound Economy, put forth a huge effort to get the bill passed. Realizing that if HB 867 passed it would destroy commercial fishermen and their communities, multitudes of fishermen traveled to Raleigh, gave up a day’s pay and were united in solidarity by the “Kill HB867” t-shirt and a multitude of posters in support of the Fisheries Reform Act of 1997 as they walked the halls and picketed outside. Fishermen took time with legislators to explain the truth about the status of fisheries in North Carolina and how the FRA has made North Carolina where we are today.

I would like to give a personal thanks to the hospitality extended

by Rep. Michael Speciale and his Legislative Assistant, Hazel Speciale, for arranging the room for us to assemble. Thanks also to Rep. Speciale, Rep. Beverly Boswell, Rep. Larry Pittman, Rep. Mike Clampitt,Senator Norman Sanderson and Rep. Bill Cook for their words of welcome and encouragement as we arrived.

Also appreciated Mr. Mitch Gillespie from the Speaker’s office meeting with us to give an overview of HB-867 and some suggested changes to the legislation.

Seafood Lobby Day was a great success with one of the highlights being fishermen filling the halls and offices of the House and Senate. In my eyes though, the brightest highlight had to be when we were notified by one of our legislators that the folks in charge of security at the General Assembly told him that our group had been the most polite, courteous and respectful they have ever experienced, especially considering the size of our group. At the end of the day, I had a great feeling of accomplishment and success. I sure hope that each and every fisherman that attended left with that same feeling.

The Legislative session is not completely over and there are still a few issues in play. Jerry Schill, Glenn Skinner and Mike Blanton have spent many hours in Raleigh staying on top of these and other bills as they have progressed forward and will continue until all issues are handled. As Chairman of NCFA, there is no doubt in my mind that we have a great team assembled.

I encourage all members to feel free to contact Glenn, Jerry, David, or myself at any time to discuss any fisheries issues where we can be of assistance.

Brent

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A thought from Glenn ...

WHAT IS THE N.C.F.A DOING?

W

hat is the N.C.F.A doing? This is a question I have been asked many times since I got involved with the Association. The short answer is a lot! The staff, board and especially the chairman Brent Fulcher work tirelessly to make sure N.C. commercial fishermen can continue working and to promote growth within the fishing industry.

Unfortunately, a significant part of what we do is never seen by the folks we are trying to represent.

The NCFA has staff and board members serving on numerous panels, boards, committees and commissions. A perfect example of this is our staff biologist David Bush who travels thousands of miles each year from the gulf coast states to Maine to assure our fisherman are well represented and our fisheries are properly regulated. In addition to participating in both state and federal fishery management processes the Association is also actively involved in fishery politics.

After I agreed to take the Executive Director position NCFA President Jerry Schill transitioned into his current role as full time Director of Government Affairs. This transition couldn’t have come at a better time as it allowed Jerry to focus all his efforts on lobbying for the fisherman and against House Bill 867. Jerry, Board Member Mike Blanton, and I spent a lot of time in Raleigh while the General Assembly was in session this year.

I believe this increased presence combined with the support of the two hundred plus people who showed up at our seafood lobby day was instrumental in stopping 867.

We know this fight is far from over but I can assure you the NCFA board and staff are committed to making things better for North Carolina’s fishing families.

It is this commitment to making things better that often prevents us from putting everything we are doing in print and raises the question what is the NCFA doing?

I hope in the very near future the results of our efforts will prompt you to say look what the NCFA is doing or maybe even what can I do for the NCFA? Until then, keep working and rest assured that we are doing the same.

Glenn

NCFA Fisheries Biologist, David Bush

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GAMBLING FOR AQUACULTURE

ith the explosive growth of the human population on the planet, and the competition for resources by different user groups, aquaculture and mariculture have become attractive options. Fortunately, research and technology have made this a much more viable option.

Commercial fisherman looking to supplement their income with aquaculture, might consider growing oysters. A small operation might expect to invest a minimum of $25,000 or more into equipment and seed before beginning, and will need to obtain permits and agree to certain requirements here in NC. Once you begin growing them, you will also need to be prepared for issues such as storms that could physically damage your operation, as well as other environmental issues.

For example, there have been significant numbers of lost crops of oysters all over the state this year, many of which had just become market size. Unfortunately, there is no testing lab in NC for specific causes or pathology, so the remnants of the crop must be sent off to determine the cause of mortality. With the assistance of NC Sea Grant, these were sent to the Virginia Institute of Marine Science for assistance in determining the cause of mortality. Although there were losses of up to 95% of, there was no single cause of total mortality determined. Results included multiple sources of mortality, and reflected a similar condition to that being experienced by Virginia oyster farms. If the farmers who experienced these losses were lucky enough to have insurance, they may get just enough to cover a portion of new seed. In one particular situation, a full crop of triploid seed (oysters that don’t spawn and grow faster) has been farmed over eight months, and is now an approximate market size.

During this time, the farmer has tended to them, transplanted them, found a market for them, and was most likely about to sell them.

Notice that we have not yet discussed income. Why, because up to this point, there has been none. For a small farm, maybe $25,000 to well over $200,000 for a larger one has gone into equipment. Cost for seed can range anywhere from $2,000 to well over $50,000 respectively. Now, eight months later, there is no product, an unhappy customer, and there is no income from the venture for the better part of a year. On top of that, there is lost capital that may very well go into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, not to mention the lost potential revenue that may have carried the operation through a few smaller losses. This may have just been due to excessive rain, now imagine severe weather. Coastal NC is not immune to hurricanes or severe storms.

There are many other issues that this industry faces such as theft, lack of seed, no market share or the inability to consistently provide product, causing the customer to look and commit elsewhere. Many of the fishermen here in NC that have opted to try their hand at this have usually had some sort of commercial fishing income as a backup, but as the farm grows, time to fish shrinks. After a while, it may become too costly to

maintain the fishing gear for considering there is little time to fish. Then the farmer is completely reliant on a good season, hoping for everything to go well. At this point, one could well empathize with a gambler that has lost so much that he does not have enough left for the ride home. He now only has one choice, spend his last few dollars and hope it pays off and he can get home. If he is lucky, he will break even.

He may even do well enough to bring some extra money home.

In the end, it is still a substantial risk in an environment with little or no control.

Considering that in aquaculture, there is no control over and very little mitigation for weather and multiple other environmental factors; this scenario could have happened, and commonly does, to the most seasoned farmer. Aquaculture and mariculture can be a very lucrative business, but it is by no means guaranteed, and a partial or total loss can come at any time to anyone. Fishermen that decide to get into this needs to be aware that it will take time, there are no guarantees, and aside from the potential of lost capitol, should never rely on it as their sole source of income.

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history

DOCUMENTING THE 1997 FISHERIES REFORM ACT

By Susan West

An oral history project funded by North Carolina Sea Grant and the William R. Kenan Jr. Institute for Engineering, Technology and Science captured the voices of those involved in the 1997 N.C. Fisheries Reform Act. The 1997 Fisheries Reform Act significantly changed the fisheries management process in North Carolina.

Before the act, there were no comprehensive management plans for important fish and shellfish species. Anyone with $35 could buy a commercial fishing license, opportunities for public participation in management were few, and the board that sets fisheries policy, the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission, was extraordinarily large with 17 members.

Increasing conflicts between commercial and recreational fishermen helped spur the legislation.

Photo by Roger Winstead/NC State Communications.

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Interviewees represented the diversity of stakeholders involved in creation of the Reform Act. Photo by Roger Winstead/NC State Communications.

“W

e had this regulation passed, that regulation passed. I called it ‘regulation by ambush.’ There was no rhyme or reason to it,” recalled recreational fisherman and Selma attorney Bob Lucas, describing how management decisions were made when he became chair of the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission in 1993.

Management challenges were snowballing. Commercial-fishing landings had declined and uncertainty about the health of fish stocks loomed large. Massive fish kills due to pollution were occurring on the Neuse and other rivers.

Conflicts between commercial and recreational fishermen were becoming more common. Environmental advocates worried that pressure on fish stocks could reach a tipping point if commercial fishermen from states that had adopted net bans moved to North Carolina.

“A number of issues were on the table at that time, but the largest issue was that of controlling fishing effort and the fear that the numbers of commercial fishermen were going to rise drastically,” said Jerry Schill, who was executive director of the commercial-fishing trade organization, the North Carolina Fisheries Association.

Confidence in the state’s ability to protect fish stocks had plummeted.

“We had a Marine Fisheries Division that, from my perspective, was totally incompetent, and a Fisheries Commission that seemed either so pro-commercial or conversely pro-sport, that there was never any ability to come together around consensus,” explained now former governor Beverly Perdue. She represented Craven, Carteret and Pamlico counties in the North Carolina Senate in the 1990s.

Last year, Perdue, Schill, Lucas and other key figures in North Carolina fisheries talked about the successes, shortcomings and future capacity of the landmark legislation. Researchers working on the 1997 North Carolina Fisheries Reform Act: An Oral History project also asked them about the environmental and social conditions that gave rise to the changes.

UNCOVERING HISTORY Interviewees were selected based on the depth of their personal involvement with the Reform Act and their willingness to participate, as well as how they represented the diversity of stakeholders involved in the legislation.

The recorded oral history interviews and a series of podcasts, featuring excerpts from the recordings, are now available online. The N.C. Community Collaborative Research Grant Program — supported

by North Carolina Sea Grant in partnership with the William R. Kenan Jr. Institute for Engineering, Technology and Science — funded the project.

Collaborators brought knowledge of the management process and coastal ecosystems, and skills in oral history interviewing, archival science and audio podcasting to the project. I was principal investigator.

Jimmy Johnson, coastal habitats coordinator with the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership, was co-principal investigator.

I had served on the N.C. Fisheries Moratorium Steering Committee, a group of 19 legislators, scientists, resource managers and fishermen appointed by the state legislature in 1994. We oversaw a study of the fisheries management process while a moratorium on new, nonemergency fishing regulations and the sale of new commercial fishing licenses was in place.

“The tension was so high that the only thing that we could do was move forward with some kind of legislation that would at least put a hiatus out there, a brief timeout where we could intelligently, and perhaps without emotion, evaluate where we were and where we wanted to go as a state,” Perdue said in her interview, describing why legislators instituted the moratorium.

The study committee’s recommendations on ways to improve the management process set the pace for Reform Act negotiations.

Johnson’s background includes chairmanship of the Marine Fisheries Commission shortly after the act became law. Under his leadership, the first Bit & Grain helped develop comprehensive fishery management plan a podcast series based on the was developed for the blue crab fishery, oral history interviews. the most valuable commercial fishery in the state.

Project team member Barbara Garrity-Blake, cultural anthropologist (Continued on page 8)

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history

DOCUMENTING THE(Continued 1997 FISHERIES from page 7) REFORM ACT

and adjunct professor at Duke University Marine Lab, also had served on the Moratorium Steering Committee and later on the Marine Fisheries Commission, where she co-chaired the habitat and water quality advisory committee.

Archivist and public historian Mary Williford transcribed the interviews and cataloged the recordings and transcriptions in an online collection. Karen Amspacher, Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center executive director, supplied the Carolina Coastal Voices website as a repository for the collection.

The team created a variety of online educational products, including a podcast series and discussion guide, to facilitate public access to the interviews.

Sandra Davidson, Ryan Stancil and Baxter Miller, founders of Bit & Grain, a digital documentary publication, produced the podcasts. The three episodes examine the state of fisheries in the early 1990s, explore the path from the moratorium to law, and look at the act’s successes and shortcomings.

Each episode is less than 25 minutes long and can be played on a computer or smartphone.

FINDING THEMES Team members also analyzed the content of the interviews, identifying points of agreement, disagreement and recurrent themes.

The analysis showed strong overall confidence in the Reform Act as a management framework for protecting coastal fishery resources and for balancing the interests of different stakeholder groups.

Faith in the capacity of the act, however, didn’t blind interviewees to ideas for improvement or concern that key tenets had fallen to the wayside in the 20 years since its passage.

“The blueprint, if you will, of the Fisheries Reform Act, even today, will work. It will work.

But you have to follow it. And even though it’s there, there’s still that human inclination to want to bypass it,” Lucas cautioned.

Other interviewees, including Jess Hawkins, a former Division of Marine Fisheries employee who was the liaison between the agency and the Marine Fisheries Commission, voiced concern that opportunities for citizen participation have been reduced in recent years.

“The Fisheries Reform Act is not fulfilling what its visionaries had intended it to be.

Some advisory committees were eliminated.

The committees no longer meet frequently to try to be progressive and proactive in dealing with issues. They became reactive,” Hawkins said.

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Concern for weakened water-quality measures since passage of the Reform Act was a recurrent interview theme. Photo by Roger Winstead/NC State Communications.

Researchers hope their work will stimulate further conversations about the future of fisheries management in the state. Photo by Roger Winstead/NC State Communications.

Interviewees agreed that fishery management plans supported by strong scientific evidence are the keystone of the act.

“The greatest success of the Reform Act is managing fisheries by management plan, and not by guess and by gosh,” said Dick Brame, executive director of the N.C. Coastal Conservation Association, a recreational fishing group, from 1989 to 1999.

“But fishery populations are moving, and we have to be able to adapt and be able to manage fisheries we have never seen before, and we are going to lose fisheries that we’ve had for a long time. Managing by fishery management plan hopefully would promulgate that,” Brame continued.

Dan Whittle’s assessment of the moratorium process was echoed in other interviews. Whittle, a policy advisor in state government until 1999, reflected, “What the Moratorium Steering Committee did was to convene gatherings where people came and could be heard, could talk and could be listened to. That was a valuable lesson, and it showed that what appeared to be irreconcilable differences were not that irreconcilable. It was a very effective tool. I think the biggest lesson is one of process, starting off by saying everyone has a legitimate interest in this policy debate, everyone needs to be heard.”

Concern that water quality and habitat protection measures have weakened since the Reform Act also was a recurrent theme.

“There’s less water-quality testing, less restrictions on stormwater runoff, less protection of marshlands and wetlands when it comes to building and developing, and those were things critical to the Coastal Habitat Protection Plan requirement in the Fisheries Reform Act. You can’t keep mitigating loss of environment by clamping down on the fishermen,” said Sandy Semans Ross, communications director for the N.C. Fisheries Association during development of the Reform Act. In February and March 2017, the research team played the podcasts for focus groups at three coastal locations and at NC State University in Raleigh. Sara Mirabilio, fisheries specialist with Sea Grant, helped put together two of the sessions.

“We were able to question participants about their motivations for participating in the sessions, lessons learned from the podcast and suggestions for improving similar outreach products,” Mirabilio explains. “This invaluable feedback will help us tailor Sea Grant’s fisheries extension activities and cooperative research efforts so they remain highly relevant to stakeholders across the state.”

The sessions drew 50 participants, most of whom had little or no prior understanding of the Reform Act. After listening to a podcast episode, participants completed a short survey designed to gauge comprehension of the content. The podcasts proved to be an effective means of communication and sparked thoughtful discussion about resource management at the sessions.

KEY TAKEAWAYS Team members also shared personal thoughts on lessons learned from the podcasts and interviews.

As the podcast narrator, Bit & Grain’s Stancil became very familiar with the content during rehearsal and in studio retakes. “The podcast storytelling taught me that fisheries management is about much more than allocation. It emboldened me to more thoughtfully consider the roles of water quality, coastal habitat and other environmental factors in the health of a vibrant, sustainable fishery,” Stancil says.

Williford was in elementary school when the Reform Act passed. “Hearing how things were before the act was very eye-opening. It gave me a much better understanding of why many stakeholders felt an urgency to impose some greater order on fisheries management in the state, and insight into how enforcement of the law has changed over time,” she says.

Folklorist Davidson of Bit & Grain reflects, “The oral histories revealed some policy drama, but they also revealed the unglamorous, tedious aspects of the democratic process. I was moved by how many citizens were willing to get down in the trenches to make this legislation happen.”

Davidson walked away from the project with mixed feelings. “Pride that our state intentionally engaged citizens in the reform process and that so many citizens rose to the challenge. Inspiration that government could look like this, and loss because the political process seems to have moved away from embracing this type of citizen participation,” she notes.

The podcasts were used this spring in the marine fisheries policy class Garrity-Blake teaches at Duke.

“The podcast was a wonderful teaching tool. Listening to the voices and viewpoints of people involved in development of the Fisheries Reform Act really brought the process to life for the students,” GarrityBlake says.

Producers of CoastLine, a news program on WHQR public radio in Wilmington, relied on the podcasts as a resource in preparation for a broadcast about the Reform Act, featuring four of the project interviewees.

“I listened to the three-part podcast and was deeply impressed by how well all the divergent threads were pulled together into a comprehensive, fascinating, richly cultured narrative,” notes Rachel Lewis Hilburn, CoastLine host.

Researchers anticipate that the podcasts and other materials will be used in more classrooms and public forums.

“In our interview with Gov. Beverly Perdue, she insisted that it was the public’s duty, not the legislature’s duty, to make sure fisheries management stays on the agenda. This project helps do just that,” Williford says.

Susan West is a journalist and story collector, and a principal investigator of the Fisheries Reform Act oral history project. She is comanager of Raising the Story, a collaborative program that strives to make research and scholarship relevant to contemporary life in creative ways. West also helped to establish Coastal Voices, an Outer Banks oral history project.

Listen & Learn The podcasts, a discussion guide, and links to interview recordings and transcripts at both Carolina Coastal Voices and NOAA’s Voices from the Fisheries are available at raisingthestory.com. The interviewees and their roles during development and implementation of the Reform Act were: • Dick Brame, N.C. Coastal Conservation Association executive director • B.J. Copeland, North Carolina Sea Grant director, Moratorium Steering Committee member, N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission member • Mac Currin, N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission member • Jess Hawkins, N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries liaison to N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission • Bob Lucas, Moratorium Steering Committee chair, N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission chair • Pam Davis Morris, Carteret County Fishermen’s Association member • Beverly Perdue, N.C. Senator • Willy Phillips, N.C. Crabbers League of Aware Watermen co-founder • Sandy Semans Ross, N.C. Fisheries Association communications director • Jerry Schill, N.C. Fisheries Association executive director • Melvin Shepard, Moratorium Steering Committee member • Frank Tursi, Winston-Salem Journal reporter • Dan Whittle, N.C. assistant secretary of natural resources’ policy advisor

Discussion Guide Excerpt

One outcome of the oral history project was a discussion guide created as a starting point for conversations about the Fisheries Reform Act. Here are some of the questions included in the guide: • What did you learn about fisheries management that you did not know before listening to the podcasts? Did the podcasts change the way you think about fisheries management? Why or why not?

• The period prior to the moratorium was replete with environmental, economic and social issues. Which issues has the Fisheries Reform Act addressed successfully? What types of issues still pose challenges for fishery managers?

• The podcasts use excerpts from oral history interviews to tell listeners the story of why and how public policy developed. How important is it for current policymakers and stakeholders to understand the history of the Fisheries Reform Act? This article was first published in the Summer 2017 issue of Coastwatch.

For contact information and reprint requests, visit ncseagrant.ncsu.edu/coastwatch/con

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Author ROBERT FRITCHEY to hold book signing at Day At the Dock South Louisiana’s coastal fishermen had been netting redfish for the markets and restaurants in New Orleans for more than a century when some of the nation’s wealthiest sportsmen began to regard this publicly-owned resource as their own. As they pressured the state’s government to deny traditional fishermen and seafood consumers access to wild-caught red drum, the covetous sportsmen cynically portrayed the rural netters as “greedy,” and themselves as “conservationists.”

Frustrated with the media’s coverage of this challenging issue, commercial fisherman Robert Fritchey wrote Wetland Riders to help save his own industry. With his personal profiles of several colorful old-timers, Fritchey introduces the reader to our family fishermen.

Supported by data provided by unbiased fishery scientists and economists, he affirms that the long-term welfare of the redfish and other wetland-dependent finfish lies in continuing to share these publicly owned resources with the public.

Outer Banks Catch is hosting a book-signing by author Robert Fritchey during Day at the Docks on Sept. 16 in Hatteras Village.

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Wetland Riders is an uncompromising book that exposes the origin and early successes of a movement that threatens America’s seafood industry. Originally written as an educational tool to help get the Louisiana red drum back into markets and restaurants, the book gained national attention during the mid-1990s as recreational fishing interests in nearly a dozen states campaigned to grab millions of pounds of publicly-owned seafood species from the public.

Of obvious interest to commercial fishermen, Wetland Riders also is a unique resource for readers with an interest in the culture, environment and economy of our coasts, the seafood industry, consumer advocacy, political and environmental journalism, and rural conservation.

Fritchey’s second book, Let the Good Times Roll, fast-forwards the story and takes a look back at the tactics the Coastal Conservation Association used to limit not just the commercial fishing industry but the choices of the public who enjoy wild-harvested seafood.

According to a story in National Fisherman earlier this year, Fritchey wrote: ...From 1994 — the year before Louisiana enacted its net ban — until the end of 2014 — the most recent year for which harvest data were available — landings of the state’s nine more traditional species declined by nearly 75 percent, from 22.7 million pounds to 6.2 million.

As for the leading 11 coastal species that were considered to be underutilized, and which might have grown 50-fold to support a fishery of at least 25 million pounds, their landings instead plummeted nearly 96 percent, from just under 468,000 pounds in 1994, to 20,000 pounds in 2014.

Missing Redfish, an eBook written by Fritchey may be published in traditional book form in time for the Hatteras Island event.

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Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center

The Fishing Community of Hatteras Village Thanks to Hatteras Inlet affording watermen access to the ocean and sound, Hatteras Village is home to a vibrant community of commercial and recreational fishermen. Throughout the 1980s Hatteras was the center of the gray trout fishery, and to more efficiently catch trout and other species local fishermen perfected the “drop net” method of fishing, whereby a gill net is set and retrieved from a large reel fixed to the stern of boats. Fishermen also set crab pots, fish pound nets, fish with hook and line for sharks and reef fish, and patrol the shores with dories and seine nets. An ever growing list of regulations and restrictions have made it harder for fishermen to switch from fishery to fishery, but many hang in there and figure out new ways to adapt.

“The commercial fishing industry is being corralled up,” said Michael Peele, equating fishermen with the livestock that once ran free on the island.

Fishermen, as well as hunters, did enjoy more freedom back in the day, partly because people had a different world view. The sea was a workplace, and anything that swam was fair game. Even dolphins and porpoises were considered little more than big fish.

Harvesting bottle nose dolphins today is unthinkable. Yet up until the late 1920s, according to a New York Aquarium report, Hatteras was the “only point in North America where a porpoise fishery has ever been regularly conducted.” Hatteras fishermen, nicknamed porpoise oilers, took to the surf in dories and intercepted schools of migrating dolphins with heavy drag seines. The outline of a brick kiln, part of a factory that rendered dolphin blubber into oil, is visible by air on the sound side of Hatteras at Durant’s Point. The most valuable grade of oil, known as “porpoise jaw oil”, was used as a lubricant in delicate instruments and coveted by makers of watches and chronometers. Oil was shipped via freight boat to Nye Lubricants in New Bedford, Massachusetts. “We used to get a thousand dollars a barrel for that,” said Damon Gray, former member of a Hatteras porpoise crew.

“When you know you’re on the edge, in contact with something that is grander or more wild than you, and that you have a little bit of mastery of it,” mused Ernie Foster, “it’s very affirming.” Foster was talking about the lure of sportfishing, the appeal that compels people to hire a captain

−As long as I live, there

will always be a fish house here.

−Michael Peele, Hatteras Village

to take them offshore to catch the big one. Ernie’s father Ernal was a pioneer in the charter boat fishery on Hatteras Island 12

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Excerpt from: Living at the Water’s Edge Barbara Garrity-Blake & Karen Willis Amspacher UNC Press, 2017 in 1937, and Ernie fishes the same fleet today. His father had returned to the village during the Great Depression because he knew he could “get something to eat and a place to sleep.” He wondered if there was business to be had during the off-months when commercial fishing was slow. So he procured lumber and hired Milton Willis in the Down East community of Marshallberg to build the Albatross. “I didn’t have enough money to pay him. The man said, ‘Well, I trust you.’ So I towed my boat home.”

Journalists from major cities began writing columns about the great fishing off Hatteras with Captain Ernal Foster. “Then the war come on and that killed me for four years,” he said. Much to Ernal Foster’s dismay, the government “seized” his boat for the war effort, painting the Albatross battleship gray. “The worst part, they had her down in Fort Macon and Morehead (with) girls and officers partying.” Thanks to some of his influential charter customers, he was able to reclaim the Albatross after the war.

The charter fishing industry grew in the 1950s, particularly with the advent of marlin fishing. Captain Foster landed a 475-pound marlin in 1951 on a light linen line, and a world-record 810 pounder ten years later. By 1953, three Core Sound-style round-stern vessels comprised the Albatross fleet, and business was booming for Ernal Foster. Hatteras village was becoming renowned as the marlin capital of the world, and the Hatteras Marlin Club and Tournament was established at this time.

In 1958, a couple on the Albatross II stunned the fishing world and began a new philosophy of sport when they caught, and released, a marlin. Today, amid dozens of state-of-the-art fiberglass charter boats, the Albatross boats shine like vintage gems on the Hatteras waterfront, still in the game.

Weather Rules …

The U.S. Weather Bureau Station, open to the public as a visitor center next to the Red and White grocery store in Hatteras Village, has seen a lot of storms. Hatteras native Lucy Stowe was the first woman to work at the station, tracking storms for thirty-seven years. She described the early years, checking air temperature, moisture, wind speed, and other indicators, sending reports “all across the country” as part of a weather-forecasting network. The station flew flags to warn locals of upcoming fronts, thunderstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes. They also spread news by word of mouth and radio, and airplanes dropped sealed tubes to fishing vessels with warnings enclosed. Stowe, who also happened to be the first woman in North Carolina to land a blue marlin, had many opportunities to transfer to Charleston and other areas. She chose to stay in Hatteras Village, however, because she liked “the beach, fishing, and not many people.”

Lucy Stowe, who passed away in 2008, named Hurricane Isabel as the only storm that brought her unease because it washed tide into her house. The 2003 storm delivered a devastating surge over the banks, tearing Hatteras Village to pieces. Isabel broke a new inlet through the banks just north of Hatteras Village, isolating the community from the

rest of the island for two months. Neighbors from villages to the north and south stepped up and helped Hatteras Village with day-to-day survival, including ferrying students, dirty clothes, prescriptions and grocery lists across “Isabel Inlet” every day. The return to the truest form of community living inspired a Blessing of the Fleet ceremony on the first anniversary of the storm, now the highlight of the Day at the Docks festival.

The Day at the Docks festival, held each September in Hatteras Village to mark the anniversary of Hurricane Isabel, is a celebration of the perseverance of their working waterfront. The festival has brought in fishermen from Alaska to Maine, rekindling ties among watermen and providing a forum to discuss emerging opportunities in the seafood industry. Musicians, poets and storytellers are added to the mix, as well as kids’ fishing contests, net hanging races, and a “Seafood Throwdown” chef’s competition. At day’s end is the solemn and poignant Blessing of the Fleet ceremony. Dozens of commercial vessels converge offshore in Pamlico Sound. A local preacher recites the blessing, heard over every ship’s radio. From fisherman Michael Peele’s traditional shad boat, a wreath is tossed into the water in memory of fishermen who have “crossed the bar.”

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DAY AT THE DOCKS

by Susan West

set for Sept. 15-16

E

very September Hatteras Island pays tribute to a culture indelibly shaped by commercial and charter-boat fishing at the Day at the Docks celebration on the waterfront in Hatteras village.

The idea for the celebration took root in 2003 after Hurricane Isabel’s powerful storm surge breached the island, rupturing the highway and leaving Hatteras village accessible only by boat for more than two months.

Boat shuttle services and private skiffs carried residents, workers, fishermen, schoolkids, and supplies through Pamlico Sound between Hatteras and other villages on the island.

Ferries hauled seafood trucks transporting fish landed in Hatteras to mainland distributors. But the tourism economy in the village ground to a halt.

“Fishing was the only economic activity in the village. Those months reminded me of what the village was like in the 1950s when I was a kid,” recalls Captain Ernie Foster, who owns the Albatross Fleet charter-boats in Hatteras.

On the first anniversary of the storm, Foster and other captains organized a Blessing of the Fleet to commemorate the importance of working watermen to the community.

Then in 2005, Foster and his wife Lynne developed the first Day at the Docks celebration with support from North Carolina Sea Grant and The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.

The celebration features fishing boat and gear displays, educational exhibits, music, storytelling, seafood cooking demonstrations, a chowder cook-off, games and contests, including hard crab races and a children’s fishing contest, and the Blessing of the Fleet.

Day at the Docks has grown into a two day event but remains true to its core mission under the leadership of Hatteras resident Jon Kelmer and the Hatteras Village Civic Association.

Talk of the Villages, a conversation about commercial fishing and seafood, was added five years ago. Held on Friday evening, the event provides an intimate look at the seafood industry through the first-hand experiences of fishermen, distributors, activists, chefs, authors, and artists.

This year photographer Daniel Pullen and fishermen featured in his Hatteras Fisherman Collection will share stories about the watermen, fish, boats, and gear captured in images on display.

Popular Day at the Docks activities for seafood consumers on Saturday include the chowder cook-off benefitting a foundation offering support to island cancer patients, cooking demonstrations, and the Seafood Throwdown.

The Seafood Throwdown usually features two local chefs in a cooking competition inspired by local seafood. The chefs prepare dishes that are judged on taste, originality, presentation, and use of the whole fish but this year, instead of fish, shrimp will be the main seafood ingredient for a shrimp and grits competition.

The competition is modeled after throwdowns sponsored by the Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance based in Gloucester,

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“F ishing was the only economic activity in the village. Those months reminded me of what the village was like in the 1950s when I was a kid,” recalls Captain Ernie Foster, who owns the Albatross F leet charter-boats in Hatteras

Massachusetts that partnered with Hatteras to stage the first throwdown at Day at the Docks in 2012.

The event is an exciting and fun-filled way to help the public better understand how they can help support local seafood and local fishing communities.

This year festival-goers will have an opportunity to welcome back Louisiana author Robert Fritchey. Author of Wetland Riders and Let the Good Times Roll: Louisiana Cashes in its Chips with the 1995 Net Ban, Fritchey will sign books at the Outer Banks Catch exhibit.

More information about Day at the Docks is available at www. dayatthedocks.org and www.outerbankscatch.com

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C

hef Ricky Moore, owner of the Saltbox Seafood Joint (http://www. saltboxseafoodjoint.com/ ) in Durham, describes himself as a creative type. While growing up in New Bern, he aspired to be an artist so his path to the culinary profession “happened indirectly.”

His extended family across eastern North Carolina exposed him to exceptional cooking, and during high school, Moore worked at a number of local restaurants. After graduating, Moore joined the military where his culinary education really began.

During his ten years in the service, Moore traveled to cities such as Chicago, New York City and Washington, D.C. and to foreign destinations like France, Singapore and Germany. To understand the different cultures he was living in, Moore says he began to cook what the locals ate – and realized he had a passion for it. When Moore left the military, he enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. Upon graduation in 1994, he started working in high-end, four-star restaurants in the eastern United States where his rising reputation earned him an invitation to appear on Iron Chef of America in 2007.

About ten years ago he came back to North Carolina and began exploring business opportunities in the Triangle.

He wanted to understand how people spent money on food and what they enjoyed eating.

While researching the area, he noticed food trucks had become the latest culinary trend. Moore thought this might be an economical approach to develop a brand of his own. He also explored small eateries around town, and a property on Mangum Street, the current location of the Saltbox Seafood Joint, caught his eye. He carefully observed the restaurant’s traffic for a few weeks and decided this was the right location to develop his dream.

Raised on fresh coastal catch, Moore enjoyed eating seafood, like the toothy but tasty sheepshead, many mainstream consumers have little, if any, knowledge about. Today’s seafood eaters, Moore says, have been trained by their local markets to focus on a narrow selection of products like shrimp, flounder and oysters. He wanted to broaden people’s perceptions of great seafood by introducing them to the diversity of

species North Carolina offers. Saltbox, then, would be a joint – a small, urban eatery that specialized in wild, locally caught seafood from the North Carolina coast.

The Saltbox serves fried and grilled seafood because Moore strives to provide simple, uncomplicated meals reflective of the cooking styles he enjoyed as a kid. He takes time to explain to customers that North Carolina seafood has a season, which is why he doesn’t serve fresh blue fish or cape shark year-round. Moore says the Saltbox-brand mission is to celebrate local North Carolina seafood in season, as well as the hardworking men and women along the coast who harvest it.

This emphasis on education is making a difference among his customers. Moore notes that his loyal customers want to support coastal fishing communities — to feel a personal connection with fishermen.

They are excited to learn of more species worth sampling beyond the standard shrimp, flounder and oysters.

Moore relies on Locals Seafood (http://localsseafood.com/) and Salty Catch Seafood (http://www.saltycatchseafood.com/) and Nixon Fishery (http://www.nixonfishery.com) to source products for his business. In his view, these two businesses help “authentic my brand” and they share his commitment to serving seafood of the highest quality. Moore says Lin Peterson and Ryan Speckman of Locals Seafood and Renee Perry and Steve Goodwin of Salty Catch are great people to work with who value and care about the livelihoods and heritage of North Carolina fishermen, just like he does. If not for these people, Moore says the Saltbox Seafood Joint would not exist.

The Saltbox Seafood Joint is doing so well after five years that Moore is preparing to open another eatery. Long term, though, he wants to write a book that chronicles the seafood cooking styles of fishing communities. When people think of North Carolina seafood, he says folks reflexively mention Calabash-style cooking. Moore knows there’s much more variety in the way seafood is prepared and flavored along the coast than most inland people realize. His aim is to one day promote the traditional ways seafood has been prepared by fishermen for generations.

Until then, he continues to master the art of North Carolina seafood.

With his guidance, you too could master the art of cooking North Carolina seafood.

Chef Ricky Moore, owner of The Saltbox Seafood Joint Baxter Miller photographs

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CARTERET CATCH

MAKE MINE LOCAL carteretcatch.org

Building on the success of the state’s four local catch groups and NC Catch, an effort is underway to create a catch group for Beaufort and Pamlico counties. If you would be interested in joining this effort to educate consumers about the importance of local seafood and create new market opportunites contact: Heidi Smith 252.945.7891 heidijernigan@outlook.com Pamlico Catch Tradewinds Ad.indd 1

3/18/2017 7:12:48 PM north carolina fisheries association 19

CAPT’S

SPOTLIGHT ANDREW CZANDERNA F/V REEL ACTION

I

CAPE CARTERET, NC

was born in Hong Kong, China. My parents, Mark and Sherry Czanderna were Christian missionaries for the Salvation Army. I spent the first 8 years of my life there. We then moved back to the US, first moving to St. Petersburg, Florida then to Atlanta, Georgia and finally ended up in NC, which is where I now enjoy calling my home. This is where I met my wife Leah and discovered my love for the commercial fishing industry.

I am a proud first-generation fisherman. When I was a child living in Florida, my father would take me to the pier to fish on the weekends.

If I had completed all of my school work, he would buy me a dozen shrimp and we would fish until they were gone. I would always look forward to that, however, I think the first time I ever fished was in my bathtub in China. We put real goldfish in the bathtub, and I fished my fouryear-old heart out!

After several years of working as a deck hand on a Snapper boat, I decided to step out on my own. I have found that being diversified is everything in commercial fishing. Each year that passes, I improve my knowledge of the species that I target and become more proficient with what I know. I focus on new opportunities and learn from my mistakes. I try to follow the premiums when the prices are highest. In doing this I can target quality and let the numbers add up.

I have been working alone for the past 4 years, but with the purchase of the Snapper “F/V Reel Action” I am able to employee three additional people other than myself. Quite

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Homeport: Morehead City, NC Owner: Andrew Czanderna Builder: Stapleton Year: 1975 Length: 42’ Hull Material: Solid Fiberglass Beam: 16’ Draft: 39” Engine: Twin 450 Cummins Gear: Bandit Reels, Green Stick

Top Speed: 26 MPH Propeller Size: 26” Ice/Fish Capacity: 4500 lbs.

Electronics: Garmin, Furring, Radar, Auto Pilot and many more

honestly, it’s been enjoyable to have mates around to share the work load and enjoy the bounty of the deep.

My recommendation to aspiring fishermen is to be diversified! Learn something new, master it, and then repeat. Make your mistakes and log them along the way. I personally have a BIG book of what NOT to do! Eventually, the things that you learn and have done right will add up too. If you will commit to never settle for your last best catch, you will find yourself achieving goals that you never thought were possible. Pat yourself on the back and then raise the bar. Honor God, never stop aspiring to be bigger and better, strive for integrity, be kind, and genuinely interested in the wellbeing of others. And build your legacy on giving to those who are in need. Always be willing to learn, be humble and smile until you get happy and most importantly, NEVER QUIT! I would like to give a special thanks to God for his Grace, my wife Leah for her sacrifices, Jack Bennett for his willingness to take a chance on a Greenhorn, Brent Fulcher and his team at Beaufort Inlet Seafood for letting me pack out at his fish house, and all of the folks that believe in me and are helping me achieve my goals.

• Rope,Tools, Cables, Chains & Crosby Fittings • Treated Lumber and Piles • Seawall Materials • Floats & Floating Dock Hardware • Galvanized/Stainless Steel Hardware • Hydraulic Hose Assemblies 1/4” thru 2” MOREHEAD CITY, NC 600 Arendell Street phone: 252-726-6620 fax: 252-726-7499

BEAUFORT, NC 559 Hwy 70, Radio Island

Located at the Beaufort Drawbridge

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

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HELPFUL RESOURCES Links! & Resources: Helpful NC Division of Marine Fisheries Proclamations: http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/mf/proclamations

NCDMF Public Meetings Schedule: http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/mf/dmf-publicmeetings-schedules

Southern Shrimp Alliance:

NMFS Southeast Regional Office – http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/

NMFS Protected Resourceshttp://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/

http://www.shrimpalliance.com/ NC Watermen United: http://ncwu.net/

CATCH GROUPS:

Saving Seafood:

Pamlico Catch:

http://www.savingseafood.org/

Heidijernigan@outlook.com

NC Sea Grant:

Carteret Catch:

https://ncseagrant.ncsu.edu/

www.carteretcatch.org

About Seafood:

Ocracoke Fresh:

https://www.aboutseafood.com/

www.ocracokeseafood.com

National Fisherman:

Brunswick Catch:

https://www.nationalfisherman.com/

www.brunswickcatch.com

AGENCIES:

Outer Banks Catch:

NMFS Atlantic Highly Migratory Species –

www.outerbankscatch.com

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/

NC Catch: www.nccatch.org

NMFS Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regional Office – https://www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/

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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 – 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

$400.00

Half Vertical: 3.625 X 9.75

$250.00

Half Horizontal: 7.375 X 4.75

$250.00

Quarter Page: 3.625 X 4.75

$150.00

Eighth Page: 3.625 X 2.1875

$100.00

The above rates are based per issue.

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

Aundrea@ncfish.org or Tradewinds@ncfish.org

~-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 23

In Memoriam 24

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July 11, 2017 On the afternoon of May 23, 2017 three families got the news that no one in the commercial fishing industry wants to hear. F/V Miss Debbie’s (47’ trawler) Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) activated. US Coast Guard located the overturned vessel about 90 minutes later but there was no sign of the crew. She reportedly went down about one mile North-east of Tybee Island near the South Carolina/ Georgia border. Local media reported a line of thunderstorms crossed the area at about the same time the beacon was activated and believe weather may have been a factor in the incident. Reportedly, an EF-1 tornado (winds between 100 and 110 mph) damaged homes on Wilmington Island near Tybee Island and gained strength becoming an EF-2 tornado (winds 111 and 135 mph) before reaching Fort Pulaski causing heavy damage to the Fort. The tornado then became a waterspout over the ocean.

Search and rescue crews assisted the Coast Guard in its efforts to locate the fishermen and on May 26, 2017 the search was suspended. Ms. Debbie’s crew – Captain Gary McGowan, his stepson Benjamin Dover and Isaac West remain missing.

Gary Steven McGowan, son of Joe and Jeanne, is the youngest of five children. He grew up in Engelhard, NC where he spent his summer’s working with his father, Joe and his brother Mike on commercial fishing vessels “Elba B” and “Rendezvous”. Gary has three sisters; one son, Joshua; two stepsons Ben and Charles; a granddaughter who lives with them; and, other grandchildren. On July 7, 1999 he married Shelia Dover. They moved to West Virginia in 2002 where they resided for eleven years.

Gary became an Iron Worker and Welder for Eastern Omni and worked permit for Boilermakers (1996-2000). In 2000 he joined International Brotherhood of Boilermakers and Blacksmiths and traveled across the United States working as a tube welder.

Boilermakers build and repair power plants and repair paper mills and nuclear power plants. In 2005 he got his GED and attended the Hobart School of Welding where he became a Certified Welding Inspector. He worked on several Boilermaker jobs as Superintendent, General Foreman and Foreman Quality Assurance/Quality Control Welding Inspector. He had OSHA 500 training which enabled him to teach safety classes and had certifications to teach rigging classes. Gary and Shelia moved back to North Carolina in 2014 and he continued work on Boilermaker jobs until early 2016. Gary returned to commercial fishing in 2017 and became captain of the Miss Debbie owned by Hobo Seafood in Swan Quarter.

Benjamin Joel Dover grew up in Williamston, NC. After graduation he served four years in the U.S. Marine Corp. Ben returned to North Carolina and worked in Wilmington for several years. He later lived and worked in Pennsylvania, then moved to West Virginia for three years where he repaired railroad cars and was a maintenance worker for Clay County School System. Ben returned to North Carolina in August of 2017 to be with his family who he dearly loved. After returning to North Carolina he worked on the docks at Hobo Seafood in Swan Quarter for Lee and Madge Williams and on the “Miss Debbie” with his stepfather Gary.

Isaac West hired on the “Miss Debbie” as a deck hand while she was in Georgia. No biographical information was available at the time of this publication.

Salonen Marine Salvage continues working to upright the “Miss Debbie”. Recovery of the fishing vessel will hopefully resolve the family’s questions about the disaster.

Captain Gary McGowan

Benjamin Dover

Revised July 16, 2017

By Connie Leinbach, editor, Ocracoke Observer www.ocracokeobserver.com Ocracoke Island was saddened to learn of the death June 21 of island son James Barrie Gaskill, 74.

Born in Carteret County on April 20, 1943, James Barrie, as he was known, was a son of the late Daisy Styron Gaskill and James Lumley Gaskill, Jr. He was the husband of Ellen Gaskill.

After graduating from the College of the Albemarle, Gaskill received his bachelor’s degree from East Carolina University. He was a teacher at Ocracoke School and later became its principal.

A commercial fisherman on the Pamlico Sound, he also served as a board member for the North Carolina Coastal Federation and the Ocracoke Working Watermen’s Association. In 2013, Gaskill and Gene Ballance shared the NCCF Pelican Award for leadership in restoring coastal habitat.

N.C. State linguistics professor Walt Wolfram, who visits Ocracoke every year and is the authority on the Ocracoke brogue, posted on his Facebook page: “I knew James Barrie for 26 years, and he was, in all honesty, one of the most intriguing and best people I have EVER known.

Brilliant, personable, engaging and generous. He could tell a story and charm anyone.

My soul is grieving-but blessed to have known this very special person.”

Islander John Ivey Wells grew up with Gaskill during the 1940s and 50s. Both were members of the Ocracoke Mounted Boy Scout Troop 290, the only one of its kind in the United States.

James Barrie picks shrimp from his cooler while his son Morty stands in the truck bed, and one of many satisfied customers.

“As kids, we Photo courtesy of Philip Howard. entertained ourselves by riding horses, playing in the ‘creek’ with homemade boats and clam boxes and games that had been passed down to us,” he said. “I have many fond memories of James Barrie and I will truly miss him.”

Up until last summer, locals and visitors could get fresh shrimp and clams at James Barrie’s “Fat Boys Seafood,” from his truck that was parked in the afternoons beside Albert Styron’s Store and, in the last year, on Tom Payne’s front yard.

Many visitors remember his seafood concession.

“Mr. Gaskill, as our family called him, had a genuine warm heart, a beautiful sense of humor and a knack for lively conversation,” said James Grimaldi of Washington, D.C. “His classic, hand-painted sign on the side of his truck, his genuine local accent and handle-bar mustache told you were meeting an Ocracoke original--the real deal. We will sorely miss him.”

As Philip Howard recounts in his online “Island Journal” blog: “James Barrie Gaskill, or his wife Ellen, is usually there to serve you, and to offer tips about how to prepare your meal.

You might even get James Barrie to tell you the story of the Coast Guardsman who thought he’d arrived at the end of the world when he was stationed on the coast of North Carolina.”

If Gaskill was there, you would have a chance to hear the famous Ocracoke “Hoi Toide” brogue.

He and other island natives are featured in a continuously running video in the Ocracoke Preservation Society museum depicting the brogue.

In this video, you will also hear Gaskill and Rex O’Neal tell

the hilarious story about when they carried fresh Ocracoke oysters on a plane to Las Vegas.

In another of Howard’s blog posts: “About 50 years ago Sam Jones built a “small” house (smaller than the “Castle” which sits across the street) on Silver Lake harbor. Like his other buildings on Ocracoke, the Whittler’s Club, as it was called, was covered in cedar shakes. Sam’s vision was that it would become the gathering place for island men, a place where they could sit on the porch, swap stories, and whittle birds to sell to island visitors.

“I came across a ‘membership card’ for the Whittler’s Club. It was donated by James Barrie Gaskill to the Ocracoke Preservation Society. Sam, of course, had them printed, but I had never seen one. I was particularly amused by the ‘Rules and Restrictions’ printed on the back of the red card.

“The four rules, in reverse order, are: 4. The preachers of the Methodist Church and the Church of God will pass on all cases of misconduct.

3. All true story instances are always invited.

2. The only way a member can lose his membership is by telling smutty jokes.

1. No one allowed to get drunk except Harry O’Neal.”

Howard’s blog can be viewed at http://villagecraftsmen. blogspot.com.

In addition to his wife, Gaskill is survived by two children,

James Barrie Gaskill and his friend Gene Ballance prepare bags of oyster shells for their Living Shoreline project at Springer’s Point and Beacon Island in 2013. The two were among 13 people, groups and businesses across North Carolina who received Pelican Awards that year from the North Carolina Coastal Federation, a nonprofit environmental organization, ‘for extraordinary commitment to protecting and preserving our coast.’

Photo: C. Leinbach (Continued on page 26)

north carolina fisheries association 25

(Continued from page 25)

Candy and Morton Gaskill; sister-in-law, Linda Gaskill all of Ocracoke; and a nephew, Joseph Gaskill and wife Stephanie of St. Mary’s, Ga. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph W. Gaskill.

In keeping with Gaskill’s wishes, there will be no service at this time.

Memorial contributions in James Barrie Gaskill’s honor may be made to the North Carolina Coastal Federation, 3609 NC Hwy 24, Newport, NC 28570, or the Ocracoke Working Watermen’s Association, PO Box 1165, Ocracoke, NC 27960.

Twiford Funeral Home, Manteo is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at the Twiford Funeral Home website.

TRIBUTE TO NONA POTTER NCFA’s Board, Members and Staff offer our most sincere condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Renona Walker Potter of Hobucken, NC. Nona died on June 18, 2017 at the age of 79.

Nona’s late husband, Capt. Hubert Potter, was a commercial fisherman and longtime member of the North Carolina Fisheries Association and served on NCFA’s Board of Directors for many years. One of their sons, Wesley Potter, currently serves on the board.

Hubert and Nona were both very active for many years with the Annual Blessing of the Fleet held at the R.E. Mayo docks in Hobucken. Although the entire family was known for their active involvement in the commercial fishing community, Nona was herself an integral part of the formation and activities of the Pamlico Auxiliary. With a handful of other strong women, they put the auxiliary together to assist with the work of the North Carolina Fisheries Association with raising funds, education and activism.

Of particular note, were the bus trips to Washington, DC and meetings held with Senators and Congressman and their aides to discuss issues of importance to commercial fishing communities.

Those trips were held in conjunction with the Annual Fly-In for the Alliance for America. We stayed at the old Bellevue Hotel on Capitol Hill. Those trips were filled with some very important 26

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and emotional meetings, but had their share of food and laughter as well.

Nona was instrumental in getting a key sponsor of a television program to pull their support of the show after they complained to the sponsor of the anti-commercial fishermen sentiment portrayed by the show’s host. The host of the program actually mentioned the loss of that sponsorship on the air as he called them, “The Ladies of Hobucken”.

NCFA was successful in challenging some federal fisheries rules as a result of the government’s failure to abide the Regulatory Flexibility Act, (RFA), and after a judge ruled in our favor, the Senate Commerce Committee held an oversight hearing about the RFA. When a staff attorney called and requested a fisherman to come to Capitol Hill to testify, we called Capt. Hubert and asked if he would go to DC and offer the testimony. He said he would need to talk to Nona Mae and would call in the morning. He made the trip with Wesley and he testified.

What a team they were, but one cannot underestimate Nona’s abilities and leadership as an individual. She was a force to be reckoned with! She was one of the “hard-core” defenders of commercial fishing who was a staunch ally for those of us at the North Carolina Fisheries Association.

We often read the stories about commercial fishermen and the strengths they exhibit to provide for their families by working on the water; however, most of those men would be a shell without the strong women who support them. Working as a team, they’re abilities are expanded many-fold. There are many such examples in North Carolina’s coastal communities, but none exhibit that combined strength more than Capt. Hubert and Nona Potter. __________________________________________________ OBITUARY FOR RENONA POTTER Renona Walker Potter (May 16, 1938 - June 18, 2017) Renona Walker Potter, 79, of Hobucken passed away Sunday, June 18, 2017, at home.

Mrs. Nona was a member of Hobucken United Methodist Church where she served as treasurer for 10 years. She was also a member of the N.C. Fisheries Association and co-founded and organized the Blessing of the Fleet in Hobucken.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hubert Edward Potter Sr.; sisters, Nora Brinson and Geraldine Swindell; brother, Norwood Walker; and grandson, Spencer Benton.

She is survived by her three sons, Edward Potter and wife, Jane; Wesley Potter and wife, Tere, and Kevin Potter and wife, Kristi; two sisters, Jennette Rowe and Kay Westbrook (Dwayne); seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Her funeral will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, June 22nd at Hobucken United Methodist Church with the Rev. Stan Brown officiating. Interment will follow immediately in Barnett Cemetery.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday at Bryant Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers the family suggested memorial contributions be made to Hobucken United Methodist Church, PO Box 123, Hobucken, NC 28537.

NEW NAME, SAME PLA SAME ANTI-COMMERC FISHING AGENDA

Benefits of Sustainable Fisheries Management

Did You Know?

You may have heard the name: NC Sou Sounds different, but it’s the same old being, opposed to commercial fishing CCA and North Carolina Wildlife Feder suffering the same fate: their brand is they have re-invented themselves in th new umbrella organization. The forme lobbyist for the CCA is no longer listed for them, but is listed as a lobbyist for Economy.

Greg Hurt is listed with the Secretary o Treasurer of the new organization. He former President of the Board of Direc CCA. Plus, he’s an employee of one of t groups for Capitol Broadcasting in Ral folks that own WRAL and the ones tha hour ad for the CCA, which they called documentary, “Net Effects”. A tangled

Managing fisheries sustainably is an adaptive process that relies on sound science, innovative management approaches, effective enforcement, meaningful partnerships, and robust public participation. Sustainable fisheries play an important role in the nation’s economy by providing opportunities for commercial, recreational, and subsistence fishing, marine aquaculture, and sustainable seafood for the nation. Combined, U.S. commercial and recreational saltwater fishing generated $208 billion in sales and supported 1.6 million jobs in 2015. By ending overfishing and rebuilding stocks, we are strengthening the value of U.S. fisheries to the economy, our communities, and marine ecosystems.

(NOAA STATUS OF STOCKS 2016~~Annual Report to congress on the Status of the U.S. Fisheries)

What’s for dinner?

Bycatch!

The term bycatch has been used in an attempt to vilify the commercial fishing industry. It often works because many don’t know that anyone who has gone fishing and come home with a full cooler probably has some!

Bycatch refers to any species caught that wasn’t the targeted fish. A fisherman who wets a line while dreaming of catching a Striped Bass might instead snag an undersized Speckled Trout – the trout would be bycatch.

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The Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction Plan (BDTRP) (50 CFR 229.35 and 229.3)

The BDTRP was developed based on consensus recommendations from the Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction Team (Team) – comprised of fishing industry, state and federal agencies, scientists, fisheries managers, and conservation agencies. The Plan’s purpose is to reduce commercial fishery-related mortality and serious injury to bottlenose dolphin stocks along the Atlantic coast. This Plan is required under Section 118 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The BDTRP’s required goal is to: (1) reduce commercial fishery bycatch of strategic stocks of bottlenose dolphins to below Potential Biological Removal (i.e., sustainable levels) within six months of the Plan’s implementation (i.e., the short-term goal); and (2) a level approaching a zero mortality and serious injury rate within 5 years of the Plan’s implementation (i.e., long-term goal). The Plan includes both non-regulatory and regulatory conservation measures to help meet both the short- and long-term goals. They generally seek to reduce soak times, the amount of gear in the water at any given time, and/or to modify practices to reduce bycatch of bottlenose dolphins.

The BDTRP was originally implemented on April 26, 2006, and has been amended three times: (1) December 19, 2008; (2) July 31, 2012; and (3) February 9, 2015.

The BDTRP affects the following commercial fisheries interacting with strategic stocks of bottlenose dolphins from the New York-New Jersey border south through the east coast of Florida: • Gillnets: Chesapeake Bay inshore gillnet; Mid-Atlantic gillnet; North Carolina inshore gillnet; Southeast Atlantic gillnet; Southeastern U.S. Atlantic shark gillnet • Crab Pots: Atlantic blue crab; Southeastern U.S. Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico Stone crab • Seines: Mid-Atlantic haul/beach seine; Mid-Atlantic menhaden purse seine; North Carolina long haul seine • Virginia Pound Net • North Carolina roe mullet stop net • Southeastern U.S. Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico shrimp trawl BDTRP Regulatory Requirements Gear restricted by BDTRP includes small, medium, and large mesh gillnets and Virginia Pound Nets in specified times and areas. Each is described below with its associated regulated waters. Complete regulations are codified at 50 CFR 229.35.

Gillnets: (1) Gillnet Regulations for New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia State Waters Regulated waters: Marine waters within 3 nmi of shore; or the first bridge over any embayment, harbor, or inlet; or the following specified boundaries: Barnegat Inlet

39°45.90’ N. 74°05.90’ W. TO 39°45.15’ N. 74°06.20’ W.

Beach Haven to Brigantine Inlet

39°30.70’ N. 74°16.70’ W. TO 39°26.30’ N. 74°19.75’ W.

Cape May Inlet

38°56.20’ N. 74°51.70’ W. TO 38°56.20’ N. 74°51.90’ W.

Delaware Bay

72 COLREGS demarcation line

Ocean City Inlet

38°19.48’ N. 75°05.10’ W. TO 38°19.35’ N. 75°05.25’ W.

Chincoteague to Ship Shoal Inlet Little Inlet

72 COLREGS demarcation line 37°11.10’ N. 75°49.30’ W. TO 37°10.65’ N. 75°49.60’ W.

Smith Island Inlet

37°07.00’ N. 75°53.75’ W. TO 37°05.30’ N. 75°56.’ W.

• Medium mesh gillnets (> 5 in to < 7 in) fishing from June 1 to October 31 between 40°30’ N. to 36°33’ N. (New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia State Waters): At night, fishing prohibited with medium mesh anchored gillnet gear unless fishermen remain within 0.5 nmi (0.93 km) of the closest portion of each gillnet, remove all gear from the water, and stow it on board before returning to port.

• Large mesh gillnets (≥ 7 in): o fishing from June 1 to October 31 between 40°30’ N. to 36°33’ N. (New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia State Waters): At night, fishing prohibited with large mesh anchored gillnet gear unless fishermen remain within 0.5 nmi (0.93 km) of the closest portion of each gillnet, remove all gear from the water, and stow it on board before returning to port. o fishing from November 1 to December 31 between 37°07.23’ N. to 36°33’ N. (Southern Virginia State Waters): At night, fishing prohibited and gillnet gear must be removed from the water and stowed on board.

(2) Gillnet Regulations for North Carolina State Waters

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Regulated waters: marine waters within 3 nmi of shore or the 72 COLREGS line.

• Small mesh gillnets (≤ 5 in) fishing from May 1 to October 31 between 36°33’ N. to 34°35.4’ N. (Northern North Carolina State Waters): Fishing prohibited unless net length is less than or equal to 1,000 ft (304.8 m).

• Medium Mesh (> 5 in to < 7 in) fishing from November 1 to April 30 between 36°33’ N. to 33°51’07.9” N. 78°32’32.6” W. (Entire state): Fishing prohibited at night.

• Large mesh gillnets (≥ 7 in): o fishing from April 15 to December 15 between 36°33’ N. to 33°51’07.9” N. 78°32’32.6” W. (Entire state): Fishing prohibited. o fishing from December 16 to April 14 between 36°33’ N. to 34°35.4’ N (Northern North Carolina State Waters): Fishing prohibited at night without tie-downs. o fishing from December 16 to April 14 between 34°35.4’ N. to 33°51’07.9” N. 78°32’32.6” W. (Southern North Carolina State Waters): At night, fishing prohibited and gear must be removed from water and stowed on board.

Additional requirements in North Carolina: At the recommendation of the Team and in support of the BDTRP’s bycatch reduction goals, the North Carolina Marine Fishery Commission approved the recommendations and the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries implemented the following requirements via Proclamation: • Small mesh gillnets (≤ 5 in) must fish 100-yards from the shoreline at any tide, year-round and coast-wide. Runaround, strike or drop nets that are used to surround a school of fish and then immediately retrieved are exempt from this restriction (Proclamation M-20-2014).

• Stop Nets must be constructed of webbing with a mesh length greater than 6-inches in the 100 yards of the stop net closest to the ocean beach and with a mesh length less than or equal to 4-inches in the remainder of the stop net (Proclamation M-28-2014).

of the non-regulatory measures in the BDTRP to help reduce dolphin bycatch, and what NMFS is doing, within the constraints of available funding.

• Informing fishermen about laws and regulations, as well as best fishing practices, via outreach materials, dockside visits/forums, voluntary workshops, mail-outs, and the NMFS Southeast Region fishery liaison.

• Continuing research on the abundance, genetics, and behavior of coastal and estuarine bottlenose dolphins.

• Funding gear research projects to investigate new ways of using gear to reduce dolphin bycatch.

• Increasing observer coverage in areas where it is lacking, such as the coastal waters of North Carolina.

This includes gathering important fishery information and exploring alternative observer platforms for vessels that cannot be observed by traditional means.

• Coordinating with researchers and states to develop effective fishery monitoring strategies and increase sample sizes for all fisheries and gear types.

• Improving and enhancing stranding response and data collection.

Atlantic Blue Crab Trap Pot Gear Modification Recommendations The Team developed the following recommended gear deployment and modification options to help reduce the impacts of dolphin interactions with the crab trap gear: • Use a sinking or negatively buoyant line, such as nylon or polyester, to minimize excess line floating at the surface.

• Deploy line in an untangled, straight line to help reduce the risk of it coming off the bottom.

• Limit line to minimum length necessary, especially in shallow or slack water.

• Use an inverted or modified bait well to discourage bottlenose dolphins from attempting to feed on bait.

(3) Gillnet Regulations for South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida Waters Night means any time one hour after sunset and one hour prior to sunrise.

Time of sunset and sunrise is as determined for the date and location in the Nautical Almanac, prepared by the U.S. Naval Observatory.

Regulated waters: Marine waters within 14.6 nmi of shore or the 72 COLREGS line.

• All gillnet gear fishing year-round between 33°51’07.9” N. 78°32’32.6” W. (North Carolina/South Carolina border) and the fishery management council demarcation line between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico (as described in 50 CFR 600.105): Fishermen must remain within 0.25 nmi (0.46 km) of the closest portion of their gear at all times, remove all gillnet gear from the water, and stow it on board before returning to port.

Virginia Pound Nets: (1) Offshore pound nets: • Must have a modified pound net leader year-round within the Bottlenose Dolphin Pound Net Regulated Area (Figure 1).

• The pound net licensee and the vessel operator of any offshore pound net set in the Bottlenose Dolphin Pound Net Regulated Area (Figure 1) must have completed a one-time modified pound net leader compliance training and possess on board the vessel a valid modified pound net leader compliance training certificate issued by NMFS. Attending this compliance training replaces the need to have the modified pound net leader inspected annually before setting.

• Year-round, pound nets must be fished with all three continuous sections (i.e., pound, heart, and leader) in the Bottlenose Dolphin Pound Net Regulated Area (Figure 1). An exception to this requirement is that one or more sections may be missing for a maximum period of 10 days for purposes of setting, removing, and/or repairing pound nets.

(2) Nearshore pound nets: • Year-round, pound nets must be fished with all three continuous sections (i.e., pound, heart, and leader) in the Bottlenose Dolphin Pound Net Regulated Area (Figure 1). An exception to this requirement is that one or more sections may be missing for a maximum period of 10 days for purposes of setting, removing, and/or repairing pound nets.

BDTRP Non-Regulatory Requirements Non-regulatory measures are an important component of the BDTRP to provide a framework for reaching the short- and long-term goals required under the MMPA. Below is a summary

Figure 1. Map of the Bottlenose Dolphin Pound Net Regulated Area in Virginia state waters.

Important Information: Maps of Regulated Waters: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/ maps_gis_data/protected_resources/take_reduction_ plans/index.html BDTRP Information: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/ interactions/trt/bdtrp.html • NMFS BDTRT Coordinator: Stacey Horstman (727) 824-5312 • NMFS-SERO Fishery Liaison: David Hilton (252) 921-0142 Serious Injury & Mortality Reporting: http://sero.nmfs. noaa.gov/pr/mm/mmap.htm All commercial fishing vessels must monitor and report serious injuries and mortalities to marine mammals that occur during fishing.

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Council & Commission Meetings

Mid-Atlantic Mid-Atlantic Fishery Fishery Management Management Council’s Council’s AprilApril 20172017 meeting meeting Highlights Highlights

Atlantic Atlantic States States Marine Marine Fisheries Fisheries Commission Commission Meeting Meeting - May - May Meeting Meeting Highlights Highlights

Atlantic Atlantic Surfclam Surfclam and and Ocean Ocean Quahog: Quahog: Council Council received received a presentation a presentation on the on the NextNext meeting: meeting: August August 1, - 3, 1,2017; - 3, 2017; Alexandria, Alexandria, VA VA mostmost recent recent stockstock assessments, assessments, concluding concluding that that overfishing overfishing is not is occurring not occurring in the in most the most recent recent yearyear and and that that the probability the probability of either of either stockstock being being overfished overfished is low. is low.

Atlantic Atlantic Mackerel: Mackerel: 20182018 will be willyear be year 3 of 32016-2018 of 2016-2018 Atlantic Atlantic mackerel mackerel specifications. specifications.

The Council The Council reviewed reviewed the stock the stock status status and and performance performance of the of Atlantic the Atlantic mackerel mackerel fishery fishery and and recommended recommended no changes no changes to the to 2018 the 2018 specifications. specifications.

Butterfish: Butterfish: The The Council Council reviewed reviewed the stock the stock status status and and performance performance of the of the butterfish butterfish fishery fishery and and adopted adopted multiyear multiyear specifications specifications for 2018-2020. for 2018-2020.

The The mostmost recent recent assessment assessment update update indicates indicates that that butterfish butterfish is not is overfished not overfished and and no overfishing no overfishing is is occurring. occurring.

Longfin Longfin and and IllexIllex Squid: Squid: The Council The Council reviewed reviewed fishery fishery performance performance and and stockstock status status for longfin for longfin and and Illex Illex squid squid and and adopted adopted multi-year multi-year specifications specifications for 2018-2020. for 2018-2020.

Based Based on the on recommendations the recommendations of the of SSC, the SSC, the Council the Council voted voted to maintain to maintain mostmost measures measures for both for both fisheries. fisheries.

The The longfin longfin squidsquid DAHDAH was was increased increased slightly slightly due due to the to assessment the assessment South South Atlantic Atlantic Fishery Fishery Management Management Council Council Meeting Meeting Highlights Highlights update update indicating indicating lower lower discarding discarding in recent in recent years. years.

Longfin Longfin Squid Squid Moratorium Moratorium Permit Permit Requalification: Requalification: The Council The Council voted voted to allow to allow Snapper Snapper Grouper: Grouper: Council Council approved approved modifying modifying draftdraft Amendment Amendment 43 to43 to current current longfin longfin squid/butterfish squid/butterfish limited limited access access moratorium moratorium permits permits to retain to retain theirtheir permits permits the Fishery the Fishery Management Management PlanPlan to include to include a single a single action action to revise to revise annual annual catchcatch if they if they landed landed at least at least 10,000 10,000 pounds pounds of squid of squid in one in one yearyear fromfrom 19971997 to 2013. to 2013.

This This would would limitslimits for red for snapper. red snapper.

The The draftdraft amendment amendment would would remove remove the current the current process process reduce reduce the number the number of moratorium of moratorium squidsquid permits permits by more by more thanthan 40%40% but would but would not affect not affect and and equation equation usedused to specify to specify the annual the annual catchcatch limitlimit and and includes includes alternatives alternatives for for vessels vessels that that havehave beenbeen historically historically active active in the in fishery. the fishery.

Moratorium Moratorium permit permit holders holders that that do do establishing establishing an annual an annual catchcatch limitlimit for 2018 for 2018 ranging ranging fromfrom approximately approximately 23,600 23,600 to to not requalify not requalify to retain to retain the longfin the longfin squid squid moratorium moratorium permit permit would would be eligible be eligible for afor permit a permit 76,000 76,000 fish. fish.

Council Council members, members, withwith representatives representatives fromfrom bothboth commercial commercial and and that that allows allows a 5,000pound a 5,000pound longfin longfin squid squid trip limit trip limit when when the fishery the fishery is open. is open.

In addition, In addition, the the recreational recreational fisheries, fisheries, focused focused on how on how to allow to allow limited limited harvest harvest of red of snapper red snapper Council Council recommended recommended separating separating the butterfish the butterfish part part of the of longfin the longfin squid/butterfish squid/butterfish beginning beginning in 2018. in 2018.

“Council “Council members members and and members members of the of public the public havehave repeatedly repeatedly moratorium moratorium permit permit to allow to allow current current moratorium moratorium permits permits the opportunity the opportunity to continue to continue to to expressed expressed theirtheir frustration frustration at the at increasing the increasing numbers numbers of red of snapper red snapper that that are are target target and and landland butterfish. butterfish. beingbeing released released as this as stock this stock recovers,” recovers,” said said Council Council ChairChair Dr. Michelle Dr. Michelle Duval.

Duval.

Longfin Longfin Squid Squid Moratorium Moratorium “Permit “Permit Swap”: Swap”: The The Council Council approved approved a one-time a one-time “While “While we explore we explore measures measures to allow to allow limited limited harvest harvest we must we must also also be cautionary be cautionary “permit “permit swap” swap” opportunity opportunity which which would would allowallow owners owners of multiple of multiple longfin longfin squidsquid in our in approach our approach to not to allow not allow overfishing overfishing to occur to occur should should the fishery the fishery reopen reopen nextnext moratorium moratorium permits permits as ofasMay of May 26, 2017 26, 2017 to swap to swap active active requalifying requalifying and and non-requalifying non-requalifying year.” year.” moratorium moratorium permits permits among among theirtheir vessels. vessels.

Atlantic Atlantic cobia: cobia: Council Council members members continued continued to address to address management management of of Longfin Longfin Squid Squid Incidental Incidental and and Open Open Access Access Permits: Permits: The The Council Council voted voted to to Atlantic Atlantic cobia, cobia, including including a request a request fromfrom the Atlantic the Atlantic States States Marine Marine Fisheries Fisheries replace replace the current the current openopen access access incidental incidental longfin longfin squidsquid permit permit withwith a limited a limited access access Commission Commission that that the Council the Council consider consider transferring transferring management management authority authority to the to the incidental incidental permit. permit.

Qualifying Qualifying vessels vessels mustmust havehave landed landed at least at least 5,000 5,000 pounds pounds of longfin of longfin Commission.

Commission.

The The move move would would allowallow additional additional flexibility flexibility between between the states the states for for squidsquid in one in one yearyear fromfrom 19971997 to 2013. to 2013.

Currently Currently about about 1,400 1,400 vessels vessels possess possess openopen access access management management of the of fishery, the fishery, which which primarily primarily occurs occurs in state in state waters waters off the off the incidental incidental permits, permits, and and about about 325 325 are expected are expected to qualify to qualify for the for limited the limited access access incidental incidental northeastern northeastern coastcoast of North of North Carolina Carolina and and Virginia.

Virginia.

The Council The Council decided decided to move to move permit. permit.

The The dailydaily trip limit trip limit for the for incidental the incidental permit permit would would remain remain at 2,500 at 2,500 pounds. pounds.

In In forward forward to develop to develop an amendment an amendment withwith options options for transferring for transferring management management addition, addition, to minimize to minimize regulatory regulatory discarding discarding of squid of squid bycatch, bycatch, non-qualifying non-qualifying vessels vessels would would authority authority as well as well as complementary as complementary management management withwith the ASMFC. the ASMFC. still be stillable be able to obtain to obtain an open an open access access permit permit that that would would allowallow up toup250 to 250 pounds pounds of longfin of longfin Council Council decided decided not to notpursue to pursue taking taking emergency emergency action action to change to change the the squidsquid per trip. per trip. management management boundary boundary and and annual annual catchcatch limitslimits for Atlantic for Atlantic cobiacobia but did butrequest did request Trimester Trimester 2: To2:avoid To avoid future future excessive excessive longfin longfin squidsquid catchcatch during during Trimester Trimester 2, 2, that that NOAA NOAA Fisheries Fisheries recalculate recalculate the recreational the recreational harvest harvest estimates estimates for 2015 for 2015 and and the Council the Council voted voted to reduce to reduce the longfin the longfin squid squid trip limit trip limit to 250 to 250 pounds pounds per day per for dayall for all 20162016 as reported as reported through through the Marine the Marine Recreational Recreational Information Information Program.

Program. permits permits onceonce the Trimester the Trimester 2 quota 2 quota has been has been reached. reached.

This This is a 90% is a 90% reduction reduction fromfrom the the current current post-closure post-closure trip limit trip limit of 2,500 of 2,500 pounds. pounds.

The The Council Council will also will also continue continue to work to work withwith NextNext meeting: meeting: September September 11-15, 11-15, 2017; 2017; Charleston, Charleston, SC SC relevant relevant states states to encourage to encourage themthem to match to match this limit this limit afterafter suchsuch a closure. a closure.

IllexIllex Squid Squid Moratorium Moratorium Permit Permit Requalification: Requalification: Based Based on recent on recent low landings low landings and and low participation low participation in the in Illex the Illex squid squid fishery, fishery, the Council the Council recommended recommended no changes no changes to to the current the current limited limited access access permit permit system. system.

RiverRiver Herring Herring and and Shad: Shad: Council Council reviewed reviewed an annual an annual RiverRiver Herring Herring and and ShadShad (RH/S) (RH/S) progress progress update, update, including including operation operation of the of RH/S the RH/S cap for capthe for Atlantic the Atlantic mackerel mackerel fishery fishery which which was was previously previously implemented implemented at 82atmt 82for mt2016-2018. for 2016-2018.

No changes No changes werewere recommended recommended by the

by Council. the Council.

BlackBlack Sea Bass: Sea Bass: Council Council discussed discussed a motion a motion fromfrom the May the May 20172017 Council Council Meeting Meeting to initiate to initiate a framework a framework that that would would consider consider re-opening re-opening the wave the wave 1 (January 1 (January – February) – February) recreational recreational blackblack sea bass sea bass fishery fishery to any to recreational any recreational vessel, vessel, provided provided that that theythey obtain obtain and and adhere adhere to any to required any required conditions conditions outlined outlined under under a Letter a Letter of Authorization of Authorization (LOA) (LOA) issued issued by by the National the National Marine Marine Fisheries Fisheries Service.

Service.

Noting Noting that that this action this action could could not occur not occur before before January January 1, 2019, 1, 2019, the Council the Council considered considered an alternative an alternative to open to open the fishery the fishery on January on January 1, 1, 2018.

2018.

The Council The Council agreed agreed to consider to consider the possibility the possibility of opening of opening the 2018 the 2018 wavewave 1 black 1 black sea sea bassbass fishery fishery when when the Council the Council meets meets jointly jointly withwith the Atlantic the Atlantic States States Marine Marine Fisheries Fisheries NC Marine Fisheries Commission Meeting Highlights NC Marine Fisheries Commission MayMay 20172017 Meeting Highlights Commission’s Commission’s Summer Summer Flounder, Flounder, Scup,Scup, and and BlackBlack Sea Bass Sea Bass Board Board in August. in August. meeting: 15-16; Raleigh, NextNext meeting: Aug Aug 15-16; Raleigh, NC NC NextNext meeting: meeting: Mon,Mon, Aug Aug 7 - Thu, 7 - Thu, Aug Aug 10, 2017 10, 2017 Courtyard Courtyard Philadelphia Philadelphia Downtown Downtown

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The Storm The storm itself is very small but its thunder rumbles.

Loud, even a rainbow of pastel shirts can’t hide its dark black clouds.

Its windswept swells pound her hull, but still she trudges on with faithful crew.

She stays her course and takes the storm head on.

Since fifty-two she has been true but her decks are cracked and bare from riding out the thunderstorms of folks who just don’t care.

With costa shades and boat parades it seems the storm will never end but still the crew holds their course and keeps her bow into the wind.

When the gale subsides, they’ll head to port and put her on the rails, where they’ll patch her up as good as new and tell the storm to go to hell.

They will float her soon. If just to prove the storm can’t take her down because only neglect from a lazy crew can run this craft aground.

So, keep your hands upon the helm and eyes cast to the sky fore another storm will surely come when this one passes by.

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

“NORTHEAST CANYONS SEAMOUNTS MARINE NATIONAL MONUMENT”

On June 16,2017 in Boston Ma. BWFA representatives attended a meeting with the US Secretary of Interior, Hon Ryan Zinke. The Meeting was to give affected Fishing Industry Leaders an opportunity to present the devastating impact that the NE Canyons Seamounts Marine National Monument will have on our Domestic Commercial Fisheries. This within the 4907 square nautical of ocean former President Barrack Obama Federally seized by this «His MNM Designation» We as Individual Commercial Industry Participants all presented the negative economic impact on our Domestic Fisheries. BWFA on behalf of the HMS PLL Industry pointed out the senseless exclusion of our HMS PLL Industry within the MNM The HMS PLL Industry fishes within 100 feet of the ocean’s surface within the MNM. The original intent of this MNM is to protect deep sea coral that lives on the ocean floor. The depths at which are as deep as 10,000. feet It is obvious to most, that the US HMS PLL Industry has zero interactions with, therefore zero impact on the Deep sea coral of this MNM’s intent Furthermore, BWFA has consistently expressed ,throughout former President Obama’ MNM Process, this concern. By blindly closing all Commercial Fishing Activities within the 4,907 square nautical miles if His MNM Designation. He would be threatening the collapse of the entire regulatory process north of Cape Hatteras. As you disperse the fishing effort from within the MNM to the remaining Regulated Areas. You threaten to over fish the remaining regulated areas

Regulations take from 3-6 years to develop and implement. By instantly dispersing the MNM effort into the remaining federally regulated waters. You threaten the overall collapse of the existing Federal Regulations and its Process When the Antiquities Act was In-Acted back in 1906. It was in effect the birth of Environmental Conservation within the US. There was no Environmental Regulatory Process. Therefore, a wide ranging all or nothing blind approach to Environmental Conservation is all this Country had in order to protect our Natural Resources. Over the past 110 years a Comprehensive Regulatory Process has been developed to protect our oceans The Regulatory Process that protects our oceans today incorporates the cooperation of NMFS, both the Environmental and Academic Communities as well as the effected Fishing Industry Participants. As for the HMS PLL Industry we also serve as the Research Platforms for all HMS Species regulated internationally under ICCAT. BWFA, at this meeting, as well as in its Written Comment to Secretary Zinke have asked President Trump by the authority he has to issue an Executive Order to grant the HMS PLL Fishing Industry access to the 4,907 square nautical miles of this MNM We as a Nation when it comes to Environmental Conservation should remember these principles. Successful Environmental Conservation is supposed to be to find ways for mankind to co-exist with his environment It should never be deemed successful with the exclusion or extinction of either or.

Martin T Scanlon Owner Operator, F/V Provider II Board of Director BWFA

north carolina fisheries association 35

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 36

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Around the Coast Affiliate News Albemarle Fisherman’s Association

Mike Blanton~ “Still some crabbing going on, Flounder

fishing has picked up. Got a few large mesh gillnet folks.

Ain’t nothing special going on.”

Brunswick County Fisherman’s Association

Randy Robinson~ “Good news is that the Army Core of Engineers started dredging the Lockwood Folly Inlet yesterday (July 18, 2017) with the Side Caster Dredge “Merrit”. This will tremendously help the fishermen especially the Shrimpers and the Charter boats. Boats were having to travel about 15 miles to South Port and 10 miles to Shallotte. This process will take about 3 weeks and then the USCG can put the buoys back.

Seventy Five percent of the expense for this was paid by salt water fishing license fund, Brunswick County paid 12 ½ percent, Holden Beach and Oak Island paid the remainder. In return, this will make it safer for all boaters going through the inlet and returning. A special thank you Lockwood Folly Inlet Association for their help in expediting this process.

The shrimpers have all gone to Pamlico Sound, they are doing really good there according to Gary Galloway who has been packing out at Ed Cross’s in Vandemere, NC. The Spanish Mackerel are picking up in the ocean, and the Red Drum bite is tremendous right now. We are still waiting to hear from Marine Fisheries as to the Lockwood folly closure for oystering and clamming.”

Carteret County Fisherman’s Association

Bradley Styron~ “Over the past month the boys have enjoyed the opportunity to go Flounder fishing. The shrimp have been right decent. As long as we don’t have any storms or really bad weather, looks promising for fall shrimping. The brown shrimp and the white shrimp both look real promising.”

“We would like to thank everyone that come out to support us during our Shrimp burger fundraiser at the 25th Anniversary of the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum.

It was very successful and everyone was pleased with the fresh shrimp.”

Ocracoke Working Waterman’s Association

Ocracoke Fish House~ The large mesh fishery being opened has been a great asset to our retail market. It has given our Market patrons a larger variety of fish to choose from as well as helping our fishermen. Looks like the shrimp has been a “Bright Spot” and hopefully will be continued in August.

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

Pamlico County Fisherman’s Association

Oz Hudgins~ “Boys are catching right many crabs. Not much shrimping or fishing going on. The recreational shrimpers have fallen right off. Haven’t been seeing them much here lately.”

north carolina fisheries association 37

QuALiTy CounTS:

A Consumer’s Guide to Selecting north Carolina Seafood Seafood Type

What to Look For

What to Avoid

FReSh CUt FiSh

• • • • •

Firm, elastic flesh translucent color Moist appearance Mild scent Unexpired sell-by date, if present

• • • • •

Mushy or bruised flesh Milky color Dry or brown edges Strong sour or “fishy” odor expired sell-by date, if present

Whole aND DReSSeD FiSh

• • • • • • •

Bright, shiny eyes Bright red gills, if present Firm, elastic flesh Scales adhering tightly to skin Smooth, glistening skin Mild scent Bright red blood line in gut cavity

• • • • • • •

Cloudy, sunken eyes pale or gray gills Mushy flesh Scales dull or missing excess slime on skin Strong sour or “fishy” odor Dark or brown blood line in gut cavity

FRozeN FiSh

• Solidly frozen flesh • When thawed, passes same criteria as unfrozen fish • tight, moisture-proof packaging • product is visible, unmarred • Unexpired sell-by date, if present

• • • • •

live ShellFiSh

• tightly closed shells; if open, they shut when tapped • Moist, intact shells • Mild scent

• Gaping shells; do not shut when tapped • Cracked, chipped, dry shells • Strong sour or “fishy” odor

ShUCkeD oySteRS

• plump, cream-colored meat • Free of shell bits and sand • Clear or slightly opaque liquid, less than 10% of volume • Mild scent

• • • •

Sea SCallopS

• Free of excess liquid • Creamy white, light tan or slightly pink appearance • Mild scent

• Strong sour or “fishy” odor • Shriveled, dry appearance

RaW ShRiMp

• translucent shells with grayishgreen or tan coloration • Moist appearance • Firm flesh • Mild scent

• Blackened edges or spots on shell (except spot prawns) • Red color along shell edges • Mushy flesh • Strong sour or “fishy” odor

CookeD ShRiMp

• Bright red shells • Firm meat texture

• Strong sour or “fishy” odor

live SoFt- aND haRD-Shell CRaBS

• Show movement of legs and eyes

• Dead animals should be discarded

CookeD CRaBS

• Bright red color

• Strong sour or “fishy” odor

CookeD CRaBMeat

• White meat with slight red or brown pigments • Mild scent

• Grayish color or dry appearance • excess shell or cartilage • Strong sour or “fishy” odor

partially thawed fish Discolored flesh Dry or papery edges torn packaging or crushed edges Signs of ice crystals or freezer burn • expired sell-by date, if present

Shriveled, dark, dry meat presence of shell or sand Cloudy liquid Strong sour or “fishy” odor

For more inFormation on: • North Carolina seafood markets, go to: www.nc-seafood.org. • Local Catch: North Carolina Seafood Availability wallet-size cards and North Carolina Seafood Availability posters, go to: www.ncseagrant.org. north Carolina Sea Grant Raleigh, 919/515-2454 • Morehead City, 252/222-6337 • www.ncseagrant.org UNC-SG-08-01 • Compiled by Barry Nash, David Green and Bill Bath

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A NOTE FROM USCG AUXILLARY CFVS EXAMINER: PHIL AMANNA There is no question that the commercial fishing industry is over regulated. Multiple federal and state agencies implement and enforce hundreds of regulations that dictate how and where fishermen operate. Just a brief view into this world will quickly give you a sense for what these fishermen deal with on a daily basis and you have to wonder how anyone can actually make living in this business.

However, not all regulation is bad. Statistics show that this industry is one of the most dangerous. Having our fishermen return from sea can partially be attributed to compliance with safety standards.

As a Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteer, I enjoy working with the Captains and Crews to assist them in meeting the required safety standards. These common-sense requirements would be met by most fisherman, without the rules. But, as we know, common sense isn’t universal and we want everyone to come home safe.

The Coast Guard’s Commercial Fishing Vessel Exam program requires the F/V Captains to pass a standard safety audit on their vessel, every two years. The Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary offer dockside examinations for free and give the boat Owners and Captains an opportunity to correct deficiencies without penalty.

The CFV Safety exam requirements vary, based on several criteria; including, the vessel size and purpose, where they are fishing (cold or warm water), how far out to sea they fish, number of crew and other factors. A typical exam takes

about two to three hours to complete.

And as I mentioned before, the items we check are common sense safety items.

The major categories, not limited to, include; survival gear, fire control, communications, signaling devices, navigation lights and equipment, high water and general alarms, bilge pumps, first aid capability, and overall vessel and safety equipment condition. When deficiencies are found the owner or Captain has 30 days to correct the issue. Upon successful passing of the exam, a decal is placed on the side of the bridge, indicating the vessel complies. These dockside exams are mandatory for Commercial Fishing Vessels operating beyond 3nm.

There are just a small number of Coast Guard and Auxiliary CFVS examiners and we like to think of ourselves as partners with the local fishing fleet. Hopefully, in some small way, we contribute to their safe return to port.

For more information about the CFVS exam program, go to the following Coast Guard web site; https://www.uscg.mil/d5/prevention/CFV/CFV_home.asp Or, contact our area’s CFVS director, at the CG Station, Fort Macon: Barry Everhardt: Barry.D.Everheart@uscg.mil

Article submitted by: Phil Amanna, CG Auxiliary CFVS Examiner

north carolina fisheries association 39

Coastwatch Currents Investigating Nitrogen Loading Trends in the Neuse River Basin June 16, 2017 | E-Ching Lee

By Hayden Strickling

Fish kills are a major problem in some North Carolina estuaries.

Thousands of fish die, affecting fishing and recreation activities. These fish kills are caused by algal blooms that can produce toxins and starve water of the oxygen necessary to support finfish and shellfish.

Nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, can cause algal blooms when they are introduced into a watershed. These nutrients, which degrade water quality, come from various sources: fertilizers used in agriculture and on residential lawns, animal waste from pets and livestock, and discharge from wastewater treatment plants. When washed into estuaries, these nutrients become food for algae, which can trigger an algal bloom.

In the past couple of decades, nitrogen has been increasing in the Neuse River. Urbanization and livestock also have increased dramatically, and may be contributing to this increase. I am developing a model to determine the sources of this nitrogen increase, with the goal of informing management strategies to improve water quality in the Neuse River Estuary.

This summer, I am putting the final touches on the model to examine trends in nitrogen loading — how much nitrogen is present each year in the Neuse river basin. My model will identify and quantify nitrogen sources and predict downstream conditions based on scenarios such as urban growth and changes in livestock production.

The data can help water resource managers develop effective strategies to control nutrient loadings, potentially leading to the prevention of excessive algal blooms and fish kills.

In addition, my model will feed into a water quality-forecasting model for the Neuse River Estuary, which is being developed by ABOVE: The Neuse River flows east from Raleigh to the North Carolina Alexey Katin, who wrote about his research here. Both of us are coast. Photo by Roger Winstead/NC State Communications. graduate students of Dr. Dan Obenour at NC State University’s Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering.

To understand what is happening today, I looked back. I reconstructed historical nitrogen loads for 21 locations in the Neuse, Cape Fear and Tar Pamlico river basins from 1982 to the present using a technique developed by the U.S. Geographical Survey, or USGS. I used data from three basins to get a bigger picture of nutrient loads, which will help in developing our model. Water quality and flow data came from the Water Quality Portal, which compiles state, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and USGS data. My results show that nitrogen loads have been increasing over the past 35 years, a trend that is consistent with past studies as well.

Right now, we’re still investigating why nitrogen is increasing in the Neuse, Tar-Pamlico, and Cape Fear river basins. Possible causes include changes in land use, agricultural fertilizers and large farms where animals are raised in confined situations called Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, or CAFOs. One possible cause is urbanization, where forests and riparian buffers — vegetated areas near streams — that slow the flow of nitrogen into streams are lost to development, while lawn fertilizer usage and pet waste increase. USGS GIS datasets show that urban landscapes

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These maps show land use in the Neuse River Basin in 1992 (left) and 2012 (right). almost doubled from 1992 to 2012, coinciding with a decrease in agricultural and wildland areas.

Another cause could be CAFOs that store animal waste in lagoons. Contents of the lagoons are sprayed as fertilizer on fields, and some of the associated nutrients may reach streams. Census data from the United States Department of Agriculture show an increase in chicken and hog production since the early 1990s.

On the other hand, data obtained from the Department of Environmental Quality show a reduction in nitrogen loads from waste water treatment plants (human waste) and industries until about 2010, indicating that these sources are not a substantial factor in this upward trend in nitrogen loading.

The model will estimate nitrogen contributions from potential sources in each of the 21 watersheds. It also will consider precipitation and in-stream retention — nitrogen that settled into stream beds and denitrification where biological processes eliminate nitrogen in the water — because they can influence

nitrogen transport through a watershed.

Taken together, trends in nitrogen sources, precipitation and in-stream losses will allow us to map out regional changes in nitrogen loading over time. For example, we can compare loading contributions from highly developed and agricultural areas, factoring in regional differences in precipitation and in-stream losses. We can also assess the effects of urban development and increased CAFO operations on downstream water quality. We seek to provide a clearer picture of the dynamics of nitrogen loading throughout these watersheds and help identify the causes of the increasing trend in nitrogen.

My goal is to wrap up the model by the end of summer. I am adding the ability to account for prior information, uncertainty and variability among watersheds and source types. By the end of the summer, I plan to have estimates of the annual nitrogen contribution from each source, an analysis of how nitrogen loadings change over time and by location throughout the watersheds, as well as how confident I am of these estimates.

These results will help us determine what is causing this increasing nitrogen trend. In turn, this information may lead to more effective nutrient management programs to reduce hypoxia and fish kills in North Carolina’s estuaries.

Hayden Strickling is working on his master’s degree in civil engineering at NC State University.

Reprinted with permissions

I gathered data on nutrients from six stations along the main stem of the Neuse River. north carolina fisheries association 41

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Talk on the Dock ONE OF THE YOUNG GUNS: STEPHEN SPRUILL By: Barbara Garrity-Blake

OF COLUMBIA

While working on a North Carolina Sea Grant-funded project that focuses

on the next generation of commercial fishermen, I met 29-year old crabber Stephen Spruill of Columbia. Stephen is called a “young gun” by Willy Phillips of Full Circle Crab Company. “The young guns are the go-getters of the fishery,” Phillips explained. “And Stephen has always had that spark, he’s hungry and determined – he’s eat up with fishing.”

“Mr. Willy’s known me my whole life,” said Stephen. “He wrote the letter that I took to DMF in Morehead to get my commercial fishing license. You had to have letters from dealers. I was thirteen – that’s when I was pulling boats from a canoe!”

The apprenticeship system, where a young fisherman learns the ropes or gets guidance from a seasoned mentor, is how the fishing industry has worked for generations. We often hear from watermen that their skills were passed down from their father and grandfather. Stephen’s case is a bit unusual because his father was a farmer, and he grew up on a farm on Bulls Bay. His heart was in fishing, however, and by the time he was sixteen, he “never looked back.”

“I knew the Albemarle Sound pretty good, but to crab full time I needed to learn some other things, other water bodies,” Stephen reflected. “When everybody went back to school in the fall, I wanted to go to Manns Harbor to crab. I ended up working as a mate on a couple of boats down there until I was comfortable enough to crab with my own rig down there.”

Today Stephen fishes at least 700 pots with a boat named after his wife, the FV Miss Bridget.

Stephen is one of dozens of fishermen we’ve been interviewing to better understand the challenges young people face, navigating increasingly restrictive fisheries regulations and fast-changing economic headwinds.

Some of our key questions are: how can fishermen more meaningfully engage in fisheries policymaking and research? What can be done to strengthen communication and a peer-to-peer network within the industry? What needs to change to instill economic and political stability so that fishermen can invest in their business with confidence?

Like many of the younger fishermen we’ve been talking to, Stephen is worried about the direction North Carolina fisheries management has been going in recent years, with less emphasis on stakeholder input and data-driven decision making.

“All it takes is one proclamation – look how the flounder fishery has been

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taken away from us in the summer.” He also cited herring and rockfish (striped bass) that are no longer viable options for fishermen. “Everybody’s a crabber now because there’s nothing else to do in this region.”

Stephen recommends that managers restore the flexibility that fishermen once had in having several fisheries from which to choose.

“Open up other fisheries and give people options to do something different.

Give them something else to harvest, it’ll take a little pressure off of crabbing.”

This “young gun” puts in long hours on the water out of passion. But he also goes the extra mile out of economic necessity. He and his wife have three mouths to feed: their sons, ages twelve, six, and four.

“My oldest boy loves fishing and can actually help me. The middle one is learning – he’s taking it all in!” Although Stephen is not confident that commercial fishing will be a profitable option by the time his boys get older, he hopes the opportunity will be there.

“I would like to think that they could fish. I know I enjoy doing what I do.”

The economics of crabbing are not trending positively, however. The price of menhaden, the primary bait used for the crab fishery, has soared in the wake of quota restrictions imposed by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.

Developing a bait fishery in North Carolina might help, but the state would have to reconsider its 2012 ban on purse seine fishing, the most efficient method of catching menhaden.

“A flat of bait is now $23.50,” Stephen exclaimed. “On a normal day I take 14 flats to bait 700 pots. And the price of pots has increased. Fuel has gone up and I burn 50 gallons a week.” Stephen also has two crewmen to pay.

“Everything has gone up but the price of crabs!”

Stephen Spruill, like many others in the seafood business, would like to see data-based management that involved the input of fishermen.

“I’d work with scientists,” he added, “if I thought it’d better our standing.”

Listening to young fishermen and their mentors about ways to better their standing is what the “Next Generation” project is all about.

The Alaska Young Fishermen’s Network and Maine’s Commercial Fishermen’s Action Roundtable (C-FAR) provide good models for North Carolina to consider. The Young Fishermen’s Development Act was introduced in Congress this spring; it would provide training and support similar to the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program.

“Next Generation” project leaders are David Griffith of East Carolina University, Susan West of Hatteras Island, and Barbara Garrity-Blake of Gloucester. We are working with Sara Mirabilio of NC Sea Grant. For more information, come visit our table at Day at the Docks in Hatteras (September 16), drop me a line (garrityblake@gmail.com), and stay tuned for our winter roundtable sessions!

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

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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!

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