Waterfront

winter 2013

li v in g b o at i n g fis hi n g dreaming

Down the Hatch Oyster Season is Here

Buried Treasure

Coastal Federation Hands Out its Annual Awards

Rocking the Boat The End of the Private Ferry

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contents

m a g a z i n e

Vol. 7, Issue #4 WINTER

Published by: NCCOAST Phone: 252.247.7442 • 800.525.1403 201 N. 17th Street, Morehead City, NC 28557 nccoast.com

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Publisher Diane Tyler

Managing Editor Amanda Dagnino (editor@nccoast.com)

Staff Writer Katie Coleman

Sales Director Ashly Willis 252.342.2334 (sales@nccoast.com)

Account Executives Jasa Lewis 252.648.1272

Commercial Sales Jamie Bailey 252.241.9485

Creative Director Kim LaChance (kim@nccoast.com)

Layout/Design Kyle Dixon Graphics Erin Pallotti

Production Director Lead Pressman/Mail Center

Pressman

Commercial Press

Bindery Leader

Bindery Operator

Rudy Taitague Skip Hicks Allen Henry Anthony Stamper Edd Moore Jason Yates Rudy Taitague

Distribution Manager Dorrie Nicholson

Distribution Ricardo Rivera

Pre-Press Corey Giesey

Business Manager Georgia Lewis

Commercial Print Andrea Vangelist Amy Krysa

subscribe

NCCOAST Waterfront Magazine is distributed in four issues a year to select marinas, marine-related shops, visitor centers, advertiser locations and other high-traffic sites throughout North Carolina, and is also available by request at nccoast.com.

See below for subscription information. Entire contents, ad and graphic design and nccoast.com copyright 2013 by NCCOAST. Reproduction of any portion of this publication or its website without the publisher’s written consent is strictly prohibited.

Information is as accurate as possible at presstime.

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DOWN THE HATCH

With the cool weather, oysters, a Southern favorite, return to our menus.

6

ON THE WATERFRONT

Fishing Schools, the Chocolate Festival and more await residents and guests this winter.

Name:________________________________ Mailing Address:_________________________ State:_ ___ Zip Code:_ ___________________

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BURIED TREASURE

Email:_ _______________________________

The NC Coastal Federation doles out its annual awards for preservation.

One-Year Subscription: Four individual issues of Waterfront Magazine - $10

Subscriptions Available Online By Visiting

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10 MAKING WAVES

Private ferries will no longer be allowed to shuttle passengers to Cape Lookout National Seashore.

Rippling Through 12 Know the Ropes 13 Tournament Trail 15 Business Services nccoast.com

D

own the hatch

Southern Pearls Cool Weather Brings Oyster Season

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They’re as Southern as sweet tea and buttermilk biscuits and once the temperatures begin to dip, they’re near and dear to everyone’s heart. Oyster roasts are a tradition in the South. Sweatshirts and boots, a bonfire, a bushel or two of oysters, a cooler full of beer and plenty of Texas Pete and you have the makings of a great fall evening. Whether you’re on the beach or in the woods, oyster roasts are a great way to enjoy the cool weather with friends.

Oysters have earned something of a bad rap through the years, however, they’re a great source of protein and are full of minerals while being low in calories and those unwanted carbs. Any danger associated with oysters applies to eating them raw, so as long as your oyster steamer has a good handle on cooking the salty treats, they’re perfectly safe to enjoy.

According to the NC Division of Marine Fisheries, it’s important to purchase your shellfish from a reputable dealer or retailer. It is illegal for shellfish harvesters to sell directly to the public unless they are also certified shellfish dealers. These licensed dealers are inspected regularly and required to keep shellfish under refrigeration and keep sanitation records.

Oysters, like other bi-valves, must be sold live by law. Consumers will find that they should feel heavy and wet and be tightly clamped shut. Shoppers can ask to see the shellfish tag before making a purchase if they have any concerns. By law, the shellfish tag must be removed at the last point of sale and kept on file for tracking purposes, but consumers can always ask to see the tag to verify when the shellfish were harvested and what area they are from. For the best quality, shellfish should be consumed within seven days of harvest.

Keep oysters and clams refrigerated until you are ready to cook and eat them. Shellfish need to be kept at or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent bacterial growth.

Shellfish are living animals when you purchase them, so they can become contaminated by placing them on wet floors, splashing them with dirty water or dripping raw fish and other foods into their bag. Oysters in the shell should never be frozen. They’ll do fine in the refrigerator for up to two days, but they should be used as soon after purchase as possible.

Thoroughly wash shellfish prior to cooking. Remove all mud and dirt from the outside of the shellfish, using water and a stiff brush. When purchasing oysters from a fish market, odds are this dirty work has been taken care of for you.

Prior to cooking or raw consumption, discard any dead shellfish. Dead shellfish will have slightly gaping shells that will not close when tapped.

Enjoying oysters raw has long been a luxury, but it’s important to note that people with particular health concerns are more susceptible the bacteria oysters can contain. The most common bacteria is vibrio vulnificus, which can occur naturally in warm water similar to those found along the Crystal Coast. Since oysters feed through a filtration system, they easily absorb the variety of bacteria found within their environment.

According to a release from the US Food & Drug Administration people having a reaction to raw oysters will generally have symptoms within 24-48 hours of ingestion. These can include chills, fever, nausea, diarrhea, shock and skin lesions. In healthy people, the release notes that reactions are generally less severe. In individuals with certain health conditions, however, a vibrio infection can be quite dangerous. Those conditions include liver disease, iron overload, diabetes, cancer, stomach disorders or any illness that weakens the immune system.

Cooking does eliminate the concern of foodborne illnesses. If cooking at home, oysters should be added to water that is already steaming for about 5-10 minutes. When they are ready, the majority of the shells will have begun to open slightly. Be sure not to cook too many oysters in the same pot to ensure that the steam is well distributed among them.

But most importantly, enjoy. Take an old table outside – a piece of plywood on a couple of barrels works just fine, too. Dump your bounty out for all to grab, don a glove and get to shucking. There’s no better way to enjoy the autumn than a true Eastern North Carolina tradition. WF NCCOAST |

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n the waterfront

Get Schooled

Want to learn from the best about how to snag the big ones? The Crystal Coast is known for its abundant fishing opportunities and two winter fishing schools are sure to keep anglers reeling in the big ones.

The first of the new year is the Hands On Saltwater Fishing School, hosted by the Fisherman’s Post. In its sixth year, the program is scheduled for 7:30am-5pm on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Crystal Coast Civic Center, Morehead City.

The school is staffed with more than 12 local captains covering a range of topics, including techniques, equipment, strategy, locations, terminal tackle, electronics and bait. Throughout the day the school will present main seminars and several rigging stations operating concurrently so guests will always be able to find a session that interests them. The main seminars are lead by three captains working together to cover their particular subject material and give different perspectives on what works best for them.

The cost is $90 by Feb. 14 and $100 after. The price includes a fish school T-shirt, breakfast, snacks, drinks, a chicken or barbeque lunch, rigging materials, terminal tackle goodie bags and door prizes. Tickets are available at Chasin’ Tails Outdoors, West Marine in Morehead City, over the phone by calling 910-452-6378 or online by filling out the registration form at www.fishermanspost.com/fishing-school/morehead.

Next up is the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores Get Hooked Fishing School. The one-day course is held on

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Saturday, March 8 and is packed with presentations from the pros on a variety of topics and fishing techniques. The event includes participation in up to four sessions, plus mini-sessions and drop-in demonstrations, a catered lunch, drawings for fishing gear and fishing giveaways. Check in is at 8am and the last seminar ends at 4:30pm.

Wayne Justice, special activities coordinator for the aquarium, said that typically participants stay after the last session for the raffle and giveaways. Advance registration is required and space is limited. The cost is $60 per person, $54 for aquarium members. Register online at www.ncaquariums.com, by calling 252-247-4003 or stop by the visitor services desk at the aquarium.

Feast on Oysters in New Bern

WinterFeast is coming to Tryon Palace with a bounty of oysters, brews and comfort foods. Join the chefs from favorite New Bern restaurants for a down home buffet of steamed oysters, shrimp and grits, sandwiches, hearty soups and of course, Eastern North Carolina barbecue.

No matter what your taste buds prefer, this traditional North Carolina surf and turf is sure to leave you feeling full and happy.

WinterFeast is held at the NC History Center from 5:30-8:30pm on Friday, Jan. 31. This indoor/outdoor event gives guests the freedom to sit down and stay warm inside, or socialize outside on Bate Commons with food, drinks, a DJ and gorgeous views of the Trent River. Tickets are $30 if purchased before Jan. 15 and

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$35 after. Cost includes admission to WinterFeast, food and soft drinks. A cash bar is available for beer and wine. Tickets may be purchased online at www.tryonpalace.org/foundation, by phone at 252-639-3524 or at the Tryon Palace ticket desk.

The Big Easy Down East

Gloucester brings the traditional Mardi Gras celebration to Down East with the 23rd annual Gloucester Mardi Gras. Started by the Cajun Zydeco band Unknown Tongues, this event has grown to draw throngs of people to the community center. Focused more on the community and family aspect of Mardi Gras, Gloucester’s event supplies plenty of food, fun and music for all who attend.

Traditional Mardi Gras celebrations include a parade.

In a similar fashion, donations for food and supplies are collected throughout the year and gumbo, along with fried turkey and other local variations of Cajun favorites, is prepared for spectators to enjoy. Live music is provided all day by Unknown Tongues and the feast is announced with a Fool’s Procession.

A king and queen cake is made for the kids in attendance. A small baby doll is baked into each of the cakes, and when the cake is cut and served, the boy and girl who find the doll in their pieces of cake are declared the king and queen. The two receive a coronation and the parents have to bake the cakes the following year.

Costumes are highly encouraged, and the event

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even provides supplies to make feathered masks and hats on site. Gloucester Mardi Gras is held from 11am6pm on Saturday, Feb. 15 at the Gloucester Community Center, located at the corner of Pigott and Ferry Dock roads. To donate gumbo items, contact 252-729-6261, 252-729-8021 or visit www.unknowntongues.com.

Calling All Chocolate Lovers

There will be enough chocolate to keep you happy all year at the Carolina Chocolate Festival, Feb. 1-2. The Crystal Coast Civic Center houses myriad booths and vendors offering all things chocolate. Expect goodies in all varieties, including a chocolate fountain, chocolatecovered fruit, cakes, truffles, tortes, bars, ice cream and cocoa beans. Sample and shop at a variety of vendors all with one common denominator – chocolate.

The festival gives you the opportunity to delve a little deeper into the sweet stuff with extra events and competitions. A pudding eating contest and a chocolate bake-off are two of the events that allow visitors to show off a special set of skills. Special outside events include a golf tournament, chocolate brunch, chocolate spa and others.

Local charities benefit most from this event. Volunteers from community nonprofits are invited to participate and assist during the event. In turn, the agencies they represent receive a portion of the event’s proceeds.

The event runs from 9am-6pm on Saturday and 10am3pm on Sunday. For a full list of events, visit www.carolinachocolatefestival.com. WF

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uried Treasures

Onslow Woman Wins Lifetime Achievement Award

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An Onslow County woman who saved an island in Stump Sound and preserved an historic boat landing received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the NC Coastal Federation this year.

Lena Ritter of Tar Landing is one of four recipients of 2013 Pelican Awards along the central NC coast. The others are Dana Edgren, a teacher in Carteret County; J. Barber Enterprises, contractors in Swansboro and Raleigh; and Geodynamics, an engineering firm in Morehead City. Thirteen people, groups and businesses across North Carolina won awards this year.

The annual Pelican Awards recognize exemplary action to protect and preserve the coastal environment.

“These awards are our way of recognizing extraordinary commitment to protecting and preserving our coast,” said Todd Miller, the federation’s founder and executive director. “We should never underestimate the power that many people bring to the effort of assuring that our coast remains a healthy and vibrant place. We can’t thank them enough.”

Ritter, a native of Onslow County and a third generation fisher, in 1982 began organizing local fishers and families against a marina and condo project on 50-acre Permuda Island in Stump Sound because she feared the resulting stormwater would ruin clam and oyster beds. The fight took five years, but the island was preserved and is now part of the state’s coastal reserve system.

Even more importantly, Ritter’s work led to the adoption of more effective coastal management rules to prevent polluted runoff and inappropriately sited marinas in all 20 coastal counties. She also focused statewide and national media attention on the need to protect and restore our coastal resources to maintain traditional coastal communities.

For her efforts, Ritter in 1987 received the first Nancy Susan Reynolds Award for extraordinary leadership at the grassroots level from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. Ritter, a former federation board president, later worked to protect public access at Morris Landing, a boat landing that had been used by local people for generations. She worked with the state and the federation, which eventually bought and preserved the 52-acres that now provide a waterfront park for nearby Holly Ridge and a site to stock oyster shells and load barges for

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the NC Division of Marine Fisheries’ restoration programs.

Edgren, a third grade teacher at White Oak Elementary School in Cape Carteret, knows that hands-on activities and partnerships benefit students of all ages. The federation has been working with Edgren since 2007 to integrate school rain gardens into her teaching curriculum. Last year a working greenhouse was built on school property.

Edgren worked to get solar panels for the greenhouse, rallied other teachers to install composters and rain barrels and engaged students in growing native plants in the greenhouse for the rain gardens.

The students also led school-wide tours of the rain garden, created nametags for the plants and customized the greenhouse with flowers, work tables and signs.

Jason and Wayne Barber from J. Barber Enterprises have donated their time and resources to help the federation to complete various stormwater retrofit projects in Carteret and Onslow counties.

This father and son team has built six rain gardens at Queens Creek and Swansboro elementary schools, the Tiller School and the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center on Harkers Island and two bio-retention areas at the Croatan National Forest Recreation Area at Cedar Point and at Dudley’s Marina as well as a stormwater wetland at Western Park.

Chris and Sloan Freeman of Geodynamics designed the company’s new offices in Morehead City with the environment as a priority.

Elements included green building features like geothermal heating and cooling, extra insulation for energy efficiency, energy efficient light fixtures, plumbing for rainwater toilet flushing, low-impact development of parking areas and low VOC paint and flooring materials. With the opening of Geodynamics in 2012 they are providing a model for green practices.

30 years, the NC Coastal Federa For more than tion has teamed with citizens and organizations to protect the coastal rivers, creeks, sounds and beaches of North Carolina. To learn more about its efforts, visit www.nccoast.org. WF

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M aking waves

Rocking Boat e h t

The End of the Private Ferry

By Katie Coleman For those without a boat, family trips to the Cape Lookout National Seashore consists of taking one of the several passenger ferries from Harkers Island, Beaufort or Morehead City. While cruising over the waters, the captain shares childhood memories of growing up Down East, the best places to go shrimping and tales of taking countless other passengers over the years to the Cape.

The ride is often more fun than spending time on the island. When the day is over, planning has already begun for the next trip, usually with the same ferry captain. For most, those familiar faces won’t be seen behind the wheel of a ferry boat next season, however. The private ferries that once thrived on the waterways are soon to be a thing of the past.

For decades, passage to the national park has been provided through individual vendors, called concessionaires. In 2013, there were four ferries departing from Harkers Island, two from Beaufort and one from Morehead City, all taking visitors to Cape Lookout and Shackleford Banks. Tourists had options. Because of the competition, rates were kept low and customer service was always top notch.

Starting in 2014, the National Park Service (NPS) will provide a single ferry service under a concession contract. Only one provider is 10 |

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legally allowed to ferry passengers to the Cape, defined as milepost 40 south to Power Squadron Spit, from any location between Harkers Island and Morehead City. The NPS awarded the concession contract in October, putting private ferry businesses in jeopardy.

Where It All Began

The decision to end private ferry services was not made overnight. With the passage of the Concessions Improvement Act in 1998, the service was required to look at commercial visitor services and was directed to put those services under a contract instead of a permit. Passenger ferries to a national seashore are considered a commercial visitor service, so the NPS was required to consolidate all ferry services into one contract.

Pat Kenney, superintendant at Cape Lookout, explained that the consolidation for this location was considered, in a large part, because of the state of the real estate market. The first talks to establish a ferry contract occurred when real estate was booming in Beaufort and more locals were Linda Sandbo Photo selling property to developers. He said that many of these ferries left from private lands and there was no guarantee that they would be available in the long term. If the waterfront ferry sites would have been lost, access to the park would have been questionable.

“We feel that this, in the long term, ensures that the public will have access to Cape Lookout,” he said.

In 2008, the NPS completed the Commercial Services Plan for Cape Lookout, which included concession services. Once the plan was deemed financially stable, the service offered a prospectus, or request for bids. Anyone who thought they could compete was allowed to submit a proposal. Kenney said a panel was formed to evaluate and rate prospects for the contract. The panel, which was composed of NPS employees from outside of the area, evaluated each bid on qualifications, past experience in this field, safety records and mechanisms, protection of the environment and the ability to provide services for the visitors.

The various vehicle ferries in operation out of Atlantic and Davis are not affected by this contract, even if they also carry passengers. The NPS determined in 2011 that it was not economically feasible to include automobile ferries, as additional land would be required.

“The financial feasibility didn’t come through as strong in that area. For this ferry, we had that land base in Harkers Island and worked to find a partnership site,” said Kenney.

Partnership sites were looked at in Morehead City and Beaufort. The location the Town of Morehead City offered was at the intersection of 10th and Shepherd streets and the location in Beaufort, which eventually won the partnership, is at Grayden Paul Park on Front Street.

“Beaufort had a lot to offer and is providing space in town hall to serve as a contact point for the park service. We think it’s going to be a benefit to both the town of Beaufort and the park service,” said Kenney.

The service was also concerned about the experience of the passengers. Kenney said he believes the larger boats offered by the contract service will be more comfortable and easier to access. The service plans to take advantage of the ferry ride by using it as a way to educate visitors about the park.

“We have a partner with the Waterfowl Museum and the Visitor Center,” added Kenney.

“We feel like we can provide more information about the Down East area and the communities by bringing them to the end of the road. We think this is in the best interest of the park, the park service, as well as the public that comes to visit Cape Lookout.”

As one would expect, the decision to switch to a concession contract did not win the favor of everyone, especially local vendors. Mike Weaver, a managing partner of Cape Point Marina in Harkers Island, said he was still reeling from the NPS decision.

“It’s something that the local ferry operators have been fighting for years. I’m amazed the civil governments feel the need to put seven, eight, maybe nine local vendors out of service.

It’s a shame that it seems as though it’s being restricted by our government.”

Weaver said that the ferry service is not just about getting visitors to the island as quick as possible, but rather to give them an experience. Cape Point Marina, like most of the private ferry services, had repeat customers year after year. To him, this decision has to do with park facilities.

“In my opinion, the reason it’s being done is to drive more people to the park service facilities, and maybe the Core Sound Museum facilities to justify their existence. Without foot traffic there may not be a need for their existence.”

Kenney said the service recognized that there would be impacts to the existing ferry businesses.

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“We feel the benefits of going to a concession ferry will benefit the visitor better and will give a better product to the visitor,” the superintendent said.

Current State of Things

The NPS looked at the data of the existing ferry services to determine how to design the fleet outlined in the prospectus. Kenney said that with this fleet, the service will still be able to manage the same number of people that are currently being taken to the Cape.

George Aswad, winner of the ferry contract and current owner of Beaufort Pirate Adventures and the Crystal Coast Lady, said he plans to operate two 49-passenger vessels and two smaller skiffs at each terminal for a total of 8 vessels. His ferry business, Island Express Ferry Service, was formed specifically for the park service bid, though he said he has been in the ferry and charter business for 33 years. He said he and his partners decided to put in a bid because they thought it would be a good chance to expand their business. While a variety of rumors have circulated, when asked, Aswad would only disclose that he had silent partners.

Perry Barrow, owner of Outer Banks Ferry Service, said he was the only other person to put in a bid, and the only local. He has been operating a ferry for 26 years. Barrow asked the service to give him a debriefing to explain why the contract wasn’t awarded to him. This is a typical service offered by the NPS if it’s requested, but the service has yet to follow through with Barrow’s inquiry.

Weaver took issue with the prospectus, and decided not to enter a bid. He said that he found it hard to believe that if a service met the requirements of the prospectus, that service could turn a profit.

“If you didn’t already have the full complement of vessels to meet the bid requirements, (continued on page 14) NCCOAST | 11

K

now the Ropes

Boating and Hunting Safety

The NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s Home from the Hunt campaign is reminding waterfowl hunters who use boats to practice both boating safety and hunting safety.

“Statistics show more waterfowl hunters die from hypothermia and drowning than gunshot wounds,” said Maj. Chris Huebner, the state boating safety coordinator. “Hypothermia is the loss of body heat and, left untreated, can prove fatal. Exposure to extreme cold, such as being in cold water or wearing wet clothes in cold conditions, can increase the chance of hypothermia.”

Wear protective clothing and watch the weather, he said. Let someone know where you are hunting and an approximate return time.

Additional boating safety tips include: • Always wear a life vest.

• Don't overload the boat, especially with passengers.

• Keep hunting dogs prone in the center of the boat.

• Never move about the boat with a loaded firearm.

In the event of capsizing or swamping, stay with the boat. It will provide some flotation and will be the initial focus of a rescue attempt, said Maj. Huebner. Waterfowl hunters should handle shotguns in a safe manner. Be aware of muzzle direction at all times and never shoot while standing in an unsecured boat.

To hunt waterfowl in North Carolina, individuals must possess proper hunting licenses, permits, and federal migratory bird hunting and conservation stamp. Call 1-800-675-0263 for additional waterfowl hunting information.

Boat registration fees in NC to increase

North Carolina boating registration fees increased at the beginning of October thanks to the passage of Senate Bill 402. The legisla-

tion was originally introduced by Sen. Norm Sanderson (R-Pamlico) and Sen. Harry Brown (R-Onslow).

The new fees double the rate for boats less than 26 feet in length, from $15 to $30 per year. Vessels greater than 26 feet will now cost $50 per year to register. Three year registration is available for $90 and $150.

The NC Wildlife Resources Commission is required under the bill to transfer 50 percent of the fees collected to the new Shallow Draft Navigation Channel and Lake Dredging Fund.

“The General Assembly recognized a need to find funding to maintain and dredge shallow draft inlets and navigation channels – many of which have historically been maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers,” said Wildlife Resources Commission Executive Director Gordon Myers.

“Over the past 15 years, these federal funds have been reduced or eliminated and other states and local governments have created similar funding sources to maintain their waterways due to the decrease in federal funds. The funds can be used for dredging in coastal and inland waters and any local government applying for the funds has to provide a 50 percent match.”

Two additional changes were included in the bill. Boat owners will now be required to register a vessel in North Carolina if the boat is in the state for more than 90 consecutive days. In addition, the legislation eliminates the free one-year registration renewal for owners with a commercial fishing license. Those owners will now pay the normal rate based on the length of the vessel.

For more information on the new rates and changes, call the commission at 800-628-3773 or visit www.ncwildlife.org/vesselregistration. WF

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ournament trail

In most regions of the country, fish tales are as abundant as mosquitoes. In Eastern North Carolina, however, fishermen don’t have too much time to tell tales – they’re too busy reeling in the big ones!

Whether chasing the elusive blue marlin or casting a line from the coastline in hopes of nabbing a flounder during one of the region’s popular fall surf fishing tournaments, part-time and full-time residents find year-round activity in the waters of Eastern North Carolina.

No matter how you approach it, fishing is a traditional coastal activity that the whole family can enjoy. Here’s the rundown on the area’s largest annual fishing tournaments for 2014. Tight lines to all.

TOURNAMENT TRAIL Big fish, big money, big excitement…

MAY

Reelin’ For Research. Charity fishing tournament in Morehead City for UNC Children’s Hospital Research Division. The entry fee is $1,000. Details: reelinforresearch.org or info@reelinforresearch.org. *Hatteras Village Offshore Open. The annual kick off for the NC Governor’s Cup Series Tournament brings prizes for marlin releases and weighins for tuna, dolphin and wahoo. Details: 1-888-544-8115.

JWR Gaffer Dolphin Tournament. With boundaries from Hatteras to Morehead City, this contest for billfish, wahoo, tuna and cobia includes women’s and youth divisions. Details: www.hillsboroughsfc.com.

*Ducks Unlimited Band the Billfish Tag and Release Tournament. NC Governor’s Cup Series Tournament with prizes for marlin releases and weigh-ins for tuna, dolphin and wahoo. Weigh-ins at Big Rock Landing on the Morehead City waterfront. Details: 252-237-3717 or www.bandthebillfish.com.

Oriental Rotary In-Shore Slam/Tarpon Tournament. Celebrating more than 20 years, these dueling in-shore tournaments raise money for the Rotary’s charitable work and scholarships. Details: 252-249-0400, www. orientalrotary.org.

*Swansboro Rotary Memorial Day Bluewater Tournament. NC Governor’s Cup Series Tournament with prizes for marlin releases and weigh-ins for tuna, dolphin and wahoo. Weigh-ins at Big Rock Landing in Morehead City and Casper’s Marina in Swansboro. Details: 252-422-9100 or www. kingbluewater.com.

Fisherman’s Post Wrightsville Beach Inshore Challenge. Offers flounder and speckled trout divisions, as well as divisions for aggregate weight, senior angler, lady angler and junior angler. Wrightsville Beach Marina, Wrightsville Beach. Details: www.fishermanspost.com.

JUNE

*Pirates Cove Billfish Tournament, NC Governor’s Cup Series Tournament in Manteo with prizes for marlin releases and weigh-ins for tuna, dolphin and wahoo. Details: 252-473-1015 or www.pcbgt.com.

Fisherman’s Post Southport Inshore Challenge. Offers flounder and speckled trout divisions, as well as divisions for aggregate weight, senior angler, lady angler and junior angler. Details: www.fishermanspost.com.

Invitational Blue Marlin Release Tournament. Tuna, dolphin and wahoo weigh-ins daily during this five-day event at the Hatteras Marlin Club. Details: 252-986-2454 or www.hatterasmarlinclub.com. *Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. NC Governor’s Cup Series Tournament with prizes for marlin releases and weigh-ins for tuna, dolphin and wahoo. Total prize money tops $1 million. Weigh-ins on the Morehead City waterfront. Details: 252-247-3575 or www.thebigrock.com.

CCCF Spanish Mackerel/Dolphin Fishing Tournament. Carteret Community College Foundation tourney helps raise funds for college programs and scholarships. Weigh-in is slated at The Boathouse in Beaufort, a sponsor of the event. Details: Wes Daniels, 252-222-6222. *Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament. NC Governor’s Cup Series Tournament set in Wrightsville Beach with prizes for marlin releases and weighins for tuna, dolphin and wahoo. Details: 910-256-6666 or www.capefearbluemarlintournament.com.

JULY

Hatteras Grand Slam Billfish Tournament. Raising awareness of the offshore billfish fishing in Hatters during the summer, this tournament continues to grow with each passing year. Details: 252-986-2500, www. hatterasgrandslam.com. *Barta Boys and Girls Club Billfish Tournament. NC Governor’s Cup Series Tournament set on the Beaufort waterfront with prizes for marlin releases and weigh-ins for tuna, dolphin and wahoo. Kid-friendly event offers low entry fees, trophies instead of prize money and junior angler

prizes. Details: 252-808-2286 or www.bartabillfish.com.

Onslow Bay Spanish Mackerel Tournament. With an entry fee of $75 per vessel, it’s hard to beat this one-day tournament in Swansboro.

AUGUST

Onslow Bay Open King Mackerel Tournament. Based in Swansboro, this annual tournament is 14 this year and helps raise money for a variety of charitable projects. Details: www.obokmt.us.

Hook and Bones Redfish Open. Held in conjunction with Swansboro Parks & Recreation, this new tournament (it turns 3 this year) paid out more than $12,000 in 2013. Details: www.hookandbones.com.

Sneads Ferry Rotary Club King Mackerel Tournament. Held at New River Marina, this charitable tournament boosts the Rotary’s community support and showcases the region’s great fishing. Details: www.sneadsferryrotary.com.

SEPTEMBER

Atlantic Beach King Mackerel Tournament. Presented by Blue Water Promotions, this annual tournament is headquartered in the Atlantic Station Shopping Center. Details: www.bluewaterpromo.com.

Flounder Surf Fishing Tournament. Free registration. All flounder must be caught on foot (surf, pier, inlet or sound) from Fort Macon to Emerald Isle. Sponsored by the Emerald Isle Park and Recreation Dept. and The Reel Outdoors. Details: 252-354-6350.

OCTOBER

Gordie McAdams Speckled Trout Surf Fishing Tournament. Free registration. All trout must be caught on foot (surf, pier, inlet or sound) from Fort Macon to Emerald Isle. Sponsored by the Emerald Isle Parks & Recreation Dept. Details: 252-354-6350.

Swansboro Rotary King Mackerel Tournament. With a $30,000 guaranteed first place award, this popular tournament takes advantage of the region’s great fall fishing. Details: www.kingbluewater.com. *Indicates a Governor’s Cup Billfishing Tournament

Junior angler awards are also presented. Details: www.obsfc.us.

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M aking waves (continued from page 11)

there’s probably a couple hundred thousand dollars just getting ready for the service,” he said.

The prospectus outlines the initial investment by the concessioner. It estimates the cost by the concessioner of personal property (ferry vessels) to be $1,418,600. This figure is included in a table for the estimated initial investment by the concessioner, though the service includes the statement that all bidders are responsible for conducting their own due diligence and calculating their own estimates. The estimated initial investment includes $35,400 in start-up costs and $35,400 in working capital.

“You can’t respond to this unless you have a financial plan to back it up,” said Weaver.

For him, however, the decision to not bid ultimately came down to the uncertainty of the agreement.

“What if he doesn’t make any money?

What if people don’t want to ride that park service arrangement? That’s a big risk he’s taking,” Weaver said. “What if the government decides to change its mind? What if they decide to not continue the service? As an operator, I felt like it wasn’t a good business decision to respond. There was too much risk for the reward, in my opinion.”

Kenney said that the contract that Aswad won requires the concessioner to operate year-round and offer a minimum of eight or nine trips a day in the summer. The maximum rate that the concessioner can charge to ride the ferry for the first season is $15. Pricing will be evaluated on a yearly basis and the NPS has to approve any rate increases.

“You have to build flexibility into this to some degree because we don’t have all the answers,” Kenney said.

Aswad and the NPS are currently working to have the preliminary schedules approved.

His plan is to run a minimum of 15 round trips from Beaufort to Shackleford Banks and 19 round trips from Harkers Island to Cape Lookout. His service will have extra trips that go from Beaufort to Cape Lookout and from Harkers Island to Shackleford Banks. The frequency of the tours will decrease in the off season. Aswad said the fees are all under discussion with the NPS, but that they will be offering special discounts to schools and educational groups.

The 10-year contract between the NPS and the ferry service also includes a franchise fee, to be paid to the park service. Both Kenney and Aswad declined to disclose the amount of the franchise fee. A draft concession contract was published by the US Dept. of the Interior regarding ferry services to Shackleford Banks and South Core Banks (contract number CALO001-14).

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Section 10(a) of the draft contract states, “(1) For the term of this Contract, the Concessioner shall pay to the Director for the privileges granted under this Contract a franchise fee equal to nine percent of the Concessioner’s gross receipts for the preceding year or portion of a year. (2) Neither the Concessioner nor the Director shall have a right to an adjustment of the fees except as provided below. The Concessioner has no right to waiver of the fee under any circumstances.” Section 10(b) goes on to state that the fee shall be due on a monthly basis.

Previously, the NPS charged private ferries a fee in order to obtain a permit to take passengers to the Cape. This fee was charged on an annual basis. The ferries also had to pay to have vessels inspected by the Coast Guard, but no other revenue was provided to the park service. Based on the prospectus’ revenue projections for 2014, the NPS will make $81,315 annually with a 9 percent franchise fee.

The new consolidated service will depart from two gateways, Harkers Island and Beaufort.

The Harkers Island ferry will be launched from the NPS visitor center at the end of the island and the Beaufort ferry will be launched from Grayden Paul Park on Front Street, which is currently home to the town dock. Kenney said that the service entered into an agreement with the Town of Beaufort for the docks and town hall, and they are currently working together on a parking plan. The question and answer portion of the prospectus states,“The Use and Occupancy Agreement with the Town of Beaufort provides exclusive use of 85 parking spaces within 1,500 feet of the Town Hall for concession operation passengers and concessioner staff.”

The Grayden Paul Park dock will be used to launch the ferry and tickets will be sold from a ticket counter in the Visitor Information Center located within town hall.

Kenney doesn’t see this plan as causing any issues with vehicle or boat traffic.

“The biggest provider of ferry services is about a quarter mile from our building and carries a majority of the visitors from the park and we’re at the end of the road,” said Kenney.

“I don’t see traffic as being a major impact on Harkers Island. I don’t see this as a major increase in boat traffic in Taylors Creek.”

Now that the contract has been awarded, the existing operations must find an alternative source of revenue or close their doors for good.

The Future of Ferries

As for Island Express Ferry Services, Aswad is moving forward with the contract and preparing for the 2014 season. He has been contacting private ferry owners about purchasing vessels. Weaver said his company was contacted but that he seriously doubts they’ll sell the boats. Aswad was able to purchase one vessel from Calico Jack’s, which he said was the only larger vessel in existence.

Aswad held a meeting on Harkers Island for individuals from the other ferry operators who are now looking for jobs. He said there were about 70 people in attendance and everyone that they hired was a local ferry captain as well as deckhands and office staff.

“We are working as hard as we can and put everything we can into it, and hopefully it will be a profitable business,” he said. “We have a great group of people we’ve hired already. We are going to do extensive training with all the captains and employees this year and I think we’ll have a great season.”

For the private ferry operators, the future of their businesses is uncertain. Barrow said he will transform Outer Banks Ferry Service, which departs from Beaufort, but did not elaborate on his future plans. He has been taking people to Shackleford Banks for 26 years and knows he can no longer continue to do that. Calico Jack’s Ferry out of Harkers Island has updated its webpage to state that this is its last year in business.

Weaver is still working out a plan for Cape Point Marina.

“The impact to us is significant, financially,” he said. “Our ferry operations are a good portion of our business and it may ultimately determine whether we stay in business or go out of business at that location.”

Weaver is looking into changing from being a ferry service to offering tours. He said they’re looking at doing tours around Harkers Island and Down East and dolphin watches, but there’s not much you can do that is not regulated by the park service.

“I think some of the other operators have some of the same ideas to provide other services that people want,” said Weaver. “What is there to look at at Cape Lookout? The lighthouse doesn’t change from one year to the next. If you don’t go out there to shell, fish or walk up that lighthouse, what else do you do out there? The experience with that captain talking about history of that area and the local knowledge they impart on those visitors, that’s what the riders enjoy.” WF

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Artistic Tile & Stone.......................................................12 Big Kahuna Pools..........................................................15 Cape Pointe Tours...........................................................9 Carters Machine Hydraulics............................................3 Duocraft Cabinets...........................................................9 EJW Outdoors.................................................................2 Flatwoods Outfitters.........................................................9 NC Dept. of Agriculture.................................. Back Cover Open Water, Inc............................................................12 Putnam Real Estate.........................................................2 Sanitary Fish Market & Restaurant..................................3 Shoco Marine..................................................................3 Whaler Inn.......................................................................3 West Marine...................................................................15

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