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| Fishing for Solutions |
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The idea of a recreational license for North Carolina saltwater anglers is not new, it’s been debated and discussed for well over a decade. The General Assembly conducted studies in 1994 and 1996 to determine if North Carolina should join most other coastal states in licensing saltwater anglers. Both studies determined that a recreational license for saltwater anglers was needed because it would greatly enhance the quality of data collected for the recreational harvest of our coastal resources. The studies also concluded all resident and nonresident recreational fishermen harvesting fish in North Carolina should contribute to the conservation and enhancement of those resources through license revenues. Monies generated by the sale of a recreational license would provide funds to improve fishing opportunities along the coast through the construction of additional access sites like piers and boat ramps, as well as through the enhancement of the artificial reef program. Funds could also be used to conduct research, improve enforcement and increase education about conserving our fisheries resources. The proposed license has taken many shapes over the last several years. The question of cost and the types of license available (e.g., weekend, lifetime, coordination with the Wildlife Resources Commission, etc.) needs to be resolved, as well as how revenues will be spent and who will be required to purchase a license. Please keep in mind the quality and usefulness of data collected from a license is diminished with every exemption added. For example, if the recreational license is not required for anglers that fish from shore, piers or charter boats, then the data we would collect from a license would not accurately reflect the number of anglers harvesting fish. The bottom line is how many fishermen are catching how many fish. |
| It’s Up To You |
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When fisheries managers don’t have complete data the fishery will be managed on the data that is available. This can result in overly restrictive management which is wasteful or can result in continued overfishing and declining catches. In either case, fishermen are the losers. It is in the long-term interest of all of the citizens of our state to have a saltwater recreational fishing license so that the best data possible is being used to manage our valuable fisheries. Simply put, better data means better management of our fisheries resources. Better management of our fisheries means future generations of fishermen and consumers will be able to enjoy catching and eating fresh North Carolina seafood. So do your part, cast your support behind the creation of this important license – the future of North Carolina’s fisheries depends on you.
N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries |
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| NC Division of Marine Fisheries - 3441 Arendell Street - Morehead City, NC 28557 - 252-726-7021 or 800-682-2632 |