Speckled Trout, Striped Bass, and Red Drum

Local groups, including the Ocracoke Working Watermen’s Association, Ocracoke Civic and Business Association, and the County of Hyde are taking steps to oppose this legislature and hoping citizens and visitors will do the same. They agree that making these fish off limits for commercial fishermen would be detrimental to the island economy, as well as coastal communities across the state. 

The Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) is responsible for the initiative, which has been a repeated attempt on their behalf since 2009. They allege the legislation will “help foster a recreational fishery currently worth exponentially more in dollars and jobs than the commercial fishery.” The CCA also claims “very few, if any, commercial fishermen are dependent on harvests of these three species.”

But the Ocracoke Working Watermen’s Association (OWWA) begs to differ. For Ocracoke fishermen, the harvest of these fish supports economic diversity in the community – most notably after storms when the tourism economy is depressed. In addition, OWWA cites these three species as important factors in maximizing income for commercial fishermen. Although the landing numbers aren’t high, they provide fishing families a pay check during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall by allowing fishermen to target what’s available. 

This year, the bill is dubbed “2013 Fisheries Economic Development Act.” Similar legislation has been up for consideration in years past (dating back to 2009), but as a stand-alone “Gamefish Bill.” The previous proposals died, but this one looks to have more support, with four primary sponsors and seven co-sponsors. In addition, several provisions are added to the Gamefish designation.

The legislation reads:  “An act to designate red drum, spotted sea trout and striped bass as coastal game fish; to compensate commercial fishermen for certain losses due to coastal game fish designations; to increase Coastal Recreational Fishing License fees; to appropriate funds to support the Marine Fisheries Observer Program; and to provide funding for the dredging of shallow draft navigation channels.”

Adding the dredging provision, according to the Ocracoke Civic and Business Association (OBCA), is “a pernicious way to obtain one goal at the expense of another and we urge you to separate the dredging appropriation out of this bill. Passing HB 983 will devastate our local commercial fishing industry, which is a vital part of our very small island economy.” They urge legislators to kill this bill and introduce another for dredging.

Earlier this week, OCBA Secretary Connie Leinbach drafted a letter to send to representatives and elected officials on behalf of the organization. OBCA is not an exclusive advocate for commercial fishermen, rather a support vehicle for Ocracoke commerce. “Freshly caught fish is a major tourist attraction on this island,” according to OBCA.

The bill goes on to reference a fund of no more than $1 million that will be used to compensate fishermen for their gear and loss of sale. The OCBA questions how much of that money will divided among many commercial fishermen and asserts the funds will not replace the fact that fishing is Ocracoke’s heritage and livelihood. “We don’t want handouts. Moreover – and most importantly – these fish are part of the local diet that both tourists and locals enjoy eating, in restaurants or at home,” states the OCBA position letter.

OWWA also penned a position statement on HB 983, which is available at the Ocracoke Fish House. Included in their correspondence is a list of legislators to contact and key points to express when opposing game fish designation. On top of their list is the sentiment that Gamefish status is not needed to maintain healthy stocks of red drum, speckled trout or striped bass. Furthermore, they cite DMF statistics that show recreational discards of the fish total more than commercial landings and assert that the CCA’s claims of increased tourism because of Gamefish designation are unrealistic.

Hyde commissioners took action last year to oppose the game fish bill by passing a formal resolution. According to Hyde Planner Kris Noble, she expects officials to again express opposition at the May 6 meeting of Hyde County Commissioners. She acknowledged the negative effects such legislature would have on the Hyde economy and noted a resolution on behalf of the county was in the works to oppose this specific bill. 

Even the Division of Marine Fisheries opposes the bill, asserting it goes directly against the NC Fisheries Reform Act, the legislation that provides guidance for fisheries regulations in the state. A statement from DMF Public Information Officer Patricia Smith says the agency has numerous concerns with the House Bill 983, but the main concern is the direct contradiction to the NC Fisheries Reform Act because it cuts out the commercial user group.

“Designating game fish status for any coastal species is a departure from this policy, giving the recreational sector preference over the commercial sector,” states the release. DMF has taken the same stance each time the issue has been brought to the NC General Assembly.

Representative Paul Tine, who serves Hyde, Dare, Beaufort and Washington counties, has expressed displeasure, as well. “This bill is a thinly-veiled effort by special interest groups to accomplish one thing: to eliminate commercial fishermen from catching trout, rockfish and drum,” stated Tine in a release from his office. “Commercial fishing is vital to our economy, we should be focused on finding ways to support our commercial fishing industry, rather than adding new limitations and regulations.”

Last year, coastal counties as well as the NC Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Board expressed opposition of the Gamefish Bill. Right now, HB 983 has passed the first reading and been referred to the Commissioner on Commerce and Job Development. If favorable, it will be referred to finance, and then (if favorable), appropriations. If the bill passes, rules would become effective July 1, 2013.