Fisheries In Jeopardy?

This post is a little out of the ordinary, and not a fishing report. It does, however, have much to do with fishing. There is much being discussed and considered right now on the national level concerning our fisheries, and fishing in general. Every recreational fishermen, commercial fisherman, and coastal business owner holds a vested interest in the laws passed governing fishing. Because of more advanced fishing techniques, and a higher than ever commercial demand for the marine resources, measures are needed to insure that our children, and grandchildren are able to enjoy the sport we love so much.

We must be carful, however. There are some that believe fishing is wrong, and fishermen are cruel. They have proposed long term (30 year) closures of specific species of fish such as the grouper, and they would like to place more Marine Protected Areas (MPA's, much like a wildlife refuge except in the ocean), along our coast. These MPA's would severely limit fishing opportunities when and where they are implemented. These changes will affect each and every person affiliated with the fishing industry. The people that are pushing for these extreme measures have substantial amounts of pull on the leadership of this country. They are fighting, as I type this, to end fishing as we know it.

We must make sure to show the leaders of the United States just how many fishermen there are, and what fishing means to us. As Herbert Hoover once said: "To go fishing is an accepted and valid reason for escape. It requires not explanation." We must fight to keep it that way. This is not a time that anyone can stand idly by and just "let someone else fight this one". Each and every person must stand up and voice their concerns; let us fish! Don’t get me wrong, I am all for effective and fair management regulations. I am as interested as anyone in the future of fishing, and have a vested interest in all sides. I have recreationally fished since before I could walk, my family has been in the fishing business for over 50 years, I enjoy going out to dinner and being able to order a plate of fresh fish, and lastly, I would love to someday be able to share the joy of fishing with my children. So yes, changes must be made in the fisheries management, and compromises between all the different entities involved will have to be made. The measures taken must be as fair and balanced as possible though. Simply shutting down complete fisheries and sections of beach/ocean, as the environmental extremists would have done, is not the answer. Commercial fishermen may have to make certain adjustments and sacrifices, and the recreational fishermen might have to let certain fish grow a little more before they put them in the cooler. But am I willing to throw a few fish back, and pay an extra dollar or two for my fish sandwich to insure the future of our fishery? Absolutely! It is a small price to pay for what God and the ocean has blessed us with.

We, as fishermen, must accept the compromises, and band together in this fight, if fishing, as we know it is to continue. First, we must fight to end the control that the extremists hold in Washington. We must fight to show our Congressmen and Congresswomen what fishing means to us. We must fight to improve the quality of the science that guides the making of fisheries laws. Science is supposed to be unbiased fact, not interpreted opinion that has been bent to favor one side. Once we have ensured that our rights to fish are safe, we must not revert back to the old ways of infighting amongst ourselves (commercial vs. rec. etc). Everyone must make the sacrifices necessary to ensure the future of this sport. We must prove that we are the best suited to be the stewards of this valuable resource.

This is an urgent matter, and one that is close to my heart. Please make sure, as a fishermen, and stewards of the oceans resources, that you take the time to become informed on this subject. I understand that time is a valuable commodity, but take a minute to think about what fishing has meant, and means to you, and then sit down and write your elected officials and tell them that very same thing. Let them know that this is a serious issue, let them know that if they don’t support balanced fisheries management, they will not receive your vote. This is the power you hold over them. Thomas Jefferson once wrote: “When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. When the government fears the people, there is liberty.” Lets work to put the fear back in the government, and establish liberty within our fisheries!

Thank you for your help in preserving our fishing rights and future!

Capt. Rob Orr

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

301058