Southern Flounder FMP Supplement Update The many phone calls and emails you have sent to your State Representatives and Senators have been heard! The Senate has apparently agreed to remove the controversial language from the budget negotiations that would seek to stop the MFC Southern flounder supplement process from going forward. This is a small, yet significant victory, but the fight is far from over. Opponents of the Commission's effort to end overfishing of Southern flounder can still try to attach anti-supplement language to another pending non-budget bill. We will remain vigilant and on the look out at the General Assembly for any additional legislative efforts to stop the Commission from protecting this important coastal resource.
The focus is now back on the MFC as they are clear of any immediate threat of legislative interference in the Southern flounder supplement process. The plans for the Special Called meeting on September 16th have apparently been at least temporarily derailed by "scheduling conflicts" among some of the commissioners. This has led four of the commissioners, Laughridge, Shute, Wicker and Gorges, to submit letters to Chairman Corbett calling for a Special Called MFC meeting in September to resume discussions on the Southern flounder supplement, and presumably call for a final vote. The Chairman is also being lobbied by others who oppose the supplement to not call a meeting before the next regular MFC meeting in November. Obviously any attempts to reduce the commerial harvest before the fall season would be missed if the final supplement vote is postponed until mid-November. Instead of the Commission doing what is necessary to protect and conserve a public trust resource, as required by statute, the Southern flounder would once again be the loser in this on-going political battle to allow this resource to be exploited for the private benefit of a very few at the public's expense. Stay tuned!
September CCA NC Banquets! All Proceeds Raised Stay in North Carolina to Support Pro-Resource Conservation!
Wilson CCA NC Banquet - September 10th Please join us next week at the Wilson Elks Club, 2814 Field Stream Drive, doors open at 6:00 PM. This is the final opportunity to get tickets for this exciting kick-off to our fall fundraising season! Please contact Buzz Wilkinson, (919) 631-9935, Andy Boyd, (252) 289-5461, or Ron Dorsey, (252) 299-2138 to get your tickets today!
Onslow Bay CCA NC Banquet - September 24th At the Swansboro Rotary Club, doors open at 6:00 PM! Tickets and Corporate Tables are still available but going fast! Please contact Ray Howell, (910) 381-5188, Dan Ervin (252) 342-5883, Rocky Carter, (336) 423-9100, Bruce MacLachlan (760) 215-2266, or Jeff Allen (910) 389-7270.
Live Auctions feature inshore fishing trips donated by some of North Carolina's best guides; Costa Rica, Texas and Great Lakes fishing trips; a St. Thomas vacation package; jewelry; and unique furniture and artwork! For more information on what is available in your area, please call any of these Chapter contacts!
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