When I was growing up in Carteret County, commercial and recreational fishermen worked together. Over the past few decades there has become a rift between the commercial and recreational fishing industries. There is a belief and fear that they cannot both survive. This is a false assumption, fueled by the constant battle for the survival of both.
Commercial fishing was the life's blood of Carteret County at one time. Then it was discovered that Carteret County boast what could be called, some of the richest recreational fishing areas anywhere. Land could be bought and developed inexpensively, for both housing and businesses. In a short twenty-five or so years, there has been a large increase in the abundance of recreational fishermen vying for the same catch as commercial fishermen. Coupled with development and the degradation of water quality that comes with it, the resources have dwindled.
The strain on the resources can be attributed to the recreational fishermen by their number and commercial fishermen by their volume. Haphazard development has played a major role in reducing water quality to the point that many of our estuaries have lost their ability to provide a habitat for fish to live and grow. A large amount of this development can be attributed to the influx of people involved in recreational fishing and the support for the industry.
Commercial fishermen want to make a living from our waters, recreational fishermen want to enjoy their sport, and there has to be development to provide the support structure for both industries. Contrary to popular belief, there is room for each and they can work together, with each side making small concessions that will benefit both sides and the rest of Carteret County.
As your County Commissioner, I will work to bring these different industries together so we all may share in the rich benefits they offer.
