Although Carteret County was once a bustling commercial fishing area, the industry has suffered greatly as of late. There are a great many people still involved in and dependent on commercial fishing. A large portion of these people are barely surviving, and many of them leaving the industry they love so much. While many are leaving the industry, it is with great reluctance.
The list of those leaving, covers more than the ones that go out to catch the seafood. It also includes the ones that make the nets, build the boats, supply the gear, and serves the catch. Most of these people have been in their trade for much of their lives and wish to stay in those trades. There are some that want to get involved in commercial fishing, but are discouraged to do so because of the uncertainty of it's future. All of this is reversible. The commercial industry can be saved, and there are opportunities to re-nourish it, to and beyond levels of the day when commercial fishing was a thriving industry.
Over the last decade almost every commercial fisherman in Carteret County has discussed ways to save the industry. Some of the problems the industry faces includes, the reduction of resources, high operating cost, marketing and return on the seafood, decaying water quality, and regulations. After many years of discussing and examining these issues, I feel that with the proper planning and action, we can accomplish what many have called a hopeless task.
I feel is one of the most important and difficult issues we face in Carteret County. As your County Commissioner, I will work to bring forth this issue, find solutions, and with your help, save the commercial fishing industry.
