COMMENTARY: It’s time for collaborative management of North Carolina fisheries
By Glenn Skinner and Thomas Newman, N.C. Fisheries Association
After two weeks of fisheries meetings and numerous comments from stakeholders, it’s clear that our current system of fisheries management leaves much to be desired.
Since the General Assembly passed legislation in 2010 requiring overfishing to be ended in two years, or less, and sustainable harvest to be achieved within 10 years (with management that has at least a 50% probability of success), we have seen nothing but declining harvest limits across every fishery.
This law – pushed by the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) and then DMF Director Louis Daniel – has made North Carolina the most restrictive state in the Nation when it comes to fisheries management.
Even California has less restrictive mandates!
The Division of Marine Fisheries routinely cites this law as the reason for severe regulatory decisions, pointing to the “statutory requirements” to justify harsh harvest reductions. And they’re right!
When common sense measures other than direct harvest reductions are suggested, again they point to these statutes, which require “quantifiable” reductions, saying only a direct harvest reduction can be quantified.
But the greater truth is this: Our coastal communities are paying the price.
One of the statute’s key requirements is that Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) be developed and reviewed every five years. Yet DMF often lacks the data needed to conduct the stock assessments that inform these plans.
In other cases, assessments are conducted but yield highly questionable results or are deemed unusable all together. Time and again, the quality and reliability of the science used to drive management is a source of serious concern among stakeholders.
This law was supposed to “ensure the long-term viability” of fisheries with significant importance to the State. But it’s hard to argue that the goal has been met.
In fact, many would argue that it’s hard to produce an income or even a family dinner, from once viable fisheries, when access, not abundance, is so limited.
If the goal is viable fisheries, then we must shift course. We need to come to the table – fishers, scientists, managers, legislators, and all stakeholders – and work together to address these challenges. Top-down mandates are not working.
We need collaborative, adaptive, and transparent management grounded in science, equity, and local knowledge.
We call on the DMF, DEQ, MFC, and our State Legislators to work with stakeholders to improve this process. It’s time to strike a better balance – one that protects the resource without sacrificing the communities who depend on it.
It is our coastal communities, those with the deepest ties to healthy fisheries, that are facing the greatest threat.
We want to be part of the solution. We want to leave thriving fisheries for the next generation.
But that can only happen if we work together – fishers, scientists, and lawmakers – to assure both abundance and access for all.
The future of our fisheries depends, not just on good laws and good science, but on good relationships. It’s time to rebuild trust and create a system that truly reflects the values, knowledge, and voices of all involved.
Glenn Skinner is the Executive Director and Thomas Newman is the Fisheries Liaison for the North Carolina Fisheries Association, established in 1952 by commercial fishermen to serve fishing families by advocating for sustainable fisheries, preserving fishing heritage, and promoting wild-caught North Carolina seafood. More information at NCFish.org.
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