Game Fish opposed by Hyde Commissioners

Officials take a stand to ensure access to coastal resources throughout the state

Hyde County Commissioners again took action to oppose a “Game Fish” status for red drum, spotted sea trout and striped bass at their February 6 meeting. They approved a second reading of a resolution opposing game fish status. The resolution was initially passed in March 2011.

Game fish status for these three sought-after species would make it illegal to sell them commercially, thus delivering a hefty cut to commercial fishermen’s income.

The game fish issue has been stirred for nearly four years by a few groups of sport fishermen who claim their intention is to protect coastal resources. It has been before legislators a number of times, and in March 2011, HB 353, “The Game Fish Bill” was again introduced in the General Assembly. It wasn’t put to a vote, but referred to a newly formed legislative body called the Marine Fisheries Study Committee. This year, the bill is back before the General Assembly and Hyde County, along with Dare County and fisheries interest groups, are taking action to oppose the status.

Game fish status for these important species not only threatens the livelihood of commercial fishermen, it denies access to folks that don’t have the means to go out and catch the fish themselves. If the game fish designation were to be approved, approximately 97 percent of the state’s population would be denied the right to enjoy these fish.

Looking at statistics from the Division of Marine Fisheries, targeting commercial fishermen in attempt to conserve the species would not be the answer. Actually, DMF numbers show recreational anglers discard more striped bass than commercial fishermen land annually. In addition, recreational landings of spotted sea trout account for approximately 75 percent of all landings in the state. Furthermore, the DMF Red Drum Fishery Management Plan shows a healthy stock of red drum and emphasizes that overfishing is not occurring.

Another point to consider, game fish status would lead to more waste. Fishermen would be forced to discard these fish if they were caught as bycatch in commercial gear.

To protect the livelihood of commercial fishermen and ensure everyone has the right to enjoy these fish (even if they didn’t catch them), Hyde officials are urging citizens to speak out against game fish status for red drum, speckled trout and striped bass. Send comments to the Marine Fisheries Study Committee. Email addresses are listed below.

 Text and photos by Megan S. Shaw

 Read the resolution passed by commissioners

Senate Majority Leader and Co-chair, Harry Brown, harry.brown@ncleg.net
Senator Don East, don.east@ncleg.net
Senator Thom Goolsby, thom.goolsby@ncleg.net
Senator Bill Rabon, bill.rabon@ncleg.net
Senator Tommy Tucker, tommy.tucker@ncleg.net
Senator Jean Preston, jean.preston@ncleg.net
Senator Stan White, stan.white@ncleg.net
Representative and Co-chair, Darrell McCormick, darrell.mccormick@ncleg.net
Representative Dan Ingle, dan.ingle@ncleg.net
Representative Ruth Samuelson, ruth.samuelson@ncleg.net
Representative Danny McComas, danny.mccomas@ncleg.net
Representative Bryan Holloway, bryan.holloway@ncleg.net
Representative Pat McElraft, pat.mcelraft@ncleg.net
Representative Tim Spear, tim.spear@ncleg.net

PHOTOS (from top)

Speckled trout would no longer be seen in orange baskets aboard commercial fishing vessels in North Carolina if HB 353 is passed and game fish status is designated. In addition, the tasty fish would no longer be on the plates of 97 percent of the state’s population. This fish was caught in a gill net by Swan Quarter fisherman Kevin Smith.

Commercial Vessel Double Trouble makes its way back into Swan Quarter Bay after a day of fishing. Game fish status would cut this long-time commercial fisherman out of three species that are important to his income, as well as the overall economy of Hyde County.