On March 24, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) formally endorsed NC Sound Economy, a coalition of businesses, recreational anglers, and sportsmen’s organizations committed to improving North Carolina’s coastal fisheries. Due to policy decisions that have failed to support viable coastal finfish and shellfish stocks, North Carolina’s coastal fish stocks have declined precipitously and, as a result, the state’s coastal fishing economy is in jeopardy.
NC Sound Economy aims to improve North Carolina’s coastal fish stocks and grow its fishing economy through reforms to fishery management laws based on sound scientific data and informed decision-making. John Culclasure, North Carolinian and CSF Appalachian States Coordinator said, “a sustainable fisheries management program is critical to ensure the longevity of productive and economically viable recreational and commercial fisheries in North Carolina. Science-based reforms to current law will not only benefit recreational anglers, but our state’s coastal communities will benefit economically as well.”
Additional supporters of NC Sound Economy include the American Sportfishing Association, Big Rock Sports, the Coastal Conservation Association of North Carolina, the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the North Carolina Guides Association, and the North Carolina Wildlife Federation.
North Carolina’s 1.52 million anglers support over 25,000 in the state and are an important economic force in the state spending over 23.5 million days on the water annually.
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
