North Carolina's Struggle with Flounder Fishery Management

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Flounder Season Cancellation Sparks Debate

In North Carolina, the cancellation of the recreational flounder season for the first time in history has stirred significant controversy among anglers and local lawmakers. The decision, driven by overages in the flounder catch quota from the previous year, has led to heated discussions on the state's fishery management practices.

Background on Flounder Quota Issues

The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDEQ) reported that the 2023 recreational quota for Southern flounder was exceeded by 127,294 pounds, leaving no quota for 2024. This overage necessitated the cancellation of the recreational flounder season, though commercial fishing will continue under strict regulations. The aim is to rebuild the flounder population, but the disparity in quota allocations—70% for commercial and 30% for recreational fishermen—has been a point of contention.

Impact on Local Economy and Anglers

Local guides like Capt. Jot Owens and Capt. Seth Vernon have had to adjust their business models due to the cancellation. Owens, who previously ran multiple charters for flounder fishing, is now focusing on other species. This shift has impacted bookings, as die-hard flounder anglers seek alternatives. The economic repercussions extend to coastal communities reliant on tourism dollars from recreational fishing.

Political and Community Response

Representative Frank Iler (R-Brunswick) criticized the state's management, drawing parallels to the economic shutdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the adverse effects on the marine industry and charter fishing businesses. Meanwhile, conservation groups and fishermen argue that the state should have taken measures earlier to prevent the flounder population from declining to this extent.

Future of Fishery Management

Efforts to manage the flounder population have included size limits, bag limits, and gear restrictions. However, there is a call for more real-time data and improved tracking to better manage stock assessments and quotas. The state has implemented the Trip Ticket program for commercial catches and plans to extend reporting requirements to recreational fishermen by 2025.

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