The North Carolina Watermen United will have town hall meeting from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 1, at the Ocracoke Seafood Company to discuss current fishery issues and possible new regulations.
A representative from the Watermen board of directors will attend and will welcome questions and insights on sector specifics.
On the forefront, state and federal councils have flounder, mullet, Spanish mackerel, dolphin and the proposed NOAA “right whale vessel speed limit reduction” on their agendas
As an organization, the Watermen “understand the need for conservation and sustainability of all species but value your opinions on possible restrictive legislation,” according to a flyer posted in the Ocracoke post office.
The organization asks interested persons to RSVP to Woody Joyner at Woodyncwu33@gmail.com.
According to their website, the North Carolina Watermen United is a non-profit organization that advocates for the needs of our coastal communities, protects the livelihood of those who rely on fishing as a way of life and provide a voice for fair regulations to ensure everyone has the freedom to fish.
In related news, the Marine Fisheries Commission Coastal Recreational Fishing License Advisory Committee will meet on March 10 at 1 p.m. by web conference. The meeting will be livestreamed on YouTube.
A meeting agenda and YouTube link can be found here.
A listening station will be established at the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries Headquarters Office at 3441 Arendell Street, Morehead City.
Public comment will not be accepted during the meeting. Members of the public may submit written comments to the commission in three ways:
Online Comments – Public comments will be accepted through an online format that can be reached by clicking here.
Mailed Comments – Written comments may be mailed to: March 10 MFC CRFL AC Meeting Comments, P.O Box 769, Morehead City, N.C. 28557.
Hand Delivered – Written comments may be dropped off at the Division of Marine Fisheries Headquarters Office, 3441 Arendell St., Morehead City, 28557, N.C.
Comments must be posted online or received in the division office by 4 p.m. March 8.
For more information, please contact William.Brantley@ncdenr.gov or call 252-808-8015.
