Releases March 11 2010
A new law goes into effect in 2010 for boaters in North Carolina, especially those under 26 years old.
Beginning May 1, anyone younger than 26 operating a vessel powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or greater on a public waterway must meet the requirements for boating safety education, as set by General Statute 75A-16.2.
“Those boaters must take and pass a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators-approved course before taking the helm, or otherwise be in compliance,” said Capt. Chris Huebner, the state boating safety coordinator.
All vessel operators may be asked by law enforcement officers to present a certification card or proof of compliance.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission administers free boating safety education courses that fulfill requirements of the new law. To check course availability, go to www.ncwildlife.org or call (919) 707-0030.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron, and other organizations, including Internet providers, also offer approved courses and can include a fee.
As the largest river in our state, the Cape Fear River has historically been an important resource both for recreation and transportation. As a result, a series of locks and dams were installed in order to make transportation on the river viable and develop a source of water for many counties and municipalities.
This action enhanced river transportation but it inhibited passage of fish, particularly herring and shad, from being able to return to spawn. As transportation methods changed, commercial traffic on the river disappeared and, in the eyes of the Corps of Engineers, the locks and dams were no longer needed.
In 2008 the N.C. General Assembly passed legislation to assume ownership, along with control and maintenance, of the locks and dams subject to the proviso that the Corps makes all necessary repairs thereby bringing the structures up to good operating condition. In addition, installation of Rock Arch Fish Ramps or fish “ladders” was suggested to allow for spawning fish to once again make the journey upstream.
By allowing fish to return to their natural spawning areas, stocks should rebound tremendously and enhance a recreational fishery inland and at the same time increase the source of food for many coastal species, such as tarpon, striped bass, speckled trout, and drum. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service performed a case study which showed an economic impact of over $30 million dollars annually to the region if these “ladders” were installed.
It is obviously a win-win situation. By repairing the existing structures, the state protects its regional water supply, the ability to navigate the river is retained, and the addition of fish “ladders” restores an incredible natural resource, all greatly enhancing the region’s economy. The next step is for legislation, assuring Federal dollars be given to the Corps of Engineers, be introduced and passed by the U.S. Congress. Please contact our U.S. Senator(s) and your U.S. Representative(s) and let them know you support this important initiative and want to see action taken now.
As a catalyst, please take a moment to send a comment to Representative Bob Etheridge and Representative Mike McIntyre as they specifically represent the Cape Fear River region.
This legislation has the capability to make the Cape Fear River a top destination in the Southeast to fish. Let’s not waste this opportunity to help make positive change.
In a letter written to National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Regional Administrator Roy Crabtree, North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF) director Dr. Louis Daniel proposes to close a large section of N.C. estuarine waters to large mesh gill nets (larger than 3.5 inch mesh).
The proposed closure, which would occur from May 15, 2010, through December 15, 2010, includes much of Pamlico Sound, Core Sound, Back Sound, and Cape Fear River. The reason for the closure stems from the violation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as sea turtles frequently become entangled in the gill nets and drown.
Presently, the State of North Carolina has an exemption from the ESA, termed a section 10 permit, for part of the Pamlico Sound, where fishermen are allowed several hundred interactions with sea turtles; this area will not be affected by this proposal.
Additionally, small mesh nets will be able to operate in the proposed closed areas; however, they must be attended during the above-mentioned dates. This closure is only an interim closure, while the state applies for a section 10 permit for the entire state.
The Marine Fisheries Commission (MFC) will hear this proposal at their March 24-25 meeting in Kitty Hawk, and if favorably reviewed, Dr. Daniel will issue the rule by proclamation immediately thereafter.
While CCA NC applauds this temporary move, they also strongly advocate that Director Daniel and the MFC make permanent measures to eliminate the use of destructive fishing gear from our estuarine waters, thereby providing a better future for our coastal resources.
CCA NC vows to continue to work with the MFC and Director Daniel to ensure the proper management of our state’s marine resources.
That old rod and reel in your attic or garage may be worth more than you think. It could put a big smile on a needy youngster’s face. Rick Wilkinson, a surf-fishing instructor at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, spends his spare time rebuilding donated fishing gear as a volunteer. He then hands over the good-as-new rigs to area youth and adult groups.
The refurbished equipment goes to groups like Big Buddy, Community Boys and Girls Club, the Brigade Boys and Girls Club, and St. Mary’s Social Ministry. “I really like bringing old fishing gear back to life,” Rick says. “And if a fishing rod I reworked can make someone’s life a little happier, then that’s just great.”
Anyone wanting to donate a used rod and reel can drop the gear off at the Fort Fisher Aquarium Visitors Service Desk between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. any day. Even an old tackle box is welcome, especially if it has some lures and tackle inside. Please ensure that the rod and reel is in somewhat workable order and has no missing parts.
NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher is located just south of Kure Beach, near the mouth of the Cape Fear River, on U.S. 421. The site is less than a mile from the Fort Fisher ferry terminal.
Their hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day). Admission is $8 adults; $7 seniors; and $6 ages 6-17. There’s free admission for children under 6; registered groups of N.C. school children; and NC Aquarium Society members.
All general information can be found at www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher.
The Seacoast Anglers Association (SAA), located in North Myrtle Beach, recently announced that their Family Flounder Tournament is not going to happen this year. They cited a down economy as the main factor, as many of their past sponsors had to cut back donations.
However, the SAA intends to continue their “HOOK a Kid on Fishing” program this year, although the program will be smaller than in the past and will be taking fewer kids fishing this summer.
If you would like to help the “HOOK a Kid on Fishing” program (or would like more information on the program), you can visit their website at www.seacoastanglersassociation.com or send an email to SeacoastAnglers@aol.com.
Check line No. 29 on your North Carolina state income tax form this tax season and help conserve sea turtles, freshwater mussels and fish, songbirds, amphibians, and other nongame species whose conservation is not supported by hunting and fishing license sales and excise taxes.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission uses tax check-off donations to the Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund to support nongame wildlife research, conservation and management, such as monitoring the population of Bachman’s sparrows and bald eagles, managing habitat to benefit ephemeral pool-breeding amphibians like gopher frogs and mole salamanders, conducting research and surveys for rare fishes and freshwater mussels, and developing the North Carolina Birding Trail.
Tax check-off donations are the largest and most significant source of state funding for the Commission’s Wildlife Diversity Program and are used to match federal and private grants that require state funds.
“There is no general fund appropriation for wildlife diversity funding in North Carolina, and those who contribute to the Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund are the folks making investments for the future of wildlife conservation in our state,” said Chris McGrath, Wildlife Diversity Program coordinator. “Contributors to the fund are making it possible for us to match grants that we receive to manage and sustain wildlife populations. In these difficult economic times, every contribution is critical to our ability to match these grants.
“Contributions to the Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund are the way for North Carolinians to show their commitment to sustaining and providing for enjoyment of our wildlife heritage now and into the future.”
