NMMA joins NC Sound Economy coalition

NMMA recently joined the NC Sound Economy, a newly formed coalition of recreational fishermen, business leaders and concerned citizens working together to urge state legislators to adopt fisheries management policies that both grow the fishery in North Carolina’s sounds and maximize its economic benefits.

“NMMA is looking forward to working with partners of the NC Sound Economy and helping advocate for better fisheries management, ultimately helping to improve North Carolina’s fisheries resources, fishing and boating economies, and access for anglers,” said Thom Dammrich, NMMA president.

The American Sportfishing Association announced its support for the effort last week.

According to the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries’ data, only three out of 13 North Carolina state-managed coastal finfish and shellfish stocks can currently be considered “viable.” The NC Sound Economy believes the legislature should reform fishery management laws to address this problem, make it the state’s top priority to grow the fishing economy in a sustainable way and streamline regulatory decision-making using the best and latest scientific research.

Recreational fishing is an important component of the large and diverse fishing economy in North Carolina’s coastal areas; creating important travel, tourism and manufacturing jobs. Over the last two decades, the state’s management of fisheries resources has led to dramatic fish declines and a struggling fishing economy.

NC Sound Economy will work to help reform the state’s failing fishery management laws; grow the entire fishing economy and streamline decision making which impacts the state’s fish populations; and urge decision making based on research, including peer reviewed fish population reports, the best economic models and input from North Carolina scientists.

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