Fred Scharf News Today

A study ordered by the legislature has scientists taking a deep dive into North Carolina’s fisheries management to help the future of state-regulated coastal marine species.

Researchers from multiple universities are working under the North Carolina Collaboratory umbrella to develop recommendations to improve state management of species like oysters.

Too many hooks and not enough fish means another short flounder season for recreational fishermen in 2023 as regulators move to protect the fishery

Too many hooks and not enough fish means another short flounder season for recreational fishermen in 2023 as regulators move to protect the fishery

Too many hooks and not enough fish means another short flounder season for recreational fishermen in 2023 as regulators move to protect the fishery

"The State of the River Forum offers a unique opportunity to learn from experts, and to network and brainstorm with people who understand the issues first-hand, and those who can get things done to effect positive change," organizers said.

The fish swimming in the coastal waters of North Carolina belong to the people — they're a public resource. But how the state balances the use of that resource by commercial and recreational fishermen is a contentious issue, made more difficult by the challenge of accurately tracking how many fish are in the water.

The Coastal Conservation Association of North Carolina is suing the state for allegedly mismanaging a public resource — that is, fish. The organization notes that the state's fishery management program began as an economic development agency, which has colored its approach since then.

For years, the state of North Carolina has struggled to balance economic interests, environmental concerns, and the public's right to recreational access to natural resources — that is, fish. The issue is complicated by the difficulty of knowing the exact status of many of the state's most popular fish species. On this episode, WHQR's Grace Vitaglione unpacks months of reporting to try and get to the bottom of things.

Finding sand for beach renourishment is a never-ending quest for beach towns. Could Frying Pan Shoals be the answer? BOEM is paying for a study of the shoals as the National Marine Fisheries Service worries dredging could harm this essential fish habitat.