Riding the Oyster Highway - Storm recovery - Page 3 Good striper news - Page 6 Oyster study- Page 7 - CCA NC
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Storm recovery - Page 3
Good striper news - Page 6
Fall 2018 A FREE quarterly publication of Coastal Conservation Association-North Carolina Oyster study- Page 7
Riding the Oyster Highway
At left, Morehead City commercial
fisherman David ‘Clammerhead’
Cessna, left, dumps living oysters
on to a manmade reef guided by
Owen Mulvey-Mcferron, a graduate
student at the UNC Institute of
Marine Sciences in Morehead City.
Pat Donovan-Brandenburg, above,
Storm Water & Habitat Manger for
Jacksonville, holds up her favorite
sea creature, an oyster. Below, a
volunteer hauls oysters down a pier
in Jacksonville for transfer to a boat
that will take them to the reef.
By Rip Woodin Water & Habitat Manager for ment plants in 1998 and 2001
CCA NC Editor Jacksonville, explained that respectively. That stopped the
Wilson Bay was closed to all on-going pollution but the bac-
With a $50,000 gift through recreational and commercial teria still needed to be removed
CCA NC and more donations use from 1980 until 2000 be- from the water.
from the N.C. Wildlife Feder- cause the bacteria counts were “This whole area was closed
ation Foundation, a platoon 35,000-70,000 versus the 200 when we started the Wilson
of volunteers helped the City for recreational standards. Bay initiative. We’ve put 8.6
of Jacksonville plant 500,000 The pollution came from all million oysters in Wilson Bay
more oysters that will contin- the waste treatment effluent over the last 20 years,” Dono-
ue changing Wilson Bay in the dumped in the water by the van-Brandenburg continued.
New River Estuary from a pol- City of Jacksonville and the “I’m telling you I know because
luted mess into a clean, recre- nearby U.S. Marine Corps base I counted them. This is an ex-
ational use area. at Camp Lejeune, she said. tension of still trying to improve
Marine biologist Pat Don- Both Jacksonville and Camp
ovan-Brandenburg, Storm Lejeune built new waste treat- See OYSTER, 2
2 CCA NC Fall 2018
OYSTER raise the money for the project
that will cost between $600,000-
From Page 1 $700,000.
Both organizations are meet-
the New River.” ing with state legislators and
The CCA NC contribution other state agencies to raise the
was made possible by the gener- money.
ous support of the Eddie and Jo Besides cleaning the water,
Allison Smith Foundation, said the new reefs will provide fish
David Sneed, Executive Director habitat and destination sites in
of CCA NC. the mid-estuary region for rec-
Eddie Smith, CEO of Grady- reational fishing, noted David
White Boats, and his family Sneed.
have been long-time support- “Habitat restoration (includ-
ers of coastal conservation. The ing artificial reefs) and augmen-
foundation recognizes the im- tation have become major tools
portant role oyster habitat plays in efforts to conserve coastal
in water quality and essential fishery resources, as well as im-
fish habitat for the benefit of prove water quality,” he said.
future generations of North Dr. Joel Fodrie of the UNC-
Carolina residents and visitors, CH Institute of Marine Sciences
Sneed said. will lead a team of researchers
The City of Jacksonville al- in monitoring fish utilization of
ready has a few oyster reefs the new reefs.
in the New River, but there is Dr. Fodrie’s team has ex-
a 20-mile stretch from South- tensive experience research-
west Creek to Stone’s Bay that ing oyster habitats of the NRE
doesn’t have any. as well as red drum and black
Donovan-Brandenburg had the adult oysters out today be- drum reef exploitation using
the idea of building a series of cause when we get the permits, advanced acoustic tracking
reefs that would make up an we’ll build the six new reefs with methods.
“Oyster Highway” in the New younger oysters spawned from Before and after surveys of
River to expand the process. this brood stock,” she added. fish and invertebrates will be
A mature oyster can filter up to Dr. Niels Lindquist at the conducted per site to quantify
50 gallons of water daily. By put- UNC-CH Institute of Marine natural recruitment as well as
ting oysters on AR-398, built in Science and Sandbar Oyster studies to determine oyster sur-
2012, and more new reefs in the Company have developed a vival and growth rates.
future, we’re continuing to clean new product called “oyster pat- “You’ve got clean water,” Don-
the watershed that was once pol- ties,” Donovan-Brandenburg ex- ovan-Brandenburg said. “We’ve
luted by the city and base’s treat- plained. got habitat for small fish and
ment facilities, she said. “They take a soil erosion shrimp and crabs, which are in
The new reefs she is propos- control blanket — it looks like our estuaries. It’s just a win-win
ing as part of the Oyster High- a burlap bag — lightly coat it situation and with none there
way project have not been built in concrete then form it into a now, we just want to build it
because the city is waiting for shape like a donut. It’s round back. We need to restore the river
permits from the N.C. Division with a hole in the middle but it’s back to part of its original state.”
of Coastal Management and the three dimensional like a bird’s CCA NC Board Vice-Presi-
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. nest,” she said. dent Rocky Carter has agreed to
“The reason why we’re still The oysters they were plant- Photos by Rip Woodin chair the first CCA NC Habitat
waiting is because of that whole ing earlier this year were taken At top, CCA NC volunteers from the Onslow Bay chapter, Lee Committee in 2018.
endangered species process from a Newport River lease and Gray, left, and Rocky Carter, dump a cage of oysters on to the “As a resident of the coast-
they have to go through,” Dono- dumped by hand on the mounds reef guided by Owen Mulvey-Mcferron. Bottom, volunteers al community this New River
van-Brandenburg said. of AR-398. The same process transfer oysters from the pier to boats on Wilson Bay. Oyster Highway will benefit, I
The project will occur in two will be used with the doughnut could not be more excited to see
phases. Of the six half-acre reefs shaped reefs. The success will this project get started. I look
in Phase I, one will be placed depend on the ability of the oys- ovan-Brandenburg said. new acres of reefs on both ends forward to building not just this
above AR-398, one across from ters to spawn and have larvae Once the second phase gets of AR-398 spanning a 20-mile New River Oyster Highway,
it and four others below it, she settle on suitable hard substrate approval, six additional half- stretch or “highway.” but duplicating this success
said. of calcium bicarbonate. If that acre reefs will be introduced The city is working with CCA throughout coastal North Car-
“So we’re encompassing 398, happens, then the oyster colo- from Phase I up to Wilson Bay. NC and the North Carolina olina through our 2018 Coastal
and that’s why we’re putting nies will grow on their own, Don- In total the project will create six Wildlife Habitat Foundation to Habitat Initiative,” he said.
Fall 2018
CCA NC 3
CCA mobilizes to help in storm recovery
By Rip Woodin
CCA NC Editor
After the skies finally cleared from
Hurricane Florence, CCA NC members
from Raleigh and Wilmington to More-
head City and New Bern joined relief
efforts throughout Eastern North Car-
olina before floodwaters receded.
When the gigantic hurricane blan-
keted the lower two-thirds of the North
Carolina coast, its 75-90 mph winds
classified it as a Category 1 storm, ca-
pable of ripping off roofs, blowing down
power lines and knocking down trees.
The real damage, however, came
from what the Weather Channel called
a “Category 5 flooding event” the pon-
derous storm caused. Main highways
were closed, houses had water in living
rooms, business inventories were ru-
ined and unmoored boats ended up in
driveways.
CCA NC members used their con-
nections to build a cache of water, food,
cleaning supplies, diapers and even pet
food that could be distributed to flood
victims, explained David Sneed, CCA
NC executive director.
Seth Vernon, a Wilmington guide
who represents Free Fly Apparel, was
contacted by the Charleston, S.C., com-
pany asking what it could do since their
state largely escaped Florence’s devas-
tation.
Sneed said the company offered to Above, Team Rubicon, a group of
make a matching donation if people
veteran volunteers from Charlotte,
bought supplies on Amazon and had
them shipped to CCA NC’s Raleigh of-
cheer as they prepare to distribute
fice. some of the 100 coolers donated
More than $4,000 worth of supplies by Yeti to CCA NC for the Hurricane
started arriving in Raleigh from gen- Florence relief effort in New Bern.
erous people as far away as California, At left, cleaning supplies, food and
Oregon and Oklahoma. other household goods raised by
Sneed filled a CCA NC trailer, driv- Free Fly Apparel in Charleston,
ing it down to the Swansboro Rotary S.C., pile up in CCA NC’s Raleigh
Club that agreed to receive the supplies office before distribution to
and get them distributed. hurricane victims.
A second load of supplies went
to Wilmington and was distributed
through the Port City Community
Church.
Free Fly Apparel sent another $4,000
to CCA NC that Sneed is using to buy
See STORM, 8
4 CCA NC Fall 2018
CCA NC is a non-
profit community of
recreational anglers
Storm forces chapters to postpone banquets
working to protect
A
our marine resources s you all know, our coastal areas If your annual CCA membership is website and put “Hamilton” in the memo
from Wilmington to Kinston and normally renewed at one of these banquets, section, or call our office.
for future generations New Bern to Morehead City suf- please renew now. And consider upgrading We will also hold a virtual banquet from
to experience and fered such devastation by the storm that to the $50 Coastal Caretak- Oct. 22 to Nov. 2 where you can bid on all
enjoy. it will be many months before normalcy er membership level. the special trips and unique merchandise
returns. You can also buy a $100 that would have been included at our can-
CCA NC Officers Several CCA NC chapters like Onslow ticket for our 60/40 Raffle. celed banquets.
Bay, Wayne County, Albemarle Bay and We draw monthly prize Anyone will be able to bid using his or
n Billy Byrd - Chairman Cape Fear were scheduled to hold fall fund- winners in addition to the her smartphone or computer on the secure
n Bert Owens - President raising banquets. big cash jackpot in early GiveSmart site.
Instead of working to produce a successful December. Please consider supporting CCA NC by
n Jeff Akin - Vice Pres banquet, these fall events have been post- Last year, Brett Murphy purchasing your next fishing trip, family
DAVID
n Rocky Carter - Vice Pres poned and our members are helping their of Raleigh won $17,600. We vacation or Christmas gifts at this unique
neighbors clean up and rebuild after the SNEED need to sell all 1,000 tickets virtual auction.
n Keith Johnson - Vice Pres Executive
storm. this year. These raffle tick- As always, all of the money raised by CCA
n Ron McCoy - Vice Pres Director
Rather than trying to go through a ets can also be purchased NC stays in North Carolina to benefit our
n Donald Willis - Vice Pres lengthy process of calculating refunds, all through our website or by coastal communities, marine resources and
n Will Moose - Treasurer banquet tickets sold will simply roll over to calling the CCA NC Office (919) 781-3474. habitat. Your continued support will allow
the new 2019 dates in late winter or next We also have VIP Hamilton tickets with a us to continue our conservation mission and
n Rip Woodin - Editor spring. parking pass for the Dec. 1 matinee per- help with recovery in our coastal communi-
While our immediate focus has been on formance at the DPAC in Durham that we ties.
CCA NC Staff helping our friends and neighbors recover are willing to offer as a special raffle prize. In addition to the hands-on work of our
and clean up, there is no doubt the post- Everyone who makes a minimum of a $25 members, we also actively worked on several
n David Sneed ponement of these banquets will also put a donation to CCA NC now through Nov. 2 relief efforts. Shortly after the storm, we
financial strain on our ongoing conservation will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win partnered with Free Fly Apparel in Charles-
Executive Director
and advocacy efforts in North Carolina. With a pair of Section 3, VIP tickets and parking ton, S.C., to collect a variety of supplies
n Joe Neely your help, there are still plenty of ways you pass for the popular, and soon to be sold out, purchased through Amazon.
Western Regional Director can help us continue our core conservation Hamilton matinee performance on Saturday, To date, we have received more than
mission and help with the ongoing recovery Dec. 1.
n Clark Hutchinson efforts. Just make your donation through our See BANQUETS, 8
Eastern Regional Director
Raffle winner gets Hamilton tickets
n Cindy Davis
Administration
CCA NC
4809 Hargrove Road CCA NC is excited to offer two VIP The prior Off-Broadway production of
Suite 123 Hamilton tickets with a parking pass for Hamilton won the 2015 Drama Desk
the Dec. 1 performance at the DPAC in Award for Outstanding Musical as well
Raleigh, N.C., 27616
Durham as our special fall raffle prize. as seven other Drama Desk Awards out
919-781-3474 Raffle tickets are on sale now for only of 14 total nominated categories.
www.ccanc.org $25 through Nov. 2 for a chance to win Tickets in Section 3 already are going
a pair of Section 3, VIP tickets and park- for up to $1,500 each on the resale mar-
ing pass for the popular, and soon to be ket. You can have a chance to win these
Published free of charge sold out, Hamilton matinee performance was the new nation’s first Treasury Sec- VIP tickets for as little as $25. The win-
by CCA NC on Saturday, Dec. 1. Tickets can be pur- retary. Featuring a score that blends hip- ning ticket will be drawn on Nov. 5, so act
chased through CCANC.org website us- hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broad- now.
Check out our website at ing the Donate tab and putting “Hamil- way, Hamilton is the story of America As always, all of the money raised by
www.ccanc.org to join us ton” in the memo section, or call the office then, told by America now. CCA NC stays in North Carolina to ben-
in our fight to preserve at 919-781-3474 to pay by credit card. In 2016, Hamilton received a re- efit our coastal communities, marine re-
recreational angling for Hamilton is the story of America’s cord-setting 16 Tony nominations, win- sources and habitat.
future generations. Annual Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, ning 11, including Best Musical, and was Your continued support will allow us
memberships are available an immigrant from the West Indies who also the recipient of the 2016 Grammy to continue our conservation mission and
starting at $30. became George Washington’s right-hand Award for Best Musical Theater Album help with recovery in our coastal commu-
man during the Revolutionary War and and the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. nities.
Fall 2018
CCA NC 5
Fort Fisher sees new life as artificial reef
By Rip Woodin
CCA NC Editor Notable artificial
In the calm before the storm of Hurri- reefs in N.C.
cane Florence, the N.C. Division of Ma-
rine Fisheries sank the 98-foot tug Fort
Fisher off Pine Knoll Shores, nearly dou- AR-160: Oregon Inlet - includes two
bling the size of Artificial Reef 320. liberty ships, the Zane Grey and the
The project was funded by a $185,000 Dionysus.
Coastal Recreational Fishing License
grant to the Eastern Carolina Artifi-
cial Reef Association, explained Patricia AR-230: 4.2 nautical miles from
Smith, a DMF spokesman. Hatteras Inlet Sea Buoy - includes
“The vessel was cleaned of environmen- the 105-tug, Mr. J.C.
tal pollutants and prepared in accordance
with federal requirements,” she said.
The project had been delayed while AR-302: 21.7 nautical miles from
the agency awaited a Corps of Engineers Cape Lookout Shoals Lighted Buoy
blanket permit for a variety of reef proj- 2 - includes the attack transport ship
ects. Yancey, which was used in landings
Each year, DMF uses CRFL money to at Iwo Jima and Okinawa during
rebuild reefs along the whole coast. The World War II.
location of all the reefs had to be verified
using GPS coordinates and the Corps of AR-305: Carteret County Sportfishing
Engineers had to address environmental Association Reef - includes the 439-
impacts. With the blanket permit, DMF
can give a 90-day notice then quickly
Foot U.S.Navy Cable Layer Aeolus
make needed repairs to any reef.
and the 183-Foot U.S. Coast Guard
Built in 1956 by the Bethlehem Steel Buoy Tender Spar.
Company of Staten Island, the tug was
originally named the Cleveland and used AR-315: Atlantic Beach Reef -
by the Pennsylvania Railroad Co. of Phil- includes the Liberty Ship Theodore
adelphia. Parker, the Navy Tug Boat Takos and
The Morehead City Towboat Co. bought two aircraft.
the tug in 1971 and renamed it the Fort
Fisher, a name retained through future
ownership transactions. AR-345: 8.2 nautical miles from
The Division of Marine Fisheries has Bogue Inlet Sea Buoy - includes the
been involved with the construction, per- 116-Foot Tug Boat Titan.
mitting and monitoring artificial reefs
since the early 1970s, Smith said.
“It’s one of the most active artificial reef AR-364: Billy Murrell Reef - includes
programs in the country,” she added. the 65-Foot Tug Boat Captain Jerry and
Currently, the state has 43 ocean reefs, three other ships.
ranging from one-half to 38 miles from
shore and 25 estuarine reefs, including 15
oyster sanctuaries. AR-368: 18.3 nautical miles from
Reef materials include concrete pipe, Photo by DMF
Masonboro Inlet Sea Buoy - includes
ships, barges and prefabricated struc- The tugboat Fort Fisher settles low in the water as N.C. Division of Marine the 241-Foot Barge LC-16.
tures, Smith said. AR-320 was started Fisheries staff members sink the 98-foot boat on AR-320.
in 1986 when an old 144-foot menhaden
fishery ship, the Novelty, was sunk. The
following year concrete rubble and steel ly none,” Smith said. attracts larger predatory fish. Artificial photographing and exploring old ship-
trusses from the demolished Atlantic Structure becomes encrusted and col- reefs attract highly sought fish species wrecks on artificial reefs.
Beach Bridge was added to the reef. onized by diverse marine organisms in- such as flounder, black sea bass, grouper, AR-320 is located 7.8 statute miles
“Materials placed on the sea floor pro- cluding corals that build more reef. Small king mackerel, Spanish mackerel and southwest from Fort Macon jetty in Beau-
vide structure where there was previous- baitfish seek refuge on the reef which dolphin, Smith said. Divers enjoy fishing, fort Inlet. The average depth is 50 feet.
6 CCA NC Fall 2018
Florence might be key to saving bass
By Rip Woodin
CCA NC Editor
Hurricane Florence and a promise from N.C. Division
of Marine Fisheries Director Steve Murphey might end
up doing more to save native striped bass in the Central
Southern Management Area than any previous action
by the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission or the N.C.
Wildlife Resources Commission.
For unexplained reasons, there were two surprisingly
large year classes of smaller striped bass in the Neuse
and Tar/Pamlico Rivers late this summer, said CCA NC
Executive Director David Sneed.
The sheer numbers and some DMF data indicate the
fish are native, not stocked. Whether they were spawned
in the Neuse or Tar/Pamlico River system or wheth-
er they are “spillover” from the Roanoke River is not
known, nor is it scientifically possible to unequivocally
determine their origin.
With so many fish, there would have been increased
dead discards in the fall gill net flounder fishery, Sneed
guessed. But then along came Hurricane Florence fol-
lowed by Michael, which appear to have dispersed the
fish in in the rivers and shortened the fall gill net season,
he continued.
At the mid-August meeting of the MFC, Dr. Chris El-
kins, chairman of CCA NC’s fisheries committee, urged
immediate action such as temporarily closing down the Photo by Rip Woodin
gill net season above the Bayview-Aurora and Minnesott Two large year classes of juvenile striped bass could help restock the CSMA fishery. Guide Tom Roller,
ferry lines to give these fish a chance to jump start the left, and Ted Vaden show off a striped bass pulled from the Roanoke River near Weldon.
recovery of striped bass in the CSMA.
Elkins noted another forceful study by WRC in Au-
gust confirmed that the major mortality factor in the The MFC, however, could not agree on a motion by ised to ask Regan for a supplement that would give the
decline of stripers is by-catch in the large gill net fishery Commissioner Cameron Boltes to ask Department of MFC the opportunity to change the striped bass FMP.
for flounder. Environmental Quality Secretary Michael Regan for “Fortunately, Chief Deputy DEQ Secretary John Nich-
“Without immediate removal of nets from these areas, emergency measures through a supplement to the cur- olson and Director Murphey recognize the importance
the current large year classes will result in unacceptable rent CSMA Striped Bass Fisheries Management Plan to of new reports which indicate we have two surprisingly
numbers of dead discards, prevent them from reaching address concerns with discard mortality and insure the good year classes of native striped bass in the central
sexual maturity and leading the way to recovery of cen- long-term viability of the fishery.
tral region striped bass,” Elkins said. In discussions after the meeting, Murphey prom- See FLORENCE, 12
Official sunglasses
of the CCA NC
Fall 2018
CCA NC 7
Study shows oyster reefs attract plenty of fish
Editor’s Note: In August 2017, CCA NC gave N.C.
State doctoral candidate Olivia Caretti of Maryland a
$2,000 scholarship to help her study fish that populate
manmade oyster reefs.
By James Morrison
WUNC
A North Carolina State University researcher is us-
ing underwater microphones to help better understand
the extensive array of animals living in the state’s oys-
ter reefs.
The state has been rebuilding oyster reefs along the
coast for decades. Barges haul massive piles of spent
oyster shells and other hard materials, like granite
marl and concrete, to a reef site and use large water
cannons to blow it all off the deck and into the coastal
waters.
These artificial habitats provide hard structure for
oyster larvae to attach to so they can grow and be har-
vested.
The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s
division of marine fisheries knows the reef program is
good for the state’s $2.4 million oyster industry.
But it’s still unclear what the larger impact of these
reefs are in terms of increasing biodiversity.
“It’s what we call data gaps,” said Jason Peters, su-
pervisor for the state’s oyster sanctuary program.
N.C. State University Ph.D. student Olivia Caretti Photo by James Morrison
is hoping to fill some of those data gaps using a rela-
tively new method for monitoring aquatic life with un-
derwater microphones, known as hydrophones. North Carolina State
“It’s like a little compact torpedo looking thing about University Ph.D.
the size of your hand,” Caretti said.
student Olivia Caretti,
Caretti is using these hydrophones to document
which animals, beside oysters, use these reefs. And
above, is hoping to
what she’s found so far has been enlightening. fill some data gaps
An unstructured muddy bottom in Pamlico Sound, by using a relatively
with no oyster reef, is mostly low frequency audio. new method for
“The only sounds you hear are either water move- monitoring aquatic
ments or low frequency fish calls,” Caretti said. life with underwater
Life on an oyster reef sounds a lot different. It has microphones, known
plenty of low frequency fish calls, but it also has a lot of as hydrophones.
high frequency invertebrate activity.
“You can hear some grunts and knocking sounds,”
Caretti said. “There are certain type of fish calls and
snaps from snapping fish especially.”
Caretti has been recording for two years and has
more audio than she could ever listen to. She does
most of her analysis by using spectrograms, which are
visual representations of the audio.
“The spectrograms are helpful,” Caretti said,” be-
cause a lot of frequencies we record are inaudible to can be invasive and you only get brief snapshots of life and why. For instance, she’s learned oyster toadfish
the human ear.” on the reef. use the reef like a swinger at a singles bar hoping to
Caretti also uses traditional methods for monitoring By recording around the clock, Caretti can document
oyster reefs, like trapping fish. But these techniques what species of fish and invertebrates use these reefs
See STUDY, 9
8 CCA NC Fall 2018
Reward offered in turtle death CCA NC holds
CCA NC has joined two sea tur-
new membership
tle rescue operations in offering a
monetary reward for information on
what appeared to be a deliberate ef-
drive with prizes
fort to kill a loggerhead turtle found
along southern Core Sound near By Rip Woodin
Smyrna on Sunday, Aug. 26. CCA NC Editor
The animal was recovered alive
and transported to the N.C. State Next Spring CCA NC will be hold a statewide
University Veterinary Hospital, membership drive to spread awareness about our
where internal images were taken organization in an effort to grow our voice across
to visualize the damage. Due to the the state through new membership, announced
severity of its head injury, the log- Western Regional Director Joe Neely.
gerhead was euthanized. Veterinary This incentive-based program will reward cur-
specialists suspect that the injury rent members with prizes growing in value based
occurred between 24 to 48 hours be- on the number of new members who are recruited.
fore the animal was first found. Through this recruitment, current CCA NC
NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement members can become eligible for prizes like Yeti
is seeking information from anyone products, CCA gift cards, Engel coolers, Costa
who might have information about sunglasses and a grand prize of an all expenses
this incident. Please call the NOAA Photo by Matt Godfrey, NC Wildlife Resources Commission paid offshore fishing trip.
Enforcement Hotline at 1-800-853- This loggerhead sea turtle was found with a severe head injury in “The larger our voice grows across North Car-
1964. Tips can be left anonymously. southern Core Sound and was later euthanized. olina, the more successful CCA NC will be in its
CCA NC, the Karen Beasley Sea efforts to reform our fisheries management, con-
Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation tinue to build new habitat, and bring out the true
Center and the Wrightsville Beach potential of what our state’s coastal resources can,
loggerhead. Include your name and the Act, it is illegal to harm, wound
Sea Turtle Project are offering a and should, be,” Neely said.
contact information when calling or kill any threatened species of sea
combined reward of $2,000 for in- Please join us this spring in support of our pre-
enforcement to be eligible for the re- turtle. Violations may be prosecut-
formation leading to the successful cious public trust resources, he added.
ward. ed civilly or criminally and are pun-
identification or prosecution of the Specific details about the spring membership
Under the Endangered Species ishable by up to $24,625 and up to
person responsible for maiming the drive will be announced in early 2019.
Act and regulations that implement six months in prison.
BANQUETS Please let us know of local heroes and groups
in your area that could use supplies and coolers STORM
in their efforts. We are also encouraging other
businesses and suppliers to contact us if they have From Page 3
From Page 4 goods they can contribute.
As we receive support in, we are committed to
supplies, notably for the Wallace-Rose Hill football team
$4,000 in supplies ranging from dog and cat food getting it back out in a way that helps our coast-
whose players were largely flooded out.
to diapers and toilet paper, plus a $4,000 matching al communities get back on their feet as fast as
At the same time, Yeti sent 50 coolers to CCA NC in Ra-
cash contribution from Free Fly! We have been so possible.
leigh and another 50 to Custom Marine Fabrication in New
blessed to receive donations from folks across the One of the best ways we can help our coastal
Bern.
country, from “Rogerlynberg” in San Diego, CA, to communities recover is to get fishermen back
The coolers were given to relief agencies like the New
Steve’s Outdoor Adventure in Oregon, and Court- spending money during the fall fishing season. So
Bern Fire Department Swift Water Rescue Team, the New
ney and Kory Myers in Oklahoma. much of the economy of these communities depends
Bern Humane Society and Team Rubicon, a group of vet-
We have been approached by a number of other heavily on tourism and recreational fishing.
erans who move into a neighborhood and do free clean up
sponsors who also want to help with hurricane Plan a fall outing with coastal guide today. Red
work that’s not covered by insurance.
recovery, including a large shipment of Yeti coolers drum and false albacore are biting, according to
All these groups need a way to store food and water, for
for distribution to folks who can use them in their Fisherman’s Post, and the best part of speckled
both their crews and the victims they’re assisting, Sneed said.
recovery efforts. trout season is just weeks away.
“Yeti really stepped in to help,” he added. “Please think
We are reaching out to relief organizations Our concern continues to be with everyone in
how you can help us from your location. You can also solic-
already on the ground in the hardest hit coastal Florence’s and Michael’s paths of destruction.
it more supplies pledging with confidence they will reach
communities and first responders to make sure Please stay safe and stay strong, North Carolina.
flood victims.
our supplies and coolers get to the people that need Working together, we will recover and we will
“Identify people in need of our help in your area.”
them the most. rebuild.
Fall 2018
CCA NC 9
Tip It Forward to help guides CCA NC event schedule
CCA North Carolina would like Then, if convenient, share a pho- opportunity disaster for North Car- Nov. 8 - Triad Banquet, High Point Country Club
to join North Carolina Backcoun- to of your day as a post to @ncbha olina hunting and fishing guides,”
try Hunters & Anglers in support- and @cca_nc on Instagram and he continued. Nov. 14-15 - N.C. MFC, Kitty Hawk
ing Tip It Forward Hurricane Flor- hashtag the post as #tipitforward The guy who runs speckled trout
ence Relief, a program to provide #ncguides #ncbha #ncbackcountry trips in the Outer Banks marshes
immediate aid to the state’s fishing #ccanc #cca #ncbackwaters #north- from a 20-foot johnboat, and the Nov. 15 – Wilson Banquet, County Line Bluegrass,
and hunting guides impacted by carolina #hurricaneflorence. captains and mates of 50-foot Gulf Wilson
the storm, said CCA NC Executive This isn’t necessary, but will Stream sportfishermen are equally
Director David Sneed. help spread the word and send the affected.
Tip It Forward is a person-to-per- #TIPITFORWARD campaign vi- The epic massive flooding Nov. 28 - N.C. Southern Flounder Advisory Commit-
son direct outreach platform to aid ral. The guides can use it for roof- washed human sewage, the raw tee, Morehead City
North Carolina guides with swift ing nails, generator gas, diapers for bodies and waste of most of the
financial aid. To Tip It Forward, their children, or any other press- state’s 12 million hogs, plus untold
simply send a check for one day’s ing need, Sneed said. vehicles, homes, trash, you name Jan. 5, 2019 – George Povoromo Saltwater Fishing
tip (about 20 percent of the charter The devastation of Hurricane it, into the beloved Southern Seren- Seminar, Wilmington
fee) to a hunting or fishing guide Florence to the eastern North geti of the North Carolina Coastal
that’s provided you with an awe- Carolina Coastal Plain needs lit- Plain and its 2 million acres of pub- Jan. 24, 2019 – WNC oyster roast and gathering,
some trip in the past or one you tle detailed description to anyone lic estuarine waters, Sneed said. Highland Brewery, Asheville
know of through friends and fam- who has been watching the news. This is the description as of to-
ily, Sneed explained. Hundreds, and likely thousands, day, and this will be the descrip-
Sportsmen should have their of hunting and fishing guides tion a month and two and three Jan. 31, 2019 – Johnston County Banquet, The Farm,
guides’ contact info, but if not, Goo- have lost homes, boats, docks, and months from now, a time when Selma
gle does. months’ worth of future income. hunting and fishing guides make
“This is simple, quick, straight- “Water access in a third of the much, and in many cases, most of
forward and desperately needed.” state is a shambles. It is an equal their annual income, he concluded. Feb. 16, 2019 – Onslow Bay Banquet, Jacksonville
Feb. 21, 2019 – East Carolina Banquet, Rock Springs
Event Center, Greenville
STUDY rus.
Caretti has been tracking the
Caretti’s findings are still pre-
liminary, but they come at a good
change in biodiversity on theses time. The N.C. Coastal Federation March 7, 2019 – Neuse River Banquet, Bridgepointe
From Page 7 habitats over time and has found announced in August that it wants Hotel & Marina, New Bern
reefs made with shell attract more to grow the state’s oyster industry
meet a mate. aquatic life than reefs made out of by more than 10 times by 2030, March 23, 2019 – Crystal Coast Banquet, Crystal
“So they’re communicating with materials like granite marl or con- from $2.4 million to $30 million.
each other and also with females crete. And while that might be music
Coast Convention Center, Morehead City
of that species, too,” she said while This could suggest it’s more to the ears of fishermen, it’ll sound
listening to scores of oyster toad- valuable to dump shells into the a whole lot different when heard May 2, 2019 – Piedmont Banquet, Burlington
fish honking in a cacophonous cho- water rather than other materials. through a hydrophone.
10 CCA NC Fall 2018
Fishing, shootout events continue to grow
By Rip Woodin
CCA NC Editor
North Carolina hosted two favorite events in
August, the Fishing For the Future youth tourna-
ment in Swansboro and the CCA Legacy Sports-
man’s Shootout at Drake Landing near Raleigh.
Both events generated great publicity for CCA
NC, said David Sneed, executive director.
“We had a huge interest,” said tournament
organizer and Executive Board member Shelley
Smith.
The tournament has grown exponentially in
each of its three years.
“We ended up with 178 kids registered com-
pared to 34 the first year, so we had a great turn
out,” she said. “All participants registered prior
to the July 31 deadline received a free ‘Captain’s
Bag’ with sponsor goodies including stickers,
t-shirt, tackle, toys as well as a rod and reel.
This was all made possible by the donations of
local companies and individuals.
The tournament had another great year of sup-
port from local businesses with Viking Turbines,
Smith Custom Homes Inc., Transportation Im-
pact, Dudley’s Marina, and Image Builders being
the biggest supporters.
“All financial support was from small local
businesses and Academy Sports. Academy even
sent out some employees and a corn hole game
for fun in the park between fishing and awards Above, a 48-inch redfish
presentation,” she said. caught by Troy Bates was
A 48-inch redfish caught by Troy Bates was the the largest redfish in the
largest redfish in the 12 and under age group and 12 and under age group
was definitely the talk of the afternoon. Chase and was definitely the
Barnes, Troy’s cousin, hooked the longest floun- talk of the Third Annual
der for 12 and under. Fishing for the Future
“Even better, their grandfather was fishing in youth tournament. At left,,
the adult Hook & Bones Redfish Open held simul- the CCA NC annual Legacy
taneously and placed second,” Smith said. Sportsman’s Shootout
On the girls’ side of the competition, Scarlett Fu- at Drake Landing near
trell retained her 12 and under Lady Angler title Raleigh raised $3,800
from last year by hauling in a 26-inch red drum. for the organization’s
The Legacy Sportsman’s Shootout had 12 conservation programs.
four-person teams entered that raised $3,800,
Sneed said. One new Life Member was also re-
cruited at the event. Returning sponsors of the
Shootout included Grady-White Boats, Tarheel
Boatworks, Regulator Marine, Drake Land-
ing and beer sponsor, Sweetwater Brewing Co.,
Sneed said.
The Fish Hippie team of John Griffin, John
Ray, Phillip Williams, Tom Kidd took first place
while Phillip Williams with 48 clays won the indi-
vidual shooter award over Steve Spain who broke
47 targets. Check out CCANC.org for full results.Fall 2018
CCA NC 11
Marine conservation vital in western N.C.
By Rip Woodin state.
CCA NC Editor Recreational anglers and outdoor en-
thusiasts in general are losing access
The Coastal Conservation Association to these resources because of destruc-
of North Carolina will hold an oyster tive commercial fishing gear, poor state
roast and fundraising event on Thurs- management and overfishing that has
day, Jan. 24, 2019 at Highland Brewery gone on for decades, Sneed continued.
to acquaint Asheville sports men and “Our coastal fisheries are in jeopardy.
women with the dire condition of the It is this underlying principal of ac-
state’s coastal marine fisheries. cess that connects the saltwater fisher-
“While the ocean is a long way from man on the coast, the young hunter in
the Davidson River, preservation of our Uwharrie National Forest and the fly
marine resources is just as important to fisherman in the west who all rely on ac-
a lot of Western North Carolina anglers cess for outdoor recreation.”
as protecting beautiful trout and clean The issues surrounding coastal habi-
mountain streams,” said Joe Neely, tats and fisheries in North Carolina are
western regional director for CCA NC. unfortunately unknown to many people
This inaugural Asheville chapter event in the state. When made aware of the is-
is the result of passionate fishermen in sues, most people are astounded by the
the area who want to help preserve ma- exploitation that is allowed.
rine resources for future generations. The number one problem is lack of
“We hope that all who are interested Photo by Rip Woodin public awareness. Since it was formed in
in learning about and supporting CCA Fishermen on the Oceanana Pier at Atlantic Beach enjoy a fall light show as 1989, CCA NC has unsurprisingly found
NC will join us for a fun evening with they await the evening bite. CCA NC works to preserve the state’s estuarine most of its support in the eastern half of
great food, drinks, and plenty of raffle and marine fisheries so future generations throughout the state can enjoy the state, with Charlotte being the west-
and auction items available to win,” tranquility like this. ernmost chapter. This is changing as the
Neely said. health of our coastal resources becomes
Preserving the natural resources in urgent, leading people all over the state
one part of the state should be of con- where all of these regions meet. It rep- pass along an appreciation of it to future to get involved.
cern to everyone, not just the inhabi- resents a haven for travelers, tourists generations.” It is important for recreational out-
tants of the coast, Piedmont or moun- and outdoor enthusiasts alike,” Smith So what does this have to do with doors enthusiasts to have a united voice
tains, said Frank Smith of Asheville, said. coastal conservation? Well, it is this in all corners of the state so our repre-
who is not only the owner of Hunter When it comes to the outdoors, most mindset toward public trust resourc- sentatives in Raleigh are aware that
Banks fly shop in Asheville but a Life people rely on access to public trust re- es that applies in the same way to our public trust resources belong to all of us
Member of CCA and a fanatical saltwa- sources like parks, nature preserves and coastal fisheries as it does to public and should be managed with our inter-
ter fisherman. federal lands to pursue a variety of rec- lands in the west. ests in mind, Frank Smith said.
“As citizens of North Carolina, we reational activities, explained CCA NC North Carolina has rich resources on Asheville is the perfect spot for people
are blessed with beautiful and diverse Executive Director David Sneed. its coast and inshore estuarine waters throughout the western part of the state
natural resources that we all hold dear. “The range of public trust resources that are breeding grounds for many who care about the outdoors to come to-
From the estuaries along the coast and that we enjoy is one that is both unique species of finfish, shellfish, sea turtles gether.
the rolling hills in the Piedmont to the and rare in the world,” he said. “This is and other marine life that have repre- Please join us Jan. 24 for this import-
trout streams in the west, North Car- a beautiful thing that allows us to enjoy sented a longstanding recreational her- ant informational and fundraising event
olina is one of the few places on earth the natural beauty of the outdoors and itage to millions of residents across the that will also be a lot of fun, he concluded.
Official cooler of CCA NC12 CCA NC Fall 2018
CCA NC to hold ‘virtual banquet auction’
By Rip Woodin sponsors, Sneed said. tered with, or you will have the options to make pay-
CCA NC Editor The digital bidding application GiveSmart has been ment directly with CCA NC.”
used at a number of live banquets held earlier this Sneed said all trips must be booked within one year
CCA NC is holding a “virtual banquet auction” in year, Sneed continued. of the closing date of the auction unless otherwise not-
an effort to help replace lost income from fall ban- “You can use your smart phone right now to text the ed. Merchandise delivery will only be guaranteed in
quets canceled due to Hurricane Florence and Tropical key word, ccanc, to the number 24700, and you will the state of North Carolina. Delivery of any merchan-
Storm Michael, said Executive Director David Sneed. received a link to the bidding site by text,” he said. An- dise purchased by individuals living outside of North
“We wanted to give our members and supporters a other option is to go online to the website at: https:// Carolina will be the responsibility of the buyer.
chance to support CCA NC even if they experienced a ccanc.auction-bid.org/microsite/ to view the auction “I encourage you to call us at (919) 781-3474 if you
canceled banquet in their area. We are also encourag- items and register to bid. have any questions about bidding or need more specif-
ing everyone who is beginning to look for Christmas Once you begin bidding, you will receive text mes- ics on any of the auction items. We hope everyone will
shopping ideas or planning holiday trips to consider sages each time you are outbid, Sneed explained. participate with us in our first Virtual Banquet and
shopping with us this year through our Virtual Ban- The bidding fun will continue until 5 p.m. on Mon- enjoy it in the spirit in which it is offered! Good luck
quet,” he added. day, Nov. 5. At that time, a participant will be notified and please have fun bidding,” Sneed concluded.
The online auction site that is operational now un- if he or she is the winning bidder on an item and, “You All funds raised will help CCA NC continue its work
til Nov. 5 lists exotic trips to luxury destinations and will have the opportunity to pay for your purchase to preserve the state’s estuarine and marine resources
unique merchandise provided by many donors and right on your phone using the credit card you regis- for future generations.
FLORENCE classes, a compelling case for action by
the MFC and the director exists. Since
the fishery is jointly managed with the
Wildlife Resources Commission, the MFC
From Page 6 should adopt the new WRC recreational
limit of one fish 26 inches or longer in in-
region, and the concerns for the potential land waters.”
by-catch mortality in the fall gill net fish- Elkins added that adoption of this new
eries, are enough to push forward with recreational limit, without removal of gill
cooperation from WRC on temporary nets, will only increase the dead discards
management measures for consideration from recreational anglers and will not
by the commission at its November meet- aid in the recovery of striped bass. With-
ing,” Sneed said. out the removal of gill nets, it is unlike-
“The attendance by Chief Deputy Sec- ly that some recreational fishermen and
retary Nicholson at all MFC meetings is guides will support this new rule because
promising,” said Dr. Elkins. “It suggests it would effectively stop all recreational
DEQ recognizes the importance of fish- harvest. With fish in the 17- to 20-inch
eries management and a commitment to range, it could take them another two to
make meaningful changes to state man- three years to reach the 26-inch harvest
aged fisheries.” threshold, he explained.
Although a supplement cannot be im- Current DMF regulations set by proc-
plemented in time to protect these young lamation in October allow the harvest of
fish in the Tar/Pamlico and Neuse Rivers two fish no smaller than 18 inches in the
during the fall 2018 large mesh flounder CSMA coastal waters. Furthermore, it is
season or the small mesh white perch unlawful to possess striped bass between
season, but it could at least provide some Photo by Rip Woodin 22 and 27 total inches in joint waters of
relief before the targeted striped bass sea- The March commercial striped bass season has had a 25,000-pound quota the Central Southern Management Area.
son next March, he added. that is worth about $60,000 at the docks. The March commercial striped bass
“Time is of the essence,” he said. season has had a 25,000-pound quota
The declining number of native striped that is worth about $60,000 at the docks.
bass in the CSMA has been known for “Upon analysis there should have been The lack of mature fish makes it unam- The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service spends
years but nothing has been done about a light bulb that went off at DMF and that biguously clear that the native population about $750,000 a year stocking the three
it, Elkins said. Four years ago the WRC kept striped bass biologists up at night,” has almost been extirpated. rivers in the CSMA for recreational fish-
conducted genetic studies that showed 95 he said. “This should have resulted in Elkins told the MFC in August, “Faced ermen, but commercial operations end up
percent of the striped bass population was rushed meetings between WRC and DMF with the new additional data on gill net catching 75-80 percent of the harvested
stocked. and immediate measures implemented.” by-catch and the newly-found large year fish.You can also read
