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MFC Meeting This Week
The time has come for the Marine Fisheries Commission (MFC) to discuss and vote on the six fisheries on the chopping block. This is your chance to come together and show unity and support as a fishing community. Public comments are important, but showing up in large numbers sends a strong message as well.
Meeting Location:
- Hilton Garden Inn - Kitty Hawk, NC
Public Comment:
- Wednesday, March 12th at 2:00pm and 6:00pm
- If you have a handout you need to bring 12 copies
- Each speaker will be limited to 3 minutes
Meeting Times:
- Wednesday, March 12th 2:30pm - 6:00pm
- Thursday, March 13th 9:00am - 12:45pm
Meeting Agenda:
- Meeting Agenda
Meeting Website:
- Meeting Webpage
Watch Meeting on YouTube:
- YouTube Meeting Link
Final Call To Save Us From The Chopping Block
We have talked about these issues for weeks leading up to this MFC meeting. You know the issues, you know the problems, and you want to do what is right. Just attending this meeting shows solidarity and the urgency of our situation. If you can, we also encourage you to give public comment, talk with MFC members, and/or DMF staff.
As a final update ahead of the meeting this week I just wanted to give a bullet point overview of everything on the chopping block one more time.
Last Chance Issues
False Albacore Rule
- Last time this issue comes to the MFC before implementation
- No stock assessment
- Rule not recommended by DMF
- Rule does nothing to conserve or sustain the stock
Speckled Trout
- Last time this issue comes to MFC before implementation
- Need for reductions and the science are highly questionable
- Slot limit creates more discards
- 38.3% reduction for commercial sector is wrong
Second to Last Chance Issues
Blue Crab
- May 2025 MFC meeting is final vote before implementation
- No stock assessment or necessary data needed for management
- Moving forward with Adaptive Management violates the FMP
Last Chance Before Legislative Review
Hard Clam
- Zero science to back the DMF recommendation
- No monitoring or accountability of recreational harvest
- Clam harvesters have been accountable
Eastern Oyster
- Zero science to back the recommendation
- No monitoring or accountability of recreational harvest
- Oysterman have suggested reasonable alternatives
Stay Informed Changes Coming Soon
Southern Flounder
- Failed stock assessment
- Recreational access has never been limited
- NCFA supports increasing harvest opportunities for both sectors
Thank you all for staying with us through these issues and reading our updates. Please continue reaching out and asking questions. We need everyone to be on the same page and walk together as we fight this unprecedented attack on our fisheries!
Thomas Newman
Fisheries Liaison
thomasnewman@ncfish.org
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