Economy slide down, rising gas prices, declining fish and shellfish populations and ever-tightening federal fishing regulations have made for a bleak Christmas for commercial fishermen. A local fisherman said that there is so many regulations that a lot of fishermen are just hanging it up. He said he hasn’t done much this year because I can’t find new buyers because of the economy.
It is said that nearly 80 county commercial fishermen receiving food assistance from a special program the Salvation Army started in April to assist commercial fishing families. Salvation Army Capt. Sherry Czanderna told that Food Lion in Morehead City had approached us about giving us food that was about to expire or was damaged. The Salvation Army decided to offer the food strictly to commercial fishing families. Capt. Czanderna, with the help of commercial fisherman Jimmy Gillikin of Morehead City, her son and a board member, they contacted commercial fishermen to begin spreading the word.
Fishermen receive vouchers or can contact the office ahead of time to make arrangements to pick up food. Available items include breads, cakes, pies, vegetables and meats.For C.C. Leegins, a part-time commercial fisherman in Morehead City, the program makes a big difference. Danny Holack, also a Morehead City commercial fisherman, agreed that it is a big help.
