The new amendment could negatively impact the economy in Carteret got a thumbs-down Monday night from the County Board of Commissioners. It is said that the Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution opposing Amendment 16 to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act during a regular meeting in the boardroom of the administration building. Commissioner Greg Lewis made the motion to approve and Commissioner Pete Allen made the second.
According to the information the purpose of Amendment 16 is to reduce overfishing in the vermillion snapper and gag grouper fisheries. This will be achieved through size limits, bag limits and closed seasons. It is informed that the amendment is expected to cause a 23 percent reduction in the operating revenue of commercial vessels in North Carolina that land at least 1 pound of gag.
Sonny Davis, who owns headboats and charter fishing boats in Atlantic Beach, told that the county’s main industry – tourism – could be hard hit if the amendment is implemented here. Maurice Davis of Newport, a captain with Capt. Stacy Fishing Center in Atlantic Beach, said the amendment would affect how he supports his family. He also said that Amendment 16 would be a big blow to us if it’s passed.
Commissioner Jonathan Robinson, who chairs the County Marine Fisheries Advisory Board, opined that calls for seasonal closures on the fisheries would surely have a negative impact on headboats, charter fishing boats and commercial and recreation fishing. County Fire Marshal Ben Barnette explained during a recent state Department of Insurance inspection of the Beaufort Fire Department, it was realized that the 5-mile map for that district had never been approved by the county.
