2 0 2 2 H I G H L I G H T S
2 0 2 2 H I G H L I G H T S VISION & MISSION Pursuing world class fisheries & thriving coastal economies 1. FINDEX Defining 'stock status' & 'world class' fisheries 2. ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE Untangling the complexities of fisheries management 3 COASTAL BOATING ACCESS Providing quality access to coastal fisheries 4. PARTNERSHIPS & OUTREACH Spreading the word & expanding networks 6 WATERSHED RESTORATION 5. Rehabilitating tidal creeks for shellfish harvest
"To see North Carolina become the premier fishing destination in the country"
"Pursuing world-class fisheries and thriving coastal economies" 1
VISION MISSION
The barometers beside each fish in the chart above define stock status. Use your phone's camera to scan each species' 'QR' code if you want to learn more. New FINDEX profiles are added to our website each month at: www.thinkcoastal.com 200+% 150% 200+% 200+% 200+% 200+% 2 50% 0% Depleted World class 100% 200+% Rebuilding Stable Robust WEakfish 150% 50% 0% Depleted World class 100% 200+% Rebuilding Stable Robust StripedMullet 150% 50% 0% Depleted World class 100% 200+% Rebuilding Stable Robust SouthernFlounder 150% 50% 0% Depleted World class 100% 200+% Rebuilding Stable Robust bluefish 150% 50% 0% Depleted World class 100% 200+% Rebuilding Stable Robust Terminal YEar 2013 Terminal YEar 2018 Terminal YEar 2017 Terminal YEar 2019 Terminal YEar 2017 Stock Status Stock Status Best available data Scan for more info Those are the ONLY two scenarios used to summarize hundreds of pages of data and analytics. Stock assessment models are used to describe the condition or “status” of fish populations and typically draw two conclusions: In response, the North Carolina Marine & Estuary Foundation developed FINDEX, a proprietary indicator that, for the first time, provides a quick picture of stock status and makes the term 'world class' measurable. The stock is overfished, or is not Overfishing is occurring, or is not 1. 2.
The regulatory processes that govern fisheries management in North Carolina are inherently complex; decision making occurs at various State and Federal levels by an assortment of entities.
Determining 'who makes the call' is complicated, and the general public is often left wondering: how do fisheries rules and regulations take shape in North Carolina?
In response, the North Carolina Marine & Estuary Foundation developed a comprehensive summary (available upon request) that untangles the regulatory structure.
The chart above, developed by the Foundation, illustrates the relationships between governing bodies responsible for managing coastal fisheries resources in North Carolina and Federal waters.
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Signage (pictured above) highlighting the joint venture is posted at the coastal boating access areas included within the partnership. 4 This first of its kind partnership provides financial support to ensure clean, safe, and convenient access at 5 of the coast’s largest public boating facilities as follows: The Foundation partnered with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission on a 3-year joint venture to enhance coastal boating access for boaters, recreational anglers, and commercial fishermen. Manns Harbor Croatan Sound, Dare County Swan Quarter Pamlico Sound, Hyde County Beaufort – Taylor’s Creek, Carteret County Snow’s Cut – Carolina Beach, New Hanover County Oak Island – Intracoastal Waterway Southport, Brunswick County 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
strategies
5 In response to decades of inaction, the North Carolina Marine & Estuary Foundation is developing a conceptual design for Hewletts Creek near Wilmington as a case study with the following objectives: Approximately a quarter of North Carolina's potential shellfish grow areas are permanently closed due to poor water quality. Coordinate local knowledge and identify desired outcomes Develop dredging concepts to improve tidal flushing Identify regulatory and environmental constraints and determine a path forward 1. 2. 3.
The goal of this project is to implement needed restoration
for Hewletts Creek (pictured above) and other polluted tidal watersheds along the coast that have the potential to support shellfish harvest.
One of the North Carolina Marine & Estuary Foundation's goals is to gain wide ranging support by packaging and communicating important information pertaining to our coastal resources
The Foundation's accomplishments in 2022 were focused on our commitment to make North Carolina become the premier fishing destination in the country.
We need your support to keep our momentum as we work to establish world-class fisheries and thriving coastal economies in our state.
If you Think our Coastal fisheries are worth restoring, and want to make a difference, join us today and help us unlock the unlimited potential of our waters for the next generation to experience, explore, and enjoy.
Scan Here Donate Online Or Visit: www.thinkcoastal.com/donate Donate by Check 1. Please make your check payable to: North Carolina Marine & Estuary Foundation, Inc. 2. On the memo line of the check, please indicate that your donation is for NCMEF 3. Mail your check to: 1101 Haynes St, Suite 102 Raleigh, NC 27605
