. Coast watch. Marine resources; Oceanography; Coastal zone management; Coastal ecology. f r o m the top Dear Readers: Commercial fishing. It's a way of life in small North Carolina communities such as Stumpy Point, Hobucken, Salter Path, Sneads Ferry and Vamumtown. For decades that way of life went unchanged. But times are different. What was once a simple matter of catching a few fish is now much more complicated. Watermen must purchase expensive gear, study mountains of regulatory information and lobby policymakers for more say in the rules that govern their livelihoods. No doubt bureaucrac
. Coast watch. Marine resources; Oceanography; Coastal zone management; Coastal ecology. f r o m the top Dear Readers: Commercial fishing. It's a way of life in small North Carolina communities such as Stumpy Point, Hobucken, Salter Path, Sneads Ferry and Vamumtown. For decades that way of life went unchanged. But times are different. What was once a simple matter of catching a few fish is now much more complicated. Watermen must purchase expensive gear, study mountains of regulatory information and lobby policymakers for more say in the rules that govern their livelihoods. No doubt bureaucracy has changed the industry. Regulations are rampant, but resource managers feel a need to protect fish populations that are dwindling because of overharvesting, pollution and habitat degradation. Fishermen, however, think there is too much govern- ment interference. They long for the days when they could call the oceans and sounds their own. Carla Burgess outlines the problems and complexities facing today's commercial fishing industry. She talks to federal and state fisheries managers, policymakers and representatives from commercial fishing organizations. I talk with Sea Grant scientists who are looking at innovative ways to address the problems. Sea Grant's social and economic research may give resource managers more to think about than just biological statistics when it comes to forming regulations. For the fishermen's side of the story, Jeannie Faris interviews four Tar Heel watermen whose family histories are steeped in saltwater and seafood. They relate their frustrations, possible solutions and hopes for the future. I hope that you enjoy the issue and learn more about the unique people who call themselves commercial fishermen. During February, some of you will receive a survey for evaluating Coastwatch. We want to know what you like and don't like and how you rate our efforts thus far. Please take a few minutes to honestly answer our questions. Your responses and opinio
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookcollectionunclibra, booksubjectoceanography
