THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 28, 1996 TAG: 9601250216
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 08 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: ANOTHER VIEW
SOURCE: BY MARCIA A. CHRISTIE
LENGTH: Medium: 100 lines
Many letters to the editor have been written from the perspective of individuals who wished to put their opinion before the public. I am in the process of writing a novel with commercial fishing families as its running theme. In doing my research on marine biology, the water habitat and regulations, as well as listening to fishermen involved in all the specialties, I have learned a lot on the subject.
One of the things I have learned is that many of the viewpoints expressed are absolutely correct, as far as they go. For instance, those who believe that year-to-year fluctuation in the catches of any given species is due in part to natural occurrences, such as weather, which affects migration and spawning patterns, are correct. Records of catches over the past hundred years clearly show that fact. But weather is only one factor in the diminishing fishery mix, and it is the only factor that no human being, be he rich or poor, powerful or powerless, can control.
The only factor that is being controlled, regulated and enforced is the commercial fishermen. Perhaps that is why they tend to balk at further regulations, many of which are not effective or fair. No one likes rules and regulations, but the behavior of a few has made them necessary for all. All fishermen must understand (and most of them do) that if they overfish a species, it will not be there for them in the future.
The other factors contributing to the decline of the fishery, such as overdevelopment of our coastline, with its inevitable effluence into our waters and destruction of spawning wetlands, are not blocked. This rich and powerful industry has used its political clout to circumvent the rules that blocked their way, and a portion of the fishery was diminished. Anyone who takes umbrage with the preceding statement need only look around. The developments are there, are they not? They are at the water's edge, are they not? Their existence and location cannot be denied. They give highly visible testimony to the truth of the matter.
Another factor in the decline of the fishery is pollution, but it is is too difficult to monitor and enforce. That is unfortunate, because the impact of this factor in damaging the water habitat is substantial. Ask any native who is old enough to remember, and he will tell you of the abundant variety of healthy, prolific wildlife and fishes they remember from the old days.
Agricultural runoff is another major contributor to the decline of the fishery. Almost every year there are fish kills in the rivers that empty into the sounds and eventually reach the ocean, from this source. But many of the people in high places come from agricultural backgrounds, so they are reluctant to impose on the farmers the monetary outlay it would take to correct the problem. Instead, they close the affected water to the fishermen, effectively punishing them for the actions of another group. They do not hesitate to force the fishermen to expend large sums of money on the equipment they are required to purchase to operate within the law.
Another factor, the barrier islands that buffer us from storms, also form a barrier against the release of the land-originated runoff into the diluting currents of the vast ocean. But no action is taken by the government to stabilize the Oregon Inlet. The issue has been discussed, explored, studied and postponed with great vigor for many years at great cost to the taxpayer. But the problem still has not been effectively corrected, and it grows worse with each passing day.
But with all the factors that contribute to the decline of the fishery, only one is singled out: the commercial fisherman. But the problem is too big to deal with only one aspect of it. Doing that, in fact, is the same as doing nothing at all. The water is used in some way by many of us, and we are all responsible for its well-being. I have seen fishing line and trash left on the beaches, but that cannot be easily monitored. The people who use the beaches for surf casting, swimming or any other recreational pursuit must discipline themselves.
I am glad to hear that many sport fishermen are releasing their catches and keeping only what they will eat. But this, too, is difficult to monitor and enforce. Sport fishermen do not catch a high volume per boat, but their boats are many in number.
The water is a valuable source, so far at least, of a healthy food supply meant to nourish many. It provides a livelihood for the hardy men who choose to engage in it.
But it also provides fun and recreation to those who have made enough money at some other occupation to afford it. Both interests have the right to share it, and both must use it wisely.
We all must protect the wetlands and the estuaries, which are the nurseries and spawning grounds for our fish and shellfish. They are the one element on the plus side of the situation. So we, the citizens, must raise our voices and exercise our votes to preserve them for everyone.
Let's place the responsibility for the health of this important resource and well-being of the fishery where it belongs. ``I have seen the enemy and he is us.''
I can only say to anyone who wants to effect some change to stop being concerned with only the special way in which he or she uses the ocean, sounds and rivers. Concern yourself with saving it all, for every endeavor. Name-calling and blame accomplishes nothing except to keep us divided. Write to those who have the power to do something about it, and urge them to take action in every arena and to make and enforce laws and regulations that will be fair to everyone, instead of targeting only one group while ignoring the others. MEMO: Marcia A. Christie lives in Wanchese. She is working on a novel.
by CNB