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OUR MISSION STATEMENT
The stated
purpose of CCA is to advise and educate the public on
conservation of marine resources. The objective of CCA is
to conserve, promote and enhance the present and future
availability of these coastal resources for the benefit and
enjoyment of the general public.
| Cape Fear Legislation to Restore Top Rate Fishery |
The North Carolina General Assembly passed a bill Wednesday that could restore one of the nation's top fisheries. The legislation provides the State of North Carolina the capability to acquire the locks and dams along the Cape Fear River once the US Corps of Engineers has restored them to excellent operating condition and added a series of rock arch fish ramps.
The Cape Fear River, our state's largest river, had the locks and dams originally installed to ensure commercial traffic during times of low water flow. As transportation methods changed, commercial traffic on the river disappeared and, in the eyes of the Corps, the locks and dams were no longer needed. As concerns grew regarding dismantling the out-of-date dams, due to the necessity of regulating water flow and consumption by local municipalities, sentiment changed to try and restore the locks and dams to their original conditions.
Currently however, the locks and dams prevent anadromous fish, those that live in salt water yet come back up into fresh water to spawn, from being able to make the trip back upriver and spawn. Striped bass (stripers), shad, and herring are three main species. As such, the US Corps proposed rock arch ramps that would alleviate this problem and restore an incredible fishery the state has lacked for decades. Essentially, the rock archs are manmade rapids built in front of each dam, enabling these fish to navigate upstream. These fish are all important game fish for recreational anglers, and forage fish for several other species.
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| 18 Jul 2008 - 09:40 by CCA North Carolina |
XNews
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| LEGISLATURE OVERWHELMINGLY APPROVES BOAT TRAILERING CHANGES |
In response to public outcry from both citizens and industry, the North Carolina Legislature passed important changes to the state's laws regulating the trailering of boats. Representative Arthur Williams of Beaufort County, sponsor of the bill, said "This bill is for Grady White, Fountain, Parker Boats, and all the boat manufacturers of the state along with all the recreational fishermen and boaters so important to our tourism."
Previously, boaters pulling vessels over 102"on the road statewide were not allowed to travel the roads at night, making it next to impossible to leave after work on Friday afternoon and arrive at the coast before dark. Now boats up to 114" can travel the roads nights and weekends, providing access to our waters, and stimulating tourism.
Coastal Conservation Association North Carolina was part of a coalition including boat manufacturers, the NC Chamber, and several coastal counties and municipalities which helped guide the legislation through a winding road to passage. Several amendments were made to ensure safety, and the result was a bill which garnered only five negative votes from both the fifty-member Senate and one hundred twenty-member House.
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| 18 Jul 2008 - 09:21 by CCA North Carolina |
XNews
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| CCA Supports Legislation for Cape Fear River Rock Arch Fish Ramps |
Dating back to our earliest settlers, the Cape Fear River has been a major part of our state's history. It has been an important source of fish, recreation, and transportation between two of our largest colonial cities, Wilmington and Fayetteville. A series of locks and dams were installed in order to make transportation on the river viable. This action enhanced river transportation but it inhibited anadramous fish (fish that live in salt water and come back to spawn in fresh water) from being able to return to spawn.
River transportation on the Cape Fear River ended some 20 years ago. The Corps of engineers would like to remove the locks and dams. This would allow the shad and striper to move up and down the river again, but would cause two aggravating factors. The towns that use the river for its water supply would be affected and there would be times of low flow which could make the river unmanageable to fishermen.
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| 16 Jul 2008 - 13:31 by CCA North Carolina |
XNews
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