Recreational Angler support needed at May 2 Meeting
Pender County commissioners on April 4 voted unanimously to pass a resolution opposing House Bill 353, which would grant gamefish status to several saltwater fish species.
However, after recreational anglers expressed concern about the resolution, the commissioners have agreed to re-vote at their May 2 meeting. “We voted at the last meeting to add the resolution vote onto the May 2 meeting agenda,” said Jimmy Tate, Pender County Commission Vice-Chair.
Chris Medlin of Surf City is one of those who think the 14,000 Pender County recreational fishing license holders far outweigh the interests of the 240 commercial license holders.
“I don’t think that Pender County should have a resolution for or against HB 353, but if the resolution from April 4 stands I see that as a vote against conservation and against future tourism,” Medlin said.
Medlin believes that coastal counties should organize recreational angler support to attend meetings like the May 2 Pender County meeting in order to participate in the public comments.
“Furthermore, we need to communicate with the legislators from inland counties about how we value our natural resources right here along the coast,” Medlin said.
To support HB 353, click here to access links to each of the bill’s sponsors. Just click on each name to send emails to these legislators.
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