The North Carolina Coastal Federation is a member-supported nonprofit organization committed to protecting and restoring our coast. By working with people from all walks of life, we’re building a healthier, more resilient coast for current and future generations.
One of the ways the Federation is making strides to improve the health of our coast is by working alongside those who know our coastal waters the best: commercial and recreational fishers.
Lost Fishing Gear Recovery Project
Each year, the Federation hires commercial fishing crews to scour coastal waters, finding and removing lost crab pots through the Lost Fishing Gear Recovery Project. This project has been running successfully since 2013, and with their expert knowledge of the waterways, these commercial fishers have pulled more than 20,000 pieces of lost gear. Removing this equipment is vital to ensuring coastal waters stay clean and healthy for marine life and the safety of other vessels out on the water.
Learn more about the Lost Fishing Gear Recovery Project here.
Removing Old Tires
The Federation also recently partnered with the Coastal Conservation Association North Carolina, a group of conservationists and recreational anglers, to remove more than 175 tires that were polluting the Jump Run Creek area in Carteret County. Volunteers from CCA NC joined the Federation’s contracted commercial fishing marine debris removal teams to pull out the tires over the course of several days.
Stop, Check, Enjoy!
Ensuring communities can safely enjoy the fish they catch for their families is another important aspect of the Federation’s work. Led by the Duke Superfund Research Center Community Engagement Core and a number of other groups, including Cape Fear River Watch and the Federation, the Stop, Check, Enjoy campaign was created. This campaign aims to educate those who subsistence fish in the Cape Fear River about health advisories around certain fish species and the safest way to prepare fish to minimize risk.
Fish provide many dietary benefits as a source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other essential nutrients. However, some types of fish can also be sources of harmful contaminants.
Many fish species live in contaminated waters, and their bodies may contain chemical contaminants that can be toxic to people. Eating fish that contain contaminants can cause these contaminants to build up in a person’s body. Eating contaminated fish for a long time can increase the risk of illness for adults, but it may be especially risky for children and babies because their bodies are still developing.
Depending on the type and amount of contaminants, long-term exposure from eating some types of fish can increase the risk of illness, developmental issues, or, in some cases, cancer.
Living along the coast, fishing in all forms plays an important role in the economy and the environment, and by working together, we can ensure that our coastal waters stay healthy for current and future generations. Learn more about how you can get involved in the Federation’s work that supports healthy coastal ecosystems and thriving fisheries.