WHEREAS, on December 30, 1822, the North Carolina General Assembly passed a law titled An Act to Prevent the Destruction of Oysters, and for Other Purposes, in the State that restricted oyster harvest gear and prohibited the export of North Carolina oysters to other states; and
WHEREAS, this, the first statewide law governing marine fisheries, was the beginning of state marine fisheries management in North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, numerous subsequent laws passed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, eventually leading to the establishment of what is now the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries and the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission; and
WHEREAS, these two entities attempt to manage and protect one of North Carolina’s most valuable natural resources; and
WHEREAS, roughly 2,000 commercial fishermen ply their trade in North Carolina coastal waters, selling to nearly 700 fish dealers, who supply fish markets, seafood restaurants, and grocers with blue crab, shrimp, flounder, oysters, and other delicacies; and
WHEREAS, an estimated 1.5 million recreational anglers cast their lines in North Carolina coastal waters each year, supporting a for-hire fleet of more than 1,000 vessels, 19 ocean fishing piers, and countless bait and tackle shops; and
WHEREAS, the economic impact of coastal fishing in North Carolina tops $4.5 billion each year; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries uses science-based stewardship to manage these fisheries with a goal of ensuring sustainable marine and estuarine fisheries and habitats for the benefit and health of the people of North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries is recognized as one of the leading fisheries management agencies in the nation;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim December, 2022, as “MARINE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.