Crowded Waters- A dive into NC Oyster Aquaculture

North Carolinas Oyster aquaculture industry is still in its enfancy, although rapidly expanding. This emerging shellfish farming industry has rapdily increased in size in upwards of 600% in some areas of our state such as Pender County within a very short amount of time. This growth has caught the attention of many stakeholders in the area that share these public trust marine reasources, including many local fishing guides.

Nearly 30 people spoke Wednesday night Januray 31 during a North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries-hosted public hearing on shellfish lease applications of two (Pender Co) area oyster farming companies.

"The overwhelming consesus from those who packed a room in the Surf City Municipal Complex was, while they support local Shellfish farming efforts, more leases will infringe upon popular fishing spots, impeded boating and kayaking access, and affect the viewshed of waterfront properties near the farms." " and most said they are specifically against the water column lease applications of N.Sea. Oyster Co, and Pirate Oysters LLC, raising concerns about the floating equipment used for this type of shellfish farming" (Opponents say Pender shellfish leases will crowd waters | Coastal Review)

Joining us on todays episode of "Fisheries Gone Wild" we have Captain Ray Britian of Springtide guide Service (Topsail Island) and Captian Rennie Clark of Tournament Trail Charters (Wilmington). Both of these guys share a passion for fishing, conservation and want to see a healthy sustanable fishery for years to come.

Listen in as they discuss the effects these water column oyster leases will have on the local community and the impact that can have on all stakeholders ability to access our public trust fisheries resources.

There is a lot to unpack in this episode and both captain Ray and Rennie to a great job explaining the ins and outs of the situiation going on right in their backyard.

Tight lines!