Broad and Reel

I would think most fishermen are aware of the dwindling population of certain species of fish. Longline fishing, gill nets, bottom trawling and just plain over fishing are several reasons why fish that were once abundant are now threatened.

It’s nice to see action taken to protect some of these species which is why I’m glad that the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries closed waters for commercial red drum harvest.

As of April 3, 2008 at noon, it is illegal for commercial fishermen to possess or sell any red drum in North Carolina waters. Recreational limits for red drum haven’t changed. Licensed fishermen are allowed to keep one red drum per day if it’s within the specified size of 18 inches to 27 inches.

The reason for closing the waters for red drum harvest is because the N.C. Red Drum Fishery Management Plan implemented a commercial cap of 250,000lbs of red drum and the DMF estimates that the cap has been reached. The cap of 250,000lbs is for the commercial red drum fishing season which runs September 1 through August 31. That means commercial fishermen will be allowed to harvest red drum again starting September 1.

One of the largest efforts to protect dwindling fish species is the Seafood Watch program with the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  The program has regional seafood guides that point out the best seafood choices, good alternatives and seafood you should avoid. The guides don’t just point out sustainable sources of seafood, they also highlight seafood to avoid for human health because of various containments. It’s a pretty interesting guide and I recommend you check it out because there are probably a few fish on there that you’d be surprised to see.