Elected Officials
Economic benefits by the numbers:
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Recreational and commercial fisheries contributed $1.96 billion and $248.23 million in economic impacts to the North Carolina economy in 2011 respectively (NOAA 2011).
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In North Carolina, the striped bass fishery alone produced over $40 million in economic impacts to the state economy in 2009 (NCDMF 2011).
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In 2010, more than 33,000 people in North Carolina were employed in the tourism and recreation industry, with wages totaling almost $500 million (NOAA Database 2010)
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North Carolina anglers spent more than $1.5 billion in 2011 on fishing-related activities (USFWS 2011).
The Cape Fear Basin is home to over a third of North Carolina's residents, many of who depend on the river for commercial and recreational fishing, tourism, water supply, and other recreational activities. To continue to benefit from these sources of economic prosperity and boost local and state economies, we must focus on reducing nutrient loading and restoring migratory fish habitat and fisheries. The resiliency of communities in Lower Cape Fear, specifically in Pender, Brunswick, and New Hanover counties, depend on clean water and healthy fisheries.
How can you help?
To accomplish this, elected officials need to implement policies that improve the health of the river. Local government can also play a big role in public education. Creating more literature and publications about the importance of the river and providing ways to clean it up will educate citizens and generate support.