Fishermen
Whether you’re on the water casting your line for fun or you fish for your livelihood, both recreational and commercial fishermen rely on healthy fisheries in the Cape Fear.
The river once supported thriving stocks of American shad and striped bass but obstructions to fish passage, loss of spawning habitats, and deteriorating water quality has lead to major decline in these populations.
Cleaning up our water, coming up with more advanced water treatment management practices and opening up fish passages will boost the stock and strengthen migratory fish populations. Making improvements to the environment is important as far as rebuilding these fisheries, which serve as a source of food, income, and recreation for coastal communities.
How can you help?
Fishermen can provide public input on fisheries management or issues that affect fish passage and water quality in the Cape Fear by attending government meetings, public hearings, or writing your state representative.
Click here to read more about the importance of migratory fish.