Having been both a commercial and recreational fisherman in North Carolina for over 40 years, I have personally witnessed the continued loss of our fisheries due to chronic mismanagement by the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) and Marine Fisheries Commission (MFC). "We the people" own these resources, and it is not merely a privilege, but a right safeguarded by our state constitution to govern ourselves and freely access our natural resources for fishing.

The ongoing decline in fish populations in North Carolina has reached a critical point, severely impacting both commercial operations and recreational activities. The mismanagement and inefficiencies within the current fisheries management structure demand an immediate restructuring to ensure the sustainability of our marine ecosystems and the livelihood of those dependent on them.

We propose the merger of North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries with the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission. This will streamline management efforts, improve communication, and bring a unified approach to conserving aquatic life in our waters. Such consolidation allows for a more coherent policy development and implementation, pooling together the expertise and resources of both agencies for a stronger, more resilient fisheries management system.

Additionally, we call for the removal of current DMF Director Kathy Rawls due to dereliction of duty highlighted by the ongoing fisheries crisis. New leadership is necessary to bring about the structural and operational changes required to address these mismanagement issues effectively.

This new body should have a board whose members are elected every four years. To ensure balanced representation and fair decision-making, the board should be composed equally of commercial and recreational fishing stakeholders, alongside independent scientists. This structure will provide a democratic and equitable process that considers diverse perspectives and expertise in crafting sustainable fishing policies.

Restructuring North Carolina's fisheries management is essential for safeguarding our marine heritage and supporting the future of fishing within our state. Sign this petition to demand these necessary changes, ensuring our fisheries are managed effectively and fairly for all stakeholders.