I have found it interesting that as conservation issues arise and or intensify between the public and the people that are responsible for making and enforcing regulations it is the standard practice of regulatory bodies to dodge conflict. I've been attending our local North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission Meetings and have been amazed at some of the antics I have witnessed. From commissioners voting on topics before the final scientific data is reviewed to making inflammatory statements about recreational fishermen I never cease to be surprised by the carnival like atmosphere that is present in our bureaucracies.
Recently I received a letter, pictured here, from the NCDENR Division of Marine Fisheries proclaiming that the Pamlico Sound Gill net restricted area will not open on Sept. 1 on schedule due to the concern over the probability of too many sea turtle interactions. Is it possible that Dr. Louis Daniel the Director of the NCDMF is warning commercial fishermen to be careful of their actions this year? Is it possible there will be more observers in the fishery documenting sea turtles interacting with gill netters and their gear? Why would the Director warn the commercial fishermen of a closure possibility unless they fear the sea turtle interactions in the Pamlico Sound Gill net restricted area will draw too much attention to what NC is doing with Permit 1528?
We are all watching with baited breath as this story unfolds...
