The Coastal Game Fish Bill, HB 353, introduced in the North Carolina House of Representatives, seeks to designate striped bass, red drum and spotted sea trout as game fish in state waters. This legislation will limit these fish to recreational take, improving the quality of recreational fishing and boosting the economic impact of these fisheries.

A Second Chance for Fisheries Conservation

Last year, North Carolina anglers sent a clear message to their state Representatives in support of the Coastal Game Fish Bill. Though the bill was widely supported, the General Assembly did not meet legislative deadlines and HB 353 was referred to a special joint legislative committee, where it is currently being considered.

Striped bass, red drum and spotted sea trout represent only 2 percent of North Carolina’s commercial harvest with an average annual landings value of $1.5 million, while recreational fishing for these fish contributes over $140 million annually to North Carolina’s economy, demonstrating the significantly greater value of these stocks as recreationally-managed species. Similar measures in South Carolina, Florida and Texas have resulted in healthier and more abundant fish populations in their waters with the associated economic benefits.