Over the last few weeks, I’ve had quite a few calls regarding the information we’ve shared about the disinformation surrounding the management of Southern Flounder. After last week’s newsletter, I received a call from a gentleman who was obviously an avid supporter of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation and Coastal Conservation Association. The caller, a recreational angler, was concerned with my articles because he felt I was blaming anglers for “overfishing” the Sothern Flounder stock. He was quick to make his point that commercial fishermen remove more flounder from the stock than do recreational anglers, which is true. I assured him, my intent was not to blame anyone but simply to expose the disinformation being spread, by the groups he supported, and encourage the public to question why these groups felt it was necessary to lie to them. I fully expected him to defend the Wildlife Federations lies, as the truth, but he didn’t.
Instead, he made the following statement.
“They may be lying, but you can’t deny the fact that we’ve failed to rebuild the Southern Flounder stock or that, if we had let them all spawn once we would all get what we want, which is to harvest more fish.”
Anyone who knows me, very well, knows where this is heading. I took his statement as a personal challenge and fully intend to challenge every word, but not this week. For now, I want to address something that’s been eating at me ever since our conversation last week. I was struck by how easily he dismissed their lies because he truly believed their motives were true. I’ve never been one, who believes the ends justify the means.
I personally believe, anything gained through greed or deceit is stolen, not won, and therefore worthless, but apparently there are some who don’t feel this way.
This baffles me for one simple reason.
If you are truly doing the right thing, there’s no need to lie as the truth will surely be on your side! The mere fact that someone feels it’s necessary to lie, in order to achieve their goals, should cause everyone to question their motives. If someone is truly, trying to do what’s best for all stakeholders, not just themselves, they don’t have to lie.
That said, I do believe the gentleman who called me wants what’s best for all involved, unfortunately the groups, he’s chose to support, do not. After hearing my thoughts on flounder management, let em spawn, fisheries legislation, and the like, I could tell he was questioning many of the beliefs he had prior to our conversation.
I was so encouraged, by the end of our discussion, that I’ve decided to commit to having similar discussions with any group who will have me. If you or your group are interested in hearing the other side of the story you can give me a call or email me at:
Cell 252-646-7742 Email: glennskinner@ncfish.org
Glenn Skinner-NCFA- Executive Director
UPDATE for 2.7.2022
GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
The NC Supreme Court ruled on Friday that the newly drawn districts by the General Assembly are not constitutional. The vote was 4-3 along partisan lines. The legislators will now need to convene and redraw Congressional, state Senate and House districts.
The General Assembly will convene soon, probably next week, to begin to address the court’s ruling and take another look at the districts. The North Carolina primaries are currently slated for May. As noted last week, the GA voted to move the primaries to June but Governor Cooper vetoed the bill.
God bless,
Jerry
NCFA ANNUAL MEETING WILL BE HELD FEBRUARY 28 (IN PERSON/AND VIA ZOOM)
11 AM- 2:00 PM
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Washington 2090 W 15th St,
Washington, NC 27889
IT’S IMPORTANT THAT ALL MEMBERS TRY TO ATTEND OR ASSIGN PROXIES TO ATTENDING MEMBERS, AS IT TAKES A MINIMUM OF 50, EITHER IN ATTENDANCE OR BY PROXY, TO CONDUCT BUSINESS. THIS IS THE ONE AND ONLY MEETING A YEAR WHERE ALL MEMBERS INCLUDING HALF PERCENTERS, CAN VOTE ON ISSUES AND GIVE DIRECTION FOR THE ORGANIZATION.
EMAIL PROXIES TO: AUNDREA@NCFISH.ORG
Zoom registration link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqceCrqjwuEtNbIoKwoCKkTTHeu93flSG7