RALEIGH — Gov. Roy Cooper is working to secure federal help for North Carolina fisheries, his office announced Friday.
Cooper Thursday in a letter to Secretary Wilbur Ross asked the U.S. Department of Commerce to declare a federal fishery resources disaster, because of the damage caused by Hurricane Florence. Declaring a federal fishery resource disaster can assist with long-term relief for families that rely on recreational and commercial fisheries.
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“This was the storm of a lifetime for many coastal communities. The damaging economic impact to the state’s fisheries was, and continues to be, significant. While state appropriations will begin to afford some limited initial relief, much more is needed,” Cooper wrote in the letter.
According to the state Division of Marine Fisheries, commercial fishing generated over $96 million in revenue in 2017, supporting hundreds of jobs and strengthening local economies.
Hurricane Florence’s historic rainfall, brutal winds and powerful storm surge compromised fishing grounds, damaged and destroyed fishing boats and gear, suspended shellfish harvests in affected areas and cost fishermen critical income, according to the governor’s announcement. As recovery efforts continue, marine fisheries would benefit from additional resources and funding.
“Federal fisheries disaster assistance can provide the means to a longer-term recovery that North Carolinian fishermen so desperately need,” Gov. Cooper wrote.
Last month, Cooper recommended that state legislators appropriate $12 million to help state fisheries with disaster recovery. The legislature funded $1.6 million of that request to the Division of Marine Fisheries, which will compensate commercial fishermen and shellfish harvesters for equipment and income loss.
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