NCWU Board of
Directors
Britton Shackelford, Matt Huth
President Greg Mayer
Ernie Foster Elson Myers
Tilman
Gray Jamie Reibel
Tanner Hardin Leonard Rigsbee
Tom Harper Duke Spencer
www.ncwu.net
July
2008 Newsletter
Ladies and Gentlemen of the NCWU,
We’re in summer now, and it’s not quite full swing. The economy and
high fuel prices are putting a damper on things, to say the least. To top it
off, our normal offshore species - like tuna and dolphin - seem hard to find,
if not non-existent. Even the marlin fishing is a little slower than normal,
and it’s hard to go and look for them. On a positive note, it looks like
another great year for the shrimp. I point out the positive, as well as the
negative, because I think there is going to be some very positive things that
come from this tight time we are in.
The swing back toward center in our economy
is making people who have taken professional watermen for granted think
differently. Each of us who makes a living on the water is a valuable
contributor to our local, state, and national economy. Now more than ever, our
contribution is vitally important, and it is up to us to educate our elected officials
and fellow citizens of this great country, to our value. Our importance is more
than just economic incentive and heritage. The most
valuable role we have is to the future - the future as a food producer, and as
a stakeholder in our vital natural resources. We cannot take it for granted
that the average citizen will or can recognize our importance. We have to show
them. And show them we will!
All of you are aware by now of the Economic Impact study being
undertaken on our behalf. At the last NCWU board meeting, we adopted a letter
from one of our members regarding domestic energy production. As a board, and
as energy consumers who are being stretched extremely thin by the cost of
energy, we agreed to ask our state and national elected officials to look at
expanding domestic energy production. Whether petroleum, natural gas, coal,
nuclear, wind or solar, the United States needs to become energy independent.
The economics of what we do is more than at the fuel pump. Our dollars weave a
web that is the fabric of our local economies, and the price of energy is
affecting all of us. Our Economic Impact study will help support our assertion
that we need affordable energy.
Food production is another arena in which the NCWU is going to raise
public perception. As the most regulated fishermen in the world, we should be
proud of the food we produce. In many instances, we have regulated ourselves
before the government has. To say that fish from any other country can compare
to our domestically produced seafood is a farce - importing seafood that we
already have in this country is not an option. It is time for the United States
to look within itself, and quit worrying about the without. Food and energy are
the future, and we need to educate now.
As North Carolina watermen, we should be very proud of the impact we
make outside the state, and even outside the country. Our members are
consistently high liners, whether commercial or charter. We are consistently in
the money, or in the meat, and this fact isn’t lost on the citizens that
charter our boats; this fact is not lost on the men comparing us to pick out a
charter trip. The fishermen of North Carolina are the best producers there are.
I am proud of you – each and every one – when you show your professionalism, courtesy
and drive. We have a very busy, aggressive schedule that we follow in order to
earn back the high esteem we deserve. Send us your dues; send us your prayers;
give us some feedback.
Keep
‘Er Tight!
Shack
Britt
Shackelford, President
info@doghousesportfishing.com
* * *
We would like to say a BIG “Thank You” to those who sent in their
2008 membership dues, and a “Special
Thanks” to our corporate sponsors for believing in us.
If you have not yet paid, please
take the time now to send us a check.
Our website will be up-dated
later this summer, and we will be sending information and the newsletters
online. Please send your email address to melbancwu@charter.net
so we can stay in touch with you.
Melba Milak
Executive
Secretary
* * *
NCWU logo vanity plates in full color are now available for
your truck or car.
Show your pride and support for your fellow watermen.
$20.00 each
Contact Robbi at robbiofncwu@yahoo.com
Or call 252-475-1133 for further information.
* * *
Please contact us with any
questions or concerns about the fishing industry.