“The waterfront fund provides the opportunity to use more CRFL money for data and research needs,” Louis Daniel, director of the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), told fisheries commissioners on Sept. 7 at a meeting in Pine Knoll Shores.

Under a strategic plan approved by the Marine Fisheries Commission (MFC) and the Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) earlier this year, recreational fishing access projects were identified as one priority in the use of revenue generated by license sales.  

“But the CRFL money doesn’t have to be used for access,” Daniel said.

So far, the only public access project to receive revenue from license sales is the Chowan River Bridge project.  The MFC and WRC authorized $200,000 to help convert the old bridge into a fishing pier for white perch and catfish anglers. 

Daniel said that project would probably receive another $1 million in funding over the next three years.

“I think the Chowan River Bridge is probably going to be it for recreational access for the next couple of years,” said Daniel.

MFC and WRC share authority for authorizing the use of license revenue.  A citizens advisory committee consisting of 11 recreational fishermen assists the MFC in reviewing potential projects.

As DMF director, Daniel administers the Waterfront Access and Marine Industry Fund.  The statute creating the fund authorizes him to consult with representatives of the commercial fishing industry and other marine industries and to establish a review committee.

Daniel said Friday that he is in the process of appointing an advisory review committee. 

The 11-member committee will consist of one person who served on the state waterfront access study committee, one marine boat dealer, two seafood dealers, two commercial fishermen, two recreational fishermen, one ocean pier owner, and one member of a fishery cooperative.

He announced that seafood dealer Willy Phillips of Columbia and fishery cooperative member Hardy Plyler of Ocracoke have agreed to serve on the panel.

He said he wants all areas of the coast represented.

Daniel also said the waterfront fund is drawing public interest.

“Mostly we are hearing about the critical need for access in traditional fishing communities.  We’ve gotten many calls about Swan Quarter and Engelhard, and some from Sneads Ferry, Swansboro, Hatteras, and the Outer Banks,” he noted.

He cautioned that the money can’t be used to improve private businesses.

“It has to go to state properties for the public good,” he said.

“I hope to spread it out between traditional fishing communities and public access as best as I can,” he added.