NC watermen talk to investigators

WANCHESE, N.C. — A lobbyist says about 20 Outer Banks watermen have talked with government investigators about federal fisheries agents who they say impose excessive fines.

The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk reports this week that the president of the North Carolina Fisheries Association says North Carolina watermen voiced complaints that are similar to those of New England fishermen.

Association President Sean McKeon says complaints center on actions by agents from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service, or NOAA
Fisheries.

The state’s congressional delegation has requested the U.S. inspector general’s review of the enforcement practices.

NOAA officials declined to comment on the complaints.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)