Surfer questions fishing boats too close to shore

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — A surfer in Carolina Beach is questioning regulations on fishing and shrimp boats near the shoreline.

Bobby Small took pictures of these boats one morning after finding them near a surfing area. He said it is not unusual for him to see fishing boats somewhere in the water. In the last few weeks though, he said they are much closer.

“Three or four of us kind of looked over our shoulder,’ Small said. “We couldn’t believe how close they were to the surf line.”

Small said they were so close, he could see into their boats.

“We could see whatever they would pull in and reject as far as marine life and throw it off the back,” Small said. “Then there would be like a bird feeding frenzy and I’m sure below the water there was stuff feeding too.”

That sent Small looking for answers.

“It just seems like there should be something in place to benefit the fishermen and the people swimming or surfing,” Small said.

When we called the town harbor master, he said he did not know of any laws and referred us to Marine Fisheries. Marine Fisheries told us they do not regulate that and sent us back to the town. The town manager told us there are no laws or regulations for fishing boats near the shoreline. Small found that strange.

“Since we have to stay away from their pier, I think it would be nice if they had to stay away from our surf line,” Small said.

While he said no one can get rid of sharks, maybe they can at least keep incentives away from the shore.

“I’m definitely all for local fishing, but it just seems they were a little too close for comfort,” Small said.

For now, Small said he is going to do some more research, before he proposes anything to officials.

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