NC Catch Summit aims to bust seafood myths

By Ocracoke Observer on March 12, 2023

Down East commercial fisherman and NC Catch board member Mark Hooper shows off sunray venus clams he harvests in Carteret County. During the NC Catch Summit 2023, Hooper will lead Fish Tales, storytelling moments featuring commercial fishers sprinkled throughout the summit. Photo by NC Catch

Premier panels, insightful guest speakers and unmatched opportunities demonstrating how to advocate for local seafood are on the agenda at the NC Catch Summit 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, March 20, at Basnight’s Lone Cedar Café in Nags Head.

The nonprofit NC Catch is the state’s leading cooperative for local seafood, and the summit will feature keynote speakers David Senter, the seminal farmers rights advocate whose movement inspired Farm Aid, and N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries director Kathy Rawls.

They will share how both consumers and commercial fishers can get their concerns heard by regulators and the public, building unrelenting support for a seafood industry that feeds North Carolina and is a cornerstone of the state’s multimillion-dollar tourist industry.

Misinformation about commercial fishing in North Carolina keeps growing, and confusion persists over whether seafood is sustainably harvested, according to press materials about the summit.

Panels will dig deep into major myths, real seafood trends and innovative efforts of young people entering all aspects of the state’s seafood industry.

This day of education and real-life stories of commercial fishing families will teach attendees, both consumers and those in the commercial fishing industry, how to stand up for local seafood.

The NC Catch Summit culminates in a delicious evening at the Outer Banks Seafood Feast. Guests will savor a selection of dishes passed down through generations of fishing families.  The menu includes stewed crab, steamed shrimp, homemade desserts and more.

All proceeds benefit NC Catch, a volunteer organization of commercial fishers, scientists, seafood market owners and others in the seafood industry working to ensure everyone has access to safe, reliable and sustainable North Carolina seafood.

Lunch is not included but may be added during registration.

Register for the NC Catch Summit athttps://NCCatchSummit2023.eventbrite.com.

The Outer Banks Seafood Feast costs $75 per person.

Get Outer Banks Seafood Feast tickets athttps://NCCatchOuterBanksSeafoodFeast.eventbrite.com

The agenda is below:

Learn more at nccatch.org

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