State certifies new Almaco Jack state record – NC Dept. of Environmental Quality (.gov)

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Jun 28, 2025 - 06:30
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State certifies new Almaco Jack state record – NC Dept. of Environmental Quality (.gov)

North Carolina Sets New Almaco Jack State Record

Introduction

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries has officially certified a new state record for the Almaco Jack (Seriola rivoliana). This achievement highlights sustainable fishing practices aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14: Life Below Water.

Details of the Record Catch

  1. Angler and Location: Warren Poirier from Charles City, Virginia, caught the record-breaking Almaco Jack off the Outer Banks on June 7, 2025.
  2. Fish Specifications:
    • Weight: 56 pounds, 4.8 ounces
    • Fork Length: 46 inches (from the tip of the nose to the fork in the tail)
    • Girth: 31 inches
  3. Previous Record: The prior state record was 33 pounds, 12.6 ounces, set in 2024.
  4. Fishing Method: Poirier was fishing with Captain James Bowman at The Rocks using a Zest brand jig. The fish was landed after a 45-minute fight using a Shimano Trevala rod and Saltist 5000 reel with 80-pound braid.
  5. Weigh-in Location: Teach’s Lair Marina

Connection to Sustainable Development Goals

  • SDG 14 – Life Below Water: The certification of state records promotes responsible fishing practices and awareness of marine biodiversity conservation.
  • SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: Encouraging sustainable fishing aligns with the goal to ensure sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
  • SDG 15 – Life on Land: By protecting marine ecosystems, the initiative supports broader biodiversity conservation efforts.

Additional Resources

For more information on state record fish and sustainable fishing practices, please visit the Division of Marine Fisheries’ State Saltwater Records webpage or contact the North Carolina Saltwater Fishing Tournament staff at saltwater.citations@deq.nc.gov.

Download a photo of Warren Poirier and his record-breaking Almaco Jack.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

  1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
    • The article focuses on marine fisheries, specifically the catching of Almaco Jack fish, which directly relates to the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.
  2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
    • The article implies sustainable fishing practices by documenting and certifying state records, which can encourage responsible fishing and awareness of marine biodiversity.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

  1. Under SDG 14: Life Below Water
    • Target 14.4: By 2025, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices.
    • Target 14.7: Increase the economic benefits to small island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources.
  2. Under SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
    • Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

  1. Indicator for Target 14.4:
    • Number and size of fish caught (e.g., state record Almaco Jack weight and measurements) can serve as indicators of fish stock health and sustainable fishing practices.
    • Certification and documentation of state records by the Division of Marine Fisheries imply monitoring and regulation efforts.
  2. Indicator for Target 12.2:
    • Data on fishing equipment and methods (e.g., use of specific rods, reels, and jigs) can be used to assess the efficiency and sustainability of resource use.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 14: Life Below Water
  • 14.4: Regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal and destructive fishing practices by 2025.
  • 14.7: Increase economic benefits from sustainable use of marine resources.
  • Weight and size measurements of fish caught (e.g., 56-pound Almaco Jack).
  • Certification and records maintained by the Division of Marine Fisheries.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
  • 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
  • Use of specific fishing gear and techniques (e.g., Shimano Trevala rod, Saltist 5000 reel, 80-pound braid).

Source: deq.nc.gov