Report on North Carolina’s Fishery Management Plan Update and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Advancing Sustainable Marine Resource Management

The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries has issued its annual Fishery Management Plan Update, a critical document for assessing the state’s progress toward sustainable marine ecosystems. This report details management strategies that directly support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water), by focusing on science-based stock assessments, data analysis, and research priorities.

Focus on Southern Flounder: A Case Study in SDG 14.4 Implementation

A primary component of the 2024 update is the management of the southern flounder stock, which has been identified as overfished. The proposed actions are in direct alignment with SDG Target 14.4, which calls for an end to overfishing and the implementation of science-based management plans to restore fish stocks.

1. Stock Restoration: The plan prioritizes strategies to rebuild the southern flounder population to sustainable levels, a core objective of SDG 14.
2. Equitable Access and Economic Viability (SDG 8): A key amendment under consideration by the Marine Fisheries Commission aims to divide the southern flounder fishery equally between the recreational and commercial sectors. This measure seeks to balance conservation needs with the economic sustainability of coastal communities, contributing to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Comprehensive Management for Diverse Fisheries and Ecosystem Health

The plan extends beyond a single species, providing crucial updates that support the broader goals of SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The management of multiple fisheries ensures a holistic approach to marine biodiversity and sustainable production patterns.

• Kingfishes
• Red Drum
• Blue Crab
• Spotted Seatrout
• Eastern Oyster
• Hard Clam

By actively managing these species, the state reinforces its commitment to maintaining healthy marine habitats and ensuring the long-term viability of its fisheries, which are essential for both ecological balance and regional food security (SDG 2).

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water

   • The article directly addresses SDG 14, which aims to “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.” The entire focus of the text is on the “Fishery Management Plan” for North Carolina, which includes strategies for managing marine species, addressing overfishing, and rebuilding fish populations like the southern flounder.

Specific Targets Identified

1. Target 14.4: End Overfishing and Restore Fish Stocks

   • This target aims to “effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing… and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks.” The article directly connects to this by stating that southern flounder is “being overfished based on the latest stock assessment” and that the management plan includes “requirements that have been established to rebuild the population.”

2. Target 14.2: Sustainably Manage and Protect Marine and Coastal Ecosystems

   • This target focuses on sustainably managing and protecting marine ecosystems to avoid adverse impacts. The article’s discussion of a comprehensive “Fishery Management Plan” that covers a “host of species,” including kingfishes, red drum, blue crab, and oysters, demonstrates an effort to manage the broader marine ecosystem, not just a single species in isolation.

3. Target 14.a: Increase Scientific Knowledge and Research Capacity

   • This target is about increasing scientific knowledge to improve ocean health. The article implies this by mentioning that the management plan is “based on data through the year prior and includes stock status, data trends, and research needs.” This highlights the use of scientific data and the identification of knowledge gaps as a basis for management decisions.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. Indicator for Target 14.4: Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels (Indicator 14.4.1)

   • The article provides a direct, qualitative measure for this indicator. The mention of “stock status” in the management plan is the key metric. The specific finding that southern flounder is “being overfished” indicates that this stock is currently outside biologically sustainable levels, and the plan’s goal is to reverse this.

2. Indicator for Target 14.2: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches (Indicator 14.2.1)

   • The existence and implementation of the “Fishery Management Plan” itself serves as an implied indicator. The plan, which covers multiple species and their interactions (e.g., splitting the fishery between recreational and commercial sectors), is a form of ecosystem-based management within the state’s jurisdiction.

3. Indicator for Target 14.a: Identification of research priorities and needs

   • While the official indicator (14.a.1) measures research budgets, the article implies a more qualitative indicator. The fact that the plan explicitly includes “research needs” suggests that a process is in place to assess knowledge gaps and direct future scientific inquiry, which is a crucial step in increasing research capacity.

Summary Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: coastalreview.org