“Net Effect” Premieres Monday, October 26 at 7pm on WRAL-TV

Some of the state’s saltwater fish are being wiped out, threatening our state’s commercial and recreational fishing industries, and pitting fishermen on both sides against each other. From overfishing to politics, the issues are complex and passions run high.

The issues: What is the real state of the fishery? Are certain breeds being overfished? Are certain fishing tactics killing too many fish? Who has the ultimate responsibility of managing the state’s valuable and vulnerable saltwater resource?

Commercial and recreational fishing are a rich part of North Carolina’s heritage. Both contribute to the state’s economy though sport fishing brings in substantially more money. The tension between the two sides has been brewing for decades.

“Who gets the resource? That’s what it’s about,” says Jerry Schill, President of N.C. Fisheries Association.

“Net Effect,” examines the state’s declining fish stocks, explores methods like inshore trawling and gill nets and whether those practices are contributing to the problem. The program discloses the politics behind the Southern Flounder debate, the loopholes in how commercial fishing licenses are issued and the weaknesses in the enforcement of existing fishing regulations.

“Net Effect” is a one-hour documentary hosted by WRAL News anchor David Crabtree.

Statewide TV schedule:
October 26 at 7 p.m.                   WRAL-TV and WILM-TV
October 31 at 1 p.m.                   FOX 50 (WRAZ-TV)

Preview the powerful documentary HERE

All WRAL Documentaries are available on demand after premiering on TV at wral.com, search WRAL doc.

The conversation has already started on twitter: #WRALNetEffect

Thanks to WRAL-TV’s Jay Yovanovich for this capcom story.