Balancing Fisheries Management and Water Uses for Impounded River Systems

Communicating with Anglers in the Face of Conflict: A Lake Norman Case History

Christian T. Waters and Brian J. McRae

doi: https://doi.org/10.47886/9781934874066.ch14

Abstract.—Lake Norman is a 13,156-ha reservoir located north of Charlotte, North Carolina. Given its similarity in size to major reservoirs in adjacent states, anglers believe Lake Norman should produce a quality/trophy fishery for striped bass Morone saxatilis. However, the low nutrient loading of this reservoir make this expectation unrealistic, which has lead to two decades of conflict. Specifically, the inability of fishery managers to meet the unrealistic expectations of striped bass anglers has resulted in public criticism of management actions and a general lack of respect for fisheries management principles. Two organized fishing groups have taken management into their own hands by stocking alewives Alosa pseudoharengus and blueback herring A. aestivalis in hopes of improving the forage base for striped bass. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) undertook a number of efforts in an attempt to resolve this conflict, including meeting directly with angling groups, conducting public meetings, and providing information through the local print media. While each of these efforts met with some short-term success, they were unsuccessful over the long-term in elevating the debate beyond specific management options proposed by the angling groups. In 1998, the NCWRC established a Fisheries Advisory Committee; however, the membership did not represent all angling stakeholder groups. The committee was able to build consensus on a number of issues, but the activities and successes of the committee were not adequately conveyed to the general angling public. Recently, fisheries managers have attempted to engage the general angling public in a more effective manner. The NCWRC is currently providing population assessment data via the Internet, conducting an intensive creel survey, designing an angler opinion survey, and drafting a comprehensive fisheries management plan for Lake Norman.