Environmental Defense Praises N.C. Coastal Habitat Protection Plan

(17 November 2004 — Raleigh, NC) Environmental Defense today called on three North Carolina rule-making commissions to swiftly adopt the N.C. Coastal Habitat Protection Plan (CHPP), a unique effort that identifies threats to coastal and marine habitats and recommends steps that should be taken to protect and enhance each habitat. The Environmental Management Commission, the Coastal Resources Commission and the Marine Fisheries Commission — the three principal citizen rulemaking commissions with authority for the state’s coasts — are required by law to adopt the plan by the end of 2004.

“This plan represents a major step forward in reducing the threats that have depleted fish species, destroyed habitats and degraded water quality on our coast,” said Doug Rader, senior scientist with the North Carolina office of Environmental Defense. “The plan has been thoroughly researched and debated, and it provides a clear roadmap for protecting and restoring North Carolina’s fish habitats.”

“About 70 percent of all commercially and recreationally important ocean fish species in this region spend some portion of their lives in North Carolina coastal waters, and the state has an incredible responsibility to restore and protect them. Years of scientific research and planning, combined with input from coastal citizens and communities, have resulted in a plan that will guide state efforts to rebuild and protect coastal ecosystems. Now we need some strong political leadership to see that the plan is effectively implemented,” said Rader.