Sonar & the Economy

Navy Sonar and North Carolina’s Economy

NC’s Fisheries
Recreational and commercial fishing are vital to North Carolina’s economy and the livelihood of its coastal communities. The fishing industry contributes over $1 billion annually to the state’s economy. Over 9,000 commercial fishermen and an estimated 1.1 to 1.5 million recreational anglers fish North Carolina’s waters. In addition there are hundreds of fishing tournaments throughout the year. Related industries such as seafood wholesale, retail, and processing are also extremely important to the state’s healthy economy.

(photo right) Charter Sport Fishing Boats in Morehead City, North Carolina. Photo courtesy of Susan Davis.

The proposed range is in a key fishing area 
The Navy’s preferred alternative for the location of the Undersea Warfare Training Range would put the 500 square nautical mile-project just 47 nautical miles off the coast of North Carolina. Carteret County, located north of the proposed site, is one of the state’s top recreational and commercial fishing destinations. In fact, Carteret County ranks first in the state’s total landings by weight and second in total landings by value. 

Onslow County, where the on-land facilities associated with the sonar range would be located, is also one of the state’s top commercial fishing counties. The central coastal district, including Onslow and Carteret counties, is a major recreational fishing destination, and is known as the home of North Carolina’s abundant bluefin tuna fishery. Recreational anglers also enjoy the striped bass, king mackerel, yellowfin tuna, and wahoo fisheries in the vicinity of the proposed range off Carteret and Onslow counties. 

Sonar, fin fish, and shellfish fisheries
While not everything is known about the effects of sonar on fish, studies show that intense sound can damage fish’s ears, reduce the viability of eggs and harm larvae, and retard growth. Intense sound can also cause fish to change their behavior and disrupt their navigation, communication, foraging, and schooling. 

(photo right) Commercial Fishing Boat, Carteret County, North Carolina. Photo courtesy of Susan Davis.

The reproductive functions of shrimp and crabs may also be affected by intense underwater noise. Based on these and other concerns, the Division of Marine Fisheries has expressed “serious concerns” about the impact that the Navy’s proposed sonar range will have on fishing activities in North Carolina.  

North Carolina’s fisheries are highly valuable cultural and economic resources. The proposed USWTR will not bring jobs to the local economy. Instead military personnel would come from other states.

Diving Industry
North Carolina is a world class diving destination. Many dive shops are located in Morehead City, North Carolina and offer some of the best diving anywhere in the world. Warm 80+ degree Gulf Stream water and visibility that can be well over 100 ft. combine for a unique experience. Divers, along with recreational sport fishermen, book their charters many months in advance. The year-round use of sonar at the proposed USWTR has the potential to seriously impact the diving and fishing industries.

(photo right) Recreational Divers in Onslow Bay, North Carolina. Photo courtesy of Captain Robert Purifoy.