 |
 |
 |
CCA Virginia StoryCoastal Conservation Association Virginia (CCA Virginia) is the Virginia state chapter of the CCA. CCA Virginia concerns itself primarily with conservation issues within the Virginia waters of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic. CCA Virginia exists to conserve, protect, and restore the fish species that frequent Virginia's tidal waters. The earliest roots of CCA in Virginia were planted with the founding of the Conservation Council of Angling Clubs, according to Carl Herring, one of that group's founders and its first president. The council came together initially to turn away such threats as the movement of commercial trawlers into close proximity with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel to take advantage of the artificial reef the bridge provides. That early 1970s group in turn became the Virginia Federation of Anglers, which in 1989 became the Atlantic Coast Conservation Association in tandem with the Gulf Coast Conservation Association. The transition, said Herring, was an easy one due to the greater strength in numbers it offered across many states from Virginia to Texas. Herb Gordon also was key in the founding of CCA Virginia. Gordon, also a member of the CCAC and the Virginia Federation of Anglers, joined the fight against over-harvesting by commercial fishermen when commercial boats based in Florida arrived in the Chesapeake Bay to harvest big blue fish for export to South America. Using deep-running gill nets, the 110-foot boats managed to wipe out the blue fish stock, according to Gordon. The state managed to place a ban on this type of fishing after two months, but the damage was already done. This 1982 event set the precedent for protection of fisheries and sport fishing in the Chesapeake Bay. Gordon, too, played key leadership roles in the organizations leading up to today's Coastal Conservation Association of Virginia. Then Virginia Governor Chuck Robb appointed him to the state's Gill Net Advisory Commission. Additionally, he served as the last president of the Conservation Council of Angling Clubs, and first president of the Atlantic Coast Conservation Association, which combined with the Gulf Coast Conservation Association in 1997 to become today's CCA. CCA's next step in Virginia was to push the Virginia legislature to move trawlers that were depleting the Chesapeake Bay's flounder population, outside a three-mile boundary off shore. As Gordon remembered, "We did a lot of work in the early days. It was really tough." The hardest part of the work was gaining the respect of the Virginia legislature, and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission in the face of vehement opposition from commercial fishermen. "We made a lot happen. We don't have half the problems we used to have," he added. But, as Gordon pointed out, the struggle continues. "We've fought the menhaden battle for 20 years now," Gordon continued, referring to the effort to curtail wholesale harvest of menhaden, the most preferred meal of the coveted striped bass, or rockfish, as it is known in the Chesapeake. " I hope we can curtail the Bay harvest of menhaden in my lifetime. And I'd like to see more control over gill netting." CCA, by the way, is credited by fisheries managers as having been instrumental in the recovery of the striped bass, as well as the redfish (or red drum), king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, speckled trout, Gulf grouper, the Atlantic weakfish. The Virginia chapter was an early proponent of both menhaden restrictions and salt-water fishing licenses. Richard Welton was another early leader in CCA Virginia. He recalls the 1994 state recreational salt water fishing survey-a major tool in the fight to maintain balance between commercial and recreational fishermen and the natural resource they both seek. According to Welton, the survey, which was funded by revenues from salt-water recreational fishing licenses, brought to light the fact that recreational fishing was a $477 million industry in Virginia, supporting 11,000 full-time jobs. Commercial fishing actually derived less benefit for the state, providing $465 million that year-with a major portion of that figure made up by the harvest of menhaden, crabs, oysters and scallops. This major discovery, the first solid data on the economic benefits of recreational fishing, led to greater recognition of sport fishing as a solid economic benefit in need of protection from commercial over-harvest. Current data shows an even greater impact by the recreational fishery. Growth in the state organization came in the form of local chapters. Virginia Beach was first in 1989, followed by Eastern Shore and Central (Richmond) that same year. Peninsula began in 1992, Fredericksburg and Piedmont in Charlottesville in 1998, and Southwest and Northern Virginia in 1999. Each local chapter is critical in driving membership, funding, and public awareness regarding the state's saltwater resources. In our state capitol in Richmond, CCA Virginia is a highly regarded watchdog of fisheries activities. We also work side-by-side with Virginia's state wildlife and fisheries agencies in developing programs and legislation that protect and enhance the marine resource. On the educational and recreational level, several of our local chapters provide underprivileged children with opportunities to get out and enjoy learning to fish. Every August since 1995, the Peninsula Chapter has provided an annual fishing clinic at the James River Pier (Newport News) for 250 at-risk children. Each child is given a rod and reel, small tackle box, tee shirt and lunch, as well as instruction from CCA members. Children are able to experience a great new activity while learning about conservation and responsible use of our natural resources. The Northern Virginia and Deltaville chapters provide similar events in their areas. CCA Virginia sponsors a popular Rockfish tournament each fall in Deltaville, with as many as 200 boats participating. Proceeds go to protect and enhance local saltwater fisheries. Banquet/Auction fundraisers have become major events at local chapters. These events are important sources of new members, and revenues for CCA causes. They’re also important social events and just plain fun. The Virginia Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association has been decades in the making. Recreational fishermen owe a debt of gratitude to the early CCA Virginia leaders for their efforts to save the wonderful natural resources offered by the Chesapeake Bay. The fight, however, has only just begun. With the new Millennium, CCA Virginia will continue to grow stronger, standing watch against wanton destruction of our natural fisheries in the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Most important to our efforts, as Carl Herring put it, is the constant vigilance against the over-harvesting of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic fisheries. Membership levels, financial strength, and communication regarding the organization's priorities is essential to our mission to conserve our saltwater fisheries. CCA Virginia Time Line1989: Virginia joins CCA as ACCA Virginia (Atlantic Coast Conservation Association) |