Coastwatch encourages readers to write concerning In reality, skates and most rays are less dangerous than 



bluefish, for example. Skates do not have stingers, hut a few 

 species of rays have barbed stingers on their tails. These barbs 

 contain a toxin that can cause painful puncture wounds. If 

 you catch a ray, exercise caution and cut or clip off the tail. 



For a free copy of our brochure about how to catch and 

 prepare skates and rays for the table, write to us at the above 

 address. 



Our First Paid Subscriber! 



topics relating to North Carolina beaches. We also seek 

 feedback on articles and features appearing in the pages of 

 Coastwatch. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and 

 should contain the author's name, address and telephone 

 number. Send all correspondence to Coastwatch, UNC Sea 

 Grant, Box 8605, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 

 27695. Letters may be edited for style. Opinions expressed on 

 this page are not necessarily those of UNC Sea Grant employ- 

 ees or staff. 



Sharks and Rays at The Point 



Dear Coastwatch, 



Many years ago, about 10, we were on The Point (at 

 Buxton) when local netters brought in their catch in 

 their nets. 



I can never forget the giant manta or sting ray (and I 

 mean giant!) that they left on the beach to die, along 

 with all the sharks. 



I know they are hardened salts, and it is hard to 

 change them. I think they are not allowed to net at The 

 Point anymore. I know how dangerous the rays are (my 

 husband was stung by one!), but can anything be done 

 about this? 



I respect the fishermen and their ways, but what can 

 be done? I will never forget that ray trying to get back to 

 the water. 



Sincerely, Mrs. James W. Morrison, Wayne, Pa. 



You are cornet, it is illegal to use a net to catch fish at The 

 Point at Buxton. For those who may not know, The Point is 

 that narrow sand spit that juts farthest into the ocean at Cape 

 Hatteras. 



It is a shame that the fishermen you witnessed allowed the 

 ray and the sharks they caught simply to die on the beach. 

 They may have been afraid of the creatures or the large ray 

 may have been too heavy for the fishermen to lift. 



They probably did not know that both of these fish are 

 edible. The shark, in fact, is a marketable fish. 



Sea Grant research has shown that skates and rays are a 

 little known delicacy of the seas. 



Many fishermen reject these broad, flatfish because they 

 are considered a nuisance. This prejudice is a result of the 

 fish's ugly appearance and the idea that they are dangerous 

 because of their long, stinging tail, says Sea Grant researcher 

 David Griffith. 



Dear Coastwatch, 



I know the first new 16-page magazine is free, but I 

 hope I'm the first to send in a subscription for the 

 balance. It's well worth it 



I've been participating as a Coastwatch recipient 

 and sponsor for about 10 years now and aim to continue 

 as long as your good work does. Sign me up! 



Again, thanks and keep up the good work. 



Sincerely, Cornelius Cummings, Allentown, Pa. 



Coastwatch Survey Revealing 



We learned a great deal about our readers in a recent 

 survey of randomly selected Coastwatch subscribers. 



We found that you liked our newsletter but would 

 support an expanded magazine format. 



We also discovered that most of you are older than 35 

 years, have subscribed to Coastwatch more than three years 

 and share your copy with others. 



The survey confirmed our belief that you are very 

 concerned about what's happening on North Carolina's coast. 

 Most said water quality and rapid coastal development are the 

 major issues facing the coast in the 1990s. In your opinion, 

 other important issues include tourism, coastal research and 

 aquaculture. 



We asked you about the job we do here at Coastwatch, 

 and here's what you think. You like the way we focus each 

 issue on a single topic. You would like to see more pages per 

 issue, more in-depth reporting, more nature writing and more 

 information about the results of Sea Grant research. 



The magazine you hold in your hand is the result of your 

 views about Coastwatch. We hope that you enjoy the 

 changes and that you continue to let us know how you feel 

 about what we're doing. Most of all, we hope you will 

 continue to support our magazine by subscribing. 



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