PEOPLE & 



PLACES 



'each says the industiy needs unity. • Jeff Aiken supports NCFAs ongoing efforts for the industry. • 



hill visits inth Sherrill Styron of Oriental, a long-time NCFA member. 



grief. This isn 't about NCFA directly. It 's about 

 the future of commercial fishing as we know it. 

 Will it survive? Does commercial fishing have 

 afiiture? 



The North Carolina Fisheries 

 Association has a bleak future if the rank and 

 file doesn 't wake up. And I can assure you of 

 this: if NCFA falters, so goes the commercial 

 fishing industry. 



INDUSTRY UNITY 



For Danny Hooks, a veteran commercial 

 fisher from Carolina Beach, having a strong 

 voice for the industry is more important than 

 ever before. 



"The commercial fishing industry is 

 losing numbers in our ranks. That weakens 

 our political clout," says Hooks, a NCFA 

 board member. "That's all the more reason for 

 unity from within the industry. For once in our 

 lives, we must pull together up and down the 

 coast, those who fish inland waters and those 

 who fish ocean waters. Unless we show unity, 

 we are going to be at a disadvantage when it 

 comes to rules." 



Tillett agrees. "As an industry, we need to 

 quit worrying about self interests and look at 

 the common good of the whole industry." 



But he also knows that the NCFA 

 will need to have greater participation by 

 key players in the industry to be heard by 

 policymakers. "If you have a big voice, then 

 ears will turn in your direction," he says. 



With Schill, Tillett has presented the 



industry's message at countless federal and 

 state forums. "I wish we didn't have to sit 

 through meetings that chafe the bottom out 

 of your pants. But you have got to be there to 

 defend the industry." 



He credits Schill for building a working 

 relationship with the N.C. Division of 

 Marine Fisheries and the Marine Fisheries 

 Commission. "I think we can talk about 

 issues and try to work out solutions. The feds 

 are a different matter. We're bitter about the 

 regulations they keep throwing at us. They 

 seem to have blinders on when it comes to the 

 economic impacts on the industry." 



Hatteras fish dealer Jeff Aiken fears 

 some commercial fishers are losing their will 

 to fight. "There are lots of rallying points. I've 

 seen them come and go," he says. "But it's 

 difficult to organize commercial fishers. They 

 like their independence." 



Like Hooks, he'll continue to support 

 the NCFA to lobby for commercial fishing 

 interests. The message he wants policymakers 

 to hear is simple: "We want responsible 

 science and responsible regulations, not just 

 politics," Aikens says. 



CHANGES AHEAD 



Jerry Schill is quick to point out that 

 his family has been the constant during the 

 years he guided the association through 

 both turbulent and calm waters. Pam Schill, 

 now in the insurance business, has provided 

 organizational support. Daughter Amy Schill 



Willis has served as NCFA vice president of 

 administration, overseeing day-to-day business 

 and helping to organize meetings and events. 

 She and her husband soon will move to the 

 North Carolina foothills. 



"I'll miss seeing and working with my dad 

 on a daily basis," says Willis. "I have learned a 

 lot about commitment and dedication from him. 

 I'll also miss the association members. They are 

 like family to me." 



The Schills' other children include Andy 

 Schill of Raleigh, Sarah Schill Midgett of 

 Manteo, and Adam Schill, who is serving in the 

 U.S. Air Force in Korea. 



Though Schill is sentimental about leaving 

 family, the association and North Carolina 

 behind, he is confident that it's the right time 

 for change. 



Schill expects incoming president Sean 

 McKeon will bring new vitality and ideas to 

 lead the industry through changing times. 



"Jerry will be missed," says B.J. 

 Copeland, a member of the N.C. Marine 

 Fisheries Commission and former North 

 Carolina Sea Grant director. Though Schill and 

 Copeland have not always seen eye-to-eye on 

 issues, Copeland says, "Jerry has been a very 

 effective spokesperson for the industry." 



Tillett, who has been a member of the 

 NCFA from its earliest days, says he'll miss 

 Schill's perseverance. 



"I hate to see him go. He has seen us 

 through some tough times with his dedication. 

 We've got some big shoes to fill," he says. □ 



COASTWATCH 29 



