Oysters, Advocacy, and How a Commercial Fisherman Started an Organization to Keep Fishing and Help Save Coastlines with Bonnie Mitchell of NC Coast

This organization was *founded by a commercial fisherman* who wanted to keep fishing and has since grown into an initiative that helps sustain the North Carolina coastline. This perfectly reflects our fishing families, who have a shared passion for caring for our oceans. And when you connect with others in this space, it can be a real eye-opener on what we’re all experiencing individually to maintain and make positive changes for our coastlines and coastal communities. Our goals may be the same, but our challenges differ. Yet, we can learn from one another how to overcome.  Today, I’m speaking with Bonnie Mitchell, the Coastal Education Coordinator for the North Carolina Coastal Federation, known as NCCoast. In this episode, we discuss: What environmental conservation and education can look like and how Partners and fishing communities can implement it locally. We highlight the oyster farming in North Carolina, how it preserves our coastlines, and the North Carolina Oyster Trail (the “Napa Valley” of oysters!). The challenges of advocating for environmental issues and solutions to make our messages heard to help sustain our fishing communities. How to keep mental health intact when dealing with big issues like advocacy. Let’s Dive In! *Correction: NC Coastal Federation was founded by a recreational fisherman, not a commercial fisherman (my mistake!). You can learn more about Todd Miller, Founder and Senior Advisor to the Executive Director, here!  Show Resources: North Carolina Coastal Federation website: https://www.nccoast.org/ IG: @nccoastalfed  IG: @ncoystertrail  #NCOysterMonth #NCOysters #GiveAShuck #KeepShuckin Connect with Megan: pocfpride.com @megan.waldrep The ultimate gift to yourself: Instant connection with other Partners of Commercial Fishermen for the price of a large latte. Meet your new friends here: Enter our Private Group Chat.