31 Jan Governor Cooper fills Marine Fisheries Commission Appointments
By David Sneed CCANC Executive Director
Governor Roy Cooper moved on Monday to fill the June 30, 2017 appointments to the Marine Fisheries Commission. Cameron Boltes was asked by Governor Cooper to fill the vacant Recreational Fishing Industry seat, James “Pete” Kornegay was tapped for the Scientist seat, and Sammy Corbett was asked to return for a second term in the Commercial Fishing Industry seat. Corbett will also continue his role as Chairman of the Commission.
A Washington, NC resident and employee of Grady-White Boats, Cameron Boltes brings not only his professional background within the recreational boat manufacturing industry to the Commission, but he also brings a demonstrated commitment to the conservation of our coastal marine resources and the outdoor sporting lifestyle. Boltes was active in the push for passage of the Outdoor Heritage Act in 2015 “to preserve North Carolina’s outdoor heritage for future generations”. Boltes was named a member of the Outdoor Heritage Advisory Council whose mission is to provide leadership on expanding opportunities for current and future generations of North Carolinians to experience quality outdoor activities. Boltes is filling the MFC term left vacant on June 30, 2017 when Joe Shute resigned his seat at the end of his second term. CCA NC congratulates Cameron on his appointment to the Commission and congratulates Governor Cooper on his foresight in choosing Cameron for the position.
Pete Kornegay of Camden, NC replaces the current Scientist, Mike Wicker, who has served admireably in his three plus years on the Commission. Kornegay retired as the Coastal Region Supervisor for the NC Wildlife Commission in 2009. At the time of his retirement, Kornegay’s primary responsibility was to administer and supervise the activities of the WRC’s fishery management programs in the coastal region including the Watha State Fish Hatchery and the Fayetteville Fishing Education Center. Kornegay has a Masters Degree in Biology from East Carolina University and extensive experience as both a lead biologist and lead investigator for research on migratory striped bass stocks and other anadromous species. CCA NC thanks Mike Wicker profusely for his dedication and commitment, and welcomes Pete as the new Commission Scientist. Another great appointment by Governor Cooper.
Sammy Corbett is both a full-time commercial fisherman and seafood dealer in Hampstead, NC. Prior to being appointed to his first term on the Commission in 2014, Corbett had dedicated 16 years of service on various MFC Advisory Committees. Corbett’s primary catch is blue crab, but he also harvests finfish, and maintains oyster and clam leases. He has also held a seafood dealer license for almost 20 years. CCA NC welcomes Sammy back for his second three-year term, and thanks the Governor for bringing back an experienced and knowledgeable Commercial Commissioner.