NOAA IN THE CAROLINAS REPRESENTED AT THE 2006 FISHING EXPO IN RALEIGH

January 12, 2005- National Weather Service WFO Raleigh, in partnership with NOAA Sea Grant and Fisheries, will host an educational booth during the 16th Annual Bass and Saltwater Fishing Expo at Raleigh's State Fairgrounds January 13 - 15. The Fishing Expo is one of the largest recreational and commercial fishing shows in North Carolina and is composed of private companies along with numerous state and federal agencies. North Carolina ranks in the top ten for the number of registered boats in the United States with over 400,000 registered boats.

At the boat show, NOAA agencies share weather safety and information publications with customers, along with such things as tips for buying a recreational fishing boat. Overall, the show offers more than 120 booths filled with the newest rods, reels, tackles, maps and fishing boats. The expo also features seminars on freshwater surf and offshore fishing. This NOAA partnership ensures fishermen and boaters have the latest access to weather, water, climate, and ecosystems information along with a better understanding of what the information means and how to use it.

NOAA also plans to have a booth at a second show in Raleigh on the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. From Feb. 17 to 19, boat dealers from across North Carolina and southern Virginia will showcase new boats, including cruisers, pontoons, sailboats and fishing boats, at the Carolina Power & Sailboat Show at the Graham Building. There also will be a variety of fishing equipment, as well as water ski equipment and boat lifts.

Relevant Web Sites
North Carolina Boat Shows

Media Contact:
Darin Figurskey, NOAA National Weather Service, (919) 515-8210