New Coalition Forms in Response to Failed Shrimp Trawling Ban in North Carolina
A recent attempt to prohibit shrimp trawling in North Carolina’s inshore waters and within a half-mile of the Atlantic Ocean has united U.S. shrimp harvesters and their advocates. This development follows a failed bill that sought to impose such restrictions, leading to the formation of the North Carolina Coastal Counties Fisheries Coalition.
Inaugural Meeting in Morehead City
The coalition kickstarted its efforts with its first meeting on August 5, 2023, in Morehead City, attracting over 100 participants from various coastal communities.
Goals and Vision
The coalition’s mission is clear. According to Bob Woodard, chair of the Dare County Board of Commissioners, “The goal of this coalition is to bring together county leaders from coastal regions to address these critical issues with a unified voice.” He emphasized the importance of collaboration: “By coordinating our efforts, we can better advocate for the long-term health and sustainability of our fisheries, our local economies and our fishermen’s way of life.”
Protests Against Legislative Measures
Earlier this summer, members of the shrimp industry rallied against a Senate bill aiming to ban commercial shrimp trawling in the specified areas. Although the bill gained traction in the Senate, it was ultimately blocked by the House of Representatives in late June.
Advocacy for Sustainable Fisheries
The coalition has pledged to work diligently to safeguard the harvest of high-quality North Carolina seafood. Bobby Outten, Dare County’s manager and attorney, shared that the coalition aims to serve as a voice for the political aspects of these issues. He noted, “The fisheries groups have for years been working hard to deal with fisheries issues, and what we found is the legislators aren’t listening, and it’s a hard road, and it’s a tough time.”
Future Plans
The coalition is set to convene again on September 16 and will hold quarterly meetings thereafter. This ongoing dialogue aims to strengthen the community’s advocacy efforts for the shrimp industry and address the multitude of challenges faced by commercial fishermen in the region.
