News Summary
A new coastal coalition is forming in North Carolina to tackle shrimp trawling regulations following the N.C. House rejecting a ban. Proposed by Bob Woodard, the coalition aims to unite the fishing community across 19 counties. Fishermen express concerns about excessive regulations impacting their livelihoods, leading to a protest against the ban. The coalition’s first meeting is scheduled to address strategies for sustaining local fishing economies amidst ongoing challenges.
North Carolina is witnessing the formation of a new coastal coalition aimed at addressing pressing issues surrounding shrimp trawling regulations. This initiative comes on the heels of the N.C. House of Representatives voting down a bill in June that sought to ban shrimp trawling in all inshore waters and within a half-mile of the shoreline. The legislative proposal had previously passed the N.C. Senate, highlighting the division over fishing regulations in the state.
The coalition was proposed by Bob Woodard, chairman of the Dare County Board of Commissioners, as a response to ongoing challenges faced by the fishing industry. The rejection of the proposed ban, which supporters claimed would align North Carolina’s regulations with those of neighboring Virginia and South Carolina, has led to increased frustrations among fishermen and industry stakeholders. Many in the fishing community feel that their livelihoods have been jeopardized by excessive regulatory measures and market pressures.
During this debate, Richard Newman, co-owner of Newman Seafood and County Road Seafood, underscored the critical role that commercial fishing plays in sustaining small coastal communities. The industry supports numerous jobs and contributes significantly to local economies. Moreover, with the recent announcement of the closure of the Wanchese Fish Company after 88 years, which impacted about 10 local jobs, the urgency for a collective voice has never been more pronounced.
Following the legislative defeat, a protest was organized in Raleigh by fishermen and their supporters to advocate against the proposed shrimp trawling ban. Organizers argued that such measures could further strain the commercial fishing sector, which is already grappling with increasing regulatory pressures and environmental challenges, including climate change.
Woodard’s proposal for the North Carolina Coastal Counties Fisheries Coalition aims to unite the fishing community across 19 counties in the state. So far, 11 counties have confirmed their participation, including Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Craven, Currituck, Hyde, Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Tyrrell, and Washington. Chowan and Beaufort counties are considering joining, while additional invites have been extended to Bertie, Hertford, New Hanover, Pender, and Perquimans counties.
The coalition’s main objectives will focus on protecting the livelihoods of commercial fishermen while ensuring that local seafood remains available for both residents and tourists. The first meeting for the coalition is scheduled for August 5, where members of the fishing industry and elected leaders will convene to discuss strategies and objectives.
The opposition to the shrimp trawling ban is particularly pronounced in Outer Banks communities, where fishing is integral to the local economy and culture. Leaders from these areas have expressed concern that regulations imposed by the state could have detrimental effects on their way of life. As a result, the coalition aims to provide a robust platform for these communities to voice their concerns and advocate for their interests in regulatory discussions.
This coalition comes at a critical time for the North Carolina fishing industry, not only due to the recent legislative events but also amid ongoing challenges caused by environmental factors and market dynamics. Industry representatives have highlighted the impact of climate change and declining fish populations as additional pressures that need to be addressed to ensure the sustainability of the commercial fishing sector for years to come.
The formation of the North Carolina Coastal Counties Fisheries Coalition marks a significant step toward unifying efforts from various stakeholders in the fishing industry. Stakeholders hope this coalition will foster collaboration and provide a stronger voice for the fishing community in navigating the complexities of regulation and sustainability in North Carolina’s coastal waters.
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Additional Resources
- WTKR: N.C. Coastal Counties Meeting
- Wikipedia: North Carolina Fishing Industry
- National Fisherman: Wanchese Fish Co. Closure
- Google Search: North Carolina Fishing Regulations
- Seafood Source: Wanchese Fish Closure
- Google Scholar: North Carolina Commercial Fishing Industry
- WTKR: Controversial N.C. Shrimp Trawling Bill
- Encyclopedia Britannica: North Carolina Fishing Regulations
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
