Commercial fishing industry advocates are heading to Raleigh this week to speak against a bill that would ban shrimp trawling inshore and within a half-mile of the shoreline in North Carolina.
N.C. Catch, N.C. Watermen United, Carteret County Fisherman’s Association, Ocracoke Seafood Co. and Carteret Catch are calling for supporters to join them at “Save NC Shrimp: Shrimp Day at the Legislature” starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday.
Supporter Spotlight
The groups plan to have a presence throughout the day in the legislative building, the legislative office building and on the Bicentennial Mall. For details on parking, conduct in the gallery and other information, visit https://www.ncleg.gov/About/VisitorInfo.
House Bill 442 was initially introduced in March to open up recreational season for flounder and red snapper in state waters. North Carolina has had abbreviated seasons in recent years for both species in an effort to restore the population.
Related: Measure that would halt inshore shrimp trawling advances
During a Senate committee June 17, the shrimp trawl ban amendment was added as an amendment and approved. The bill made its way through the Senate and was sent back to the House June 19. As of presstime, the bill was not on the legislative calendar.
Related: Senate kicks shrimp trawl ban bill back to House for vote
Supporter Spotlight
“The future of our coastal communities and North Carolina’s access to safe, sustainable shrimp is in their hands. We must show up to help educate lawmakers why HB422 is a flawed bill with dire consequences for the commercial fishing industry, consumers, restaurants, and the entire state’s economy,” event organizers said. “If you can’t attend in person, please continue to call and email your House members.”
