A House bill amendment banning inshore shrimp trawling could eliminate up to 80% of North Carolina’s shrimp production, industry leaders warn.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. β A North Carolina House bill that began as a measure to restore recreational fishing seasons has sparked controversy after lawmakers added a last-minute amendment banning inshore shrimp trawling.
House Bill 442, officially titled “The Flounder Red Snapper Seasons and Shrimp Trawl Act,” originally aimed to restore recreational flounder and red snapper seasons. However, an amendment added at the last minute would ban trawling within half a mile of shore, effectively ending most North Carolina shrimp operations.
Clint Boyd, owner of Saltwater Markets with three locations across the region, said the amendment represents “sneaky backdoor politics.” Boyd, who knows many commercial fishermen, said the measure would eliminate 70% to 80% of North Carolina’s shrimp production.
“These fishermen that say they can just give some of the taxpayers’ dollars to help them as they’re affected by this bill if it passes … will not simply be able to steam a little farther out to shrimp,” Boyd said. “For many fishermen, getting beyond the half-mile limit could mean steaming 5-6 hours.”
The bill’s supporters, including North Carolina Wildlife Federation CEO Tim Gestwicki, argue that inshore shrimp trawling contributes to declining fish stocks. State assessments show significant drops in key fish populations along the coast.
Boyd disputed claims that North Carolina is the only state allowing inshore trawling, noting that South Carolina, Texas and Louisiana permit the practice. He compared trawling to building sandcastles that wash away with the tide, arguing the ocean floor recovers quickly.
“When you farm, cultivate the ocean floor, you drag through the sand, you turn over nutrients. It’s like you planted a garden,” Boyd said.Β
Research on trawling’s environmental impact is expected to be presented to lawmakers within days.
The bill heads back to the House on July 25 after Senate changes.
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