February 22, 2017 — Proposed shrimping regulations was once again at the center of debate in New Bern Tuesday night.
A meeting, hosted by the Coastal Carolina Taxpayers Association, aimed at providing people in attendance arguments for, and against, the petition.
The petition would create stricter regulations on those fishing for shrimp. It would limit trawling to 3 days a week, increase the size of fish-eyes to reduce bycatch, and limit where trawling could take place.
It would also put significant restrictions on shrimping in the Pamlico Sound.
Those supporting the petition said it is needed to protect shrimp populations, as many fish species have declined in North Carolina waters.
“A lot of things will have to be looked at. Will the petition stand as written? I doubt it,” said Donald Willis, VP of the North Carolina Coastal Conservation Association.