February 16, 2017 — The North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission heard public comments Wednesday afternoon on a petition that could add three new laws to the North Carolina fishing code.
The public hearing is part of a two-day meeting for the commission at the Hilton in downtown Wilmington.
More than 100 people showed up to comment for and against the petition, which submitted to the Marine Fisheries Commission back in November. The petition calls for three new laws to be adopted, designating all coastal waterways as special secondary nurseries, establishing clear criteria for the start of shrimping season, and defining the type of gear and when it can be used by shrimpers.
The laws would force shrimpers to go out three miles into the Atlantic before fishing, and would heavily regulate when and how they fish. Similar laws are already in place in South Carolina and Georgia.