February 16, 2017 — The North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission approved in a split vote on Thursday a contentious resolution restricting shrimp trawling in state waters.
The vote was 5-3, with Commissioner Joe Shute abstaining. Commissioners Mark Gorges, Chuck Laughridge, Brad Koury, Rick Smith and Mike Wicker voted for the measure. Opposed were Sammy Corbett, the commission’s chairman, Janet Rose and Alison Willis.
All three commissioners voting “no” represent the commercial fishing industry.