September 12, 2015 — North Carolina’s fishing resources generate millions of dollars a year, and many come to the beach to enjoy what they believe is freshly caught seafood that comes from local docks to the seafood market or a restaurant table.
But much of it is not local. Snow crab, king crab, the vast majority of shrimp and scallops, as well as flounder and other lesser-known delicacies are more often than not brought in from other states and foreign countries.
While some state government agencies spend tax dollars urging people to consume North Carolina seafood, other departments and even elected officials are exerting efforts in the opposite direction, essentially making it increasingly difficult for commercial fishermen to harvest local seafood.