Saving Seafood

North Carolina Fisheries Reform Group Set to Take Legal Action Against Commercial Fishing Leaders

June 1, 2020 — The North Carolina Fisheries Reform Group (NCCFRG) filed a 60-day Notice of Claim under the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) targeting the state of North Carolina and members of the commercial shrimp industry.

“We have tried every remedy possible to start reform talks with both the Executive and Legislative Branches of North Carolina, and we were outright dismissed or completely ignored. They had their chance to discuss the issues,” said Joe Albea a spokesperson for the NCCFRG. “We are going to take legal action against the State of North Carolina in Federal Court, and we intend to name leaders in the North Carolina commercial fishing industry as co-defendants, too.”

Read the full story at Seafood News

Coastal fishing group threatens lawsuit over NC shrimping rules

May 19, 2020 — A group pushing for changes to North Carolina’s commercial fishing rules sent formal notice last week that it plans to sue the state and one of the largest shrimping companies on the coast.

The N.C. Coastal Fisheries Reform Group said that after “over a decade of unsuccessful attempts to engage in meaningful fisheries management reform dialog” with multiple governors, lawmakers and state officials it was filing a notice of claim under the Federal Clean Water Act.

That starts a 60-day clock ahead of a lawsuit. The group said in a news release that, with another shrimping season approaching, time is of the essence.

Read the full story at WRAL