Eastern North Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District Republican Party has taken a stand against the proposed amendment to House Bill 442, which aims to prohibit shrimp trawling within half a mile of the state’s coastline. The decision was made by the District Executive Committee in response to concerns from local fishermen, families, and businesses.
Michele Nix, Chairwoman of the 3rd District GOP, stated, “This amendment would devastate our coastal economy. It criminalizes honest work, puts small fishing operations out of business, and was introduced without transparency, public input, or scientific justification.”
The resolution highlights the importance of the shrimping industry in Eastern North Carolina. This sector supports over 5,500 jobs and contributes nearly $14 million annually to the state’s economy. Shrimp is noted as North Carolina’s second most harvested seafood by weight.
Joining forces with elected officials such as Senators Bobby Hanig, Norman Sanderson, Michael Lazzara, and Bob Brinson, the 3rd District GOP opposes this legislative change. They call for fisheries policies that are informed by data and stakeholders.
The resolution also calls on state lawmakers to dismiss any future efforts that could harm those who have relied on North Carolina’s waters for generations.
