North Carolina Senate Approves Shrimp Trawling Ban Near Coast

House Bill 442 in North Carolina, initially designed to restore flounder and red snapper populations by expanding fishing seasons, has been amended to include a ban on shrimp trawling within half a mile of the coast. This amendment, passed by the Senate, has sparked strong opposition from shrimpers who argue it will devastate their livelihoods and the coastal economy, as nearly 75% of the state's shrimp is caught in the affected waters. Shrimpers and coastal communities emphasize the cultural and economic importance of shrimping, citing a decline from around 1,000 shrimpers in the 1990s to fewer than 300 today, and warn that the ban could further erode this heritage. Proponents, including the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, support the ban to reduce bycatch and protect juvenile fish and seafloor habitats, highlighting the state's unique position as the only Atlantic or Gulf coast state allowing widescale inshore trawling. The bill faces continued debate as it returns to the House, with some legislators expressing concern over job losses and economic impacts, while others argue the shrimping industry must adapt. Financial compensation plans approved by the Senate are viewed by fishermen as insufficient to offset the potential damage to the industry.