North Carolina’s landmark study offers insight into fisheries management, days after ‘Shrimpgate’
In a sweeping three-year study mandated by the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Collaboratory has released its long-anticipated findings on the state’s coastal and marine fisheries. While the report was intended to be a neutral and science-driven evaluation of fish populations and habitats, it has also become a flashpoint in the debate over House Bill 442, a controversial legislative proposal that aimed to restrict shrimp trawling in state waters. The study’s results, particularly concerning shrimp and southern flounder, offer new data on fishery health but stop short of endorsing any policy like the now-dormant HB 442. “Multiple comments by legislators in both chambers of the North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA), as well as statements circulating in the media, suggested the Senate was aware of the contents of this report and this advance knowledge drove actions to amend the legislation to include a shrimp trawling ban prior to the report’s release,” stated Collaboratory Executive Director Dr. Jeffrey Warren in a letter attached to the study. Photos. links, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 16:37
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