Board adopts resolution opposing state shrimp‑trawling restrictions and agrees to join coastal working group

Currituck County commissioners adopted a resolution opposing any amendment that would restrict shrimp trawling in coastal waters and agreed to join a multi‑county coastal working group to coordinate responses to proposed state actions on fishing regulations.

County staff told the board the resolution was drafted after House Bill 442, which would have limited shrimp trawling, was not taken up in the state House. The manager said the county had already submitted a letter opposing the bill and that the resolution would formalize the county’s position. Staff also reported that the Senate had passed a version and that local state Senator Bobby Hanig had voted in opposition; the bill is expected to return in a future legislative session.

The manager said the working group — proposed by the Dare County commission chair — would initially focus on fishing regulations that affect small commercial fishermen, seafood houses and related local businesses. Commissioners agreed to notify Dare County that Currituck wants to participate and appointed Commissioner Rose as Currituck’s representative on the working group.

The board voted to adopt the resolution and the clerk was instructed to notify Dare County of Currituck’s desire to join the working group and to designate Commissioner Rose as representative.