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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2025-06-25

Vote Breakdown

Plain Language Summary

This bill creates a four-year pilot program to expand recreational fishing seasons for flounder and red snapper in North Carolina, requiring at least a six-week flounder season with increased daily catch limits and a year-round red snapper season. It also prohibits the use of trawl nets for shrimp fishing in coastal waters and within half a mile of the shoreline, effective December 2025.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue that current flounder and red snapper restrictions are more stringent than neighboring states, causing recreational fishing businesses and tourism revenue to move to South Carolina and Virginia.
• •They contend that the high numbers of accidentally caught and released fish indicate healthy populations, and that the pilot program with mandatory stock assessments will provide data to support further expansion while protecting fish stocks through science-based management.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may argue that the current restrictions exist to protect fish populations from overfishing based on established fishery management plans, and that relaxing limits before completing new stock assessments could undermine conservation efforts.
• •They may also contend that prohibiting shrimp trawling could harm commercial shrimping operations and raise seafood prices for consumers, and that the bill's findings questioning the scientific basis for current limits lack peer-reviewed support.