Coastal counties formally launch Fisheries Coalition to support NC’s commercial fishing industry

On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, officials representing North Carolina’s coastal counties gathered in Morehead City, NC for the organizational meeting of the North Carolina Coastal Counties Fisheries Coalition—a newly formed alliance created to unify the voice of coastal communities in support of the state’s commercial fishing industry, working watermen and women, and the long-standing heritage tied to North Carolina’s coastal economy.

Hosted by Carteret County at the Crystal Coast Civic Center, the organizational meeting included representatives from 15 counties: Beaufort, Camden, Carteret, Chowan, Craven, Currituck, Dare, Hertford, Hyde, Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell and Washington.

In addition, Brunswick County has appointed a representative and will participate in future meetings. New Hanover County had a staff member in attendance to observe the proceedings.

The meeting drew a strong turnout, with over 100 attendees, including state senators, house members and legislative staff—a clear indication of the broad interest in coastal fisheries issues in North Carolina.

During the meeting, the group reached consensus on the coalition’s mission statement:

“The North Carolina Coastal Counties Fisheries Coalition supports our state’s commercial fishermen and fishing communities in an effort to protect their livelihoods, preserve coastal heritage, and safeguard the economic vitality of our working waterfronts. Together, we work to ensure the continued harvest of high-quality North Carolina seafood—feeding families, strengthening communities, and ensuring North Carolina catch remains a priority for consumers to enjoy throughout our state and beyond.”

Carteret County Board of Commissioners Chairman Chris Chadwick (L) sits next to Dare County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bob Woodard (R) during the meeting.

Dare County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bob Woodard will serve as chairman of the coalition, with Dare County providing administrative and legal support. The coalition will operate as a public body, with participating counties appointing an official representative. All meetings will be open to the public, with advance notice provided to ensure transparency.

“The level of engagement at our very first coalition meeting was truly inspiring,” said Chairman Bob Woodard. “It speaks volumes about the passion and commitment our coastal counties have for protecting the future of our fishing communities. I want every commercial fisherman and woman in North Carolina to know that we stand firmly behind them. This coalition is more than just a partnership—it’s a united front dedicated to preserving their livelihoods, honoring their heritage and ensuring that this way of life endures for generations to come.”

Several speakers at the meeting shared powerful accounts of how proposed regulations in House Bill 442—a ban on inshore shrimp trawling—would have devastated their livelihoods and the state’s fishing communities. There was also an emphasis on the need to educate North Carolinians throughout the state about the value of the commercial fishing industry, the people who sustain it and the conservation measures already in place to protect marine resources.

The coalition affirmed its commitment to addressing commercial fisheries issues affecting all coastal counties in North Carolina. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 1 p.m. at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City.