April 17, 2019 — It’s almost as predictable as the return of spring: Every session, one or more North Carolina state lawmakers will file a bill favoring either the state’s commercial fishing industry or the recreational fishing industry.
The two sides have been at odds for years, each blaming the other for the state’s dwindling supply of fish and accusing the other of mismanagement and waste. Fisheries management officials often find themselves caught between the two powerful and vocal lobbies, which then turn to state lawmakers to fight their battles in the General Assembly.
The House Wildlife Resources committee on Tuesday passed House Bill 486, Commercial Fishing License Reforms, which would, according to sponsor Rep. Larry Yarborough, R-Person, protect the state’s commercial fisheries by setting stricter guidelines for who can get a commercial fishing license, how many licenses are issued and how they’re allotted.