August 26, 2013 — Shrimping is the second largest commercial fishing industry in North Carolina, with 6.1 million pounds of shrimp worth $13.3 million netted last year. Nearly 200 commercial fishermen work the Pamlico Sound, some of the best shrimping waters on the East Coast.
Whitfield can deal with this temporary setback from the elements – the upcoming green tail season is expected to be good. But it's foreign and domestic relations that have him worried.
Shrimp imported from countries that subsidize their production makes up 89 percent of the U.S. market. Malaysia subsidizes 55 percent of its shrimping industry and China subsidizes 18 percent, according to the Coalition of Gulf Shrimp Industries. On Sept. 19, the U.S. International Trade Commission is to announce whether the U.S. industry is being injured by subsidized foreign imports.
In Washington, lawmakers – including U.S. Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C. – are seeking to put penalties on subsidized imported shrimp, which is less expensive for consumers.
Closer to home, the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission will consider a proposal to declare the entire Pamlico Sound a nursery, which would eliminate commercial shrimping.
Joe Albea, a recreational angler and member of the shrimp advisory committee for the commission, predicted that the nursery will be voted down on Thursday. Last week, his committee and three others recommended the proposal be denied at a meeting attended by more than 700 people, most in opposition.
But the committee could recommend reducing shrimp trawler net sizes in the Pamlico Sound to about 50 feet, Albea said. Boats with larger nets would shrimp in the ocean. A trawler size limit would not take effect until next year after public hearings.
Whitfield has heard trawler nets could shrink to less than 50 feet.
Read the full story at the Virginian Pilot