In the United States, the CEO of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, Tim Gestwicki, has called on state legislators to “put a stop to inshore shrimp trawling as soon as possible.” This announcement, made on Tuesday, has sparked a debate within the state’s fishing communities and regulatory bodies.

Response to Flounder Season Cancellation

Gestwicki’s call to action follows the recent decision by the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries to cancel the recreational southern flounder season for 2024. In a news release, Gestwicki highlighted the urgency of addressing inshore shrimp trawling practices, linking them to broader environmental concerns and the sustainability of marine life.

Glenn Skinner, the executive director of the N.C. Fisheries Association, has responded critically to the Wildlife Federation’s stance. Skinner, whose organization represents the interests of the state’s commercial fishermen, accused the wildlife federation of using the flounder season cancellation to instill fear among fishermen and to gain support for their long-standing campaign against shrimp trawling.

Disputed Quota Management

The debate has also brought to light issues surrounding quota management for various fish species. According to Skinner, recreational fishermen exceeded their flounder quota in 2023, leading to stricter regulations and the eventual cancellation of the season. In contrast, he noted that commercial fishermen, despite also facing a shortened season, managed to stay within their allocated limits.

The controversy over inshore shrimp trawling is not new, but the current situation has intensified discussions about the future of the practice. The Wildlife Federation’s push for a ban is seen by some as a necessary step to protect marine ecosystems, while others view it as a threat to the livelihood of commercial fishermen.