NC Legislature Considers Reviving Shrimp Trawling Ban

Coastal communities and fishing industry brace for potential legislative action after previous attempt failed in 2025

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The North Carolina Legislature may make another attempt to pass a bill banning shrimp trawling in the state's inland waters and within a half-mile of the Atlantic shoreline. This comes after a similar measure died in the state House in June 2025 following protests from the fishing community. Local officials and industry groups are warning that the ban could resurface in the upcoming legislative short session starting in April 2026.

Why it matters

The shrimp trawling industry is a vital part of North Carolina's coastal economy, supporting thousands of jobs and livelihoods. A ban on the practice would have major economic impacts on fishing communities, especially on the Outer Banks. The issue has become politically charged, with legislators facing pressure from environmental groups pushing for the ban while also hearing strong opposition from the commercial fishing industry.

The details

In 2025, a North Carolina Senate bill that would have imposed the shrimp trawling ban was defeated in the state House after protests from fishermen and others in the industry. Now, there are reports that the measure could be revived in the upcoming legislative short session starting in April 2026. Dare County Commissioner Chairman Bob Woodard, who chairs the newly formed NC Coastal Counties Fisheries Commission, has warned that the ban may be "brought back up" and that the coastal communities will "need to be vigilant." State Representative Keith Kidwell also claimed that Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger was discussing "slipping in" the trawling ban bill "with no public debate" or "input from the coastal families whose livelihoods hang in the balance."

  • The NC Senate bill proposing the shrimp trawling ban died in the state House in June 2025.
  • The upcoming NC legislative short session is scheduled to begin in April 2026.

The players

Bob Woodard

Dare County Commissioner Chairman and chair of the newly formed NC Coastal Counties Fisheries Commission.

Phil Berger

North Carolina Senate President Pro Tem, described as one of the most powerful politicians in the state.

Keith Kidwell

North Carolina state representative who represents part of Dare County, recently defeated in the Republican primary.

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What they’re saying

“Rumor has it...that in the short session [the ban measure] may be brought back up. We'll just need to be vigilant.”

— Bob Woodard, Dare County Commissioner Chairman (Outer Banks Voice)

“Phil Berger was at a meeting in Greensboro yesterday...talking about 'slipping in' HB 442, the shrimp trawling ban, during the short session. No public debate. No transparency. No input from the coastal families whose livelihoods hang in the balance.”

— Keith Kidwell, North Carolina State Representative (North Carolina Fisheries Association)

What’s next

The upcoming NC legislative short session in April 2026 will be a key moment to watch for any potential revival of the shrimp trawling ban proposal.

The takeaway

The shrimp trawling ban issue has become a politically charged battle between environmental groups and the commercial fishing industry in North Carolina. The coastal communities and their livelihoods are caught in the middle, and they will need to remain vigilant to ensure their voices are heard if the legislature makes another attempt to pass the ban.