The North Carolina Coastal Counties Fishing Coalition expanded its technical support by appointing three consultants to advise on marine fisheries science, outreach and legislative strategy. Members voted unanimously to add the consultants and to set the next coalition meeting for Feb. 4, 2026.

Chairman Bob Woodard described a range of follow‑up tasks: circulating education and outreach materials (PowerPoint and existing videos), sending the model blue crab resolution and the sheepshead draft statement to county clerks, and coordinating county meetings to gather local testimony prior to Division of Marine Fisheries hearings. Staff said they will email materials to coalition members and county clerks and asked members to review draft language before the chair signs any final statements.

"I'll overload your box between now and February 4 with emails," the chair said, noting the coalition's short timeline to prepare for possible legislative activity. Coalition staff also said they will provide contact lists for commission members and help counties prepare respectful, science‑based comments.

The motion to appoint consultants was seconded and carried unanimously; the group then set the next meeting date by consensus (Feb. 4, 2026) and adjourned.

Background and next steps: coalition staff will distribute draft materials, collect suggested edits from county representatives, and report back on county adoptions of the blue crab resolution and on any written comments submitted to the Division of Marine Fisheries. The coalition emphasized that the appointments and meeting schedule are administrative; regulatory authority remains with the Division of Marine Fisheries and county boards acting under their own authorities.