The North Carolina Coastal Counties Fishing Coalition voted unanimously to authorize its chair to finalize and distribute a model resolution opposing proposed harvest restrictions for blue crab, and urged counties and residents to make public comments before the Division of Marine Fisheries hearings scheduled for Nov. 19–20 in Wrightsville Beach.

The coalition said the division's staff proposal includes a 30‑bushel hard‑crab limit north of Highway 58 (September–December), a 15‑bushel limit south of Highway 58 for the same months, and a statewide prohibition on crab dredging year‑round. The coalition's draft resolution asks county boards to adopt measures opposing those changes and to press for water‑quality studies and peer‑reviewed analysis before implementing broad harvest cuts.

"They are getting ready to meet Nov. 19 through the twentieth at Wrightsville Beach. There are public comment periods on the nineteenth at 6 p.m. and on the twentieth at 9 a.m.," coalition member Janet said, describing the schedule and encouraging attendance. Janet, who has compiled contact information for members of the Marine Fisheries Commission, warned of local economic effects: "If they're cut to 30 bushels next year, that's a 40 or 50% cut," she said, noting impacts on crab houses, processors and towns that rely on processing‑period water use.

Members said several counties had already taken action. "Currituck County did pass one on Monday night," the chair reported, and coalition staff said they would distribute the model resolution and email it to county clerks and members so boards that could not attend would receive the text.

The coalition emphasized the timing for public engagement. "If you are not able to go to Wrightsville Beach and speak at the public comments, perhaps you can call them or email them and share your concerns and how this is going to affect your county," Janet said. Coalition leaders also urged members to communicate respectfully and to rely on science‑based arguments when contacting commissioners.

The motion to authorize the chair to finalize and distribute the resolution was made and seconded on the floor and carried unanimously.

Coalition staff said they will circulate the final draft of the resolution to members for any last corrections before the chair signs and distributes it. They also asked counties to consider holding local public meetings this week to gather testimony for the Wrightsville Beach hearings.

Background: the Division of Marine Fisheries is updating blue crab management; the coalition says the staff stock assessment that underlies the recommendation did not pass peer review and that counties should press for peer‑reviewed science and local water‑quality analyses before new limits are imposed. The coalition's action is procedural (a model resolution and distribution), not a regulatory determination by any county.

What happens next: members will receive the finalized resolution by email and are encouraged to forward it to their county boards and clerks and to submit written or oral comments to the Division of Marine Fisheries before the Nov. 19–20 public hearings.