Upcoming Meetings
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) 2024 Winter Meeting
Tuesday January 23rd through Thursday 25th
Westin Crystal City
1800 Richmond Highway
Arlington, VA 22202
Webinar link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8556735274724277084
Items of interest include:
Tuesday 23rd
Spiny Dogfish Management Board
Wednesday 24th
Cobia and Spanish mackerel
Coastal Pelagics Management Board
SAFMC Law Enforcement AP Meeting
Monday January 29th and Tuesday 30th
Crowne Plaza, 4831 Tanger Outlet Blvd, North Charleston, SC 29418
The big topic for this meeting is discussing sales of king and Spanish mackerel tournament caught fish.
Information here: Attachment 3
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: 1.22.2024
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The General Assembly begins the “short session” in late April. Before then however, we have a
primary election in early March. Those candidates who make it through the primary will then be
on the ballot in November for the General election and those who win then will begin their terms
in January 2024. The same is true for Congressional races. It will be a busy year from an election
standpoint as we will also be voting for Governor, Lt. Governor and all Council of State offices.
I have already pointed out the important race for District 3 for NC Senate, but will highlight
some of the other races in upcoming updates. I have noted several times in the past that NCFA
does not endorse candidates or contribute to their campaigns. We can endorse candidates as
individuals, but for those of us who are registered lobbyists, we cannot give money to a
candidate. If anyone wishes to know my personal opinion on these matters, don’t hesitate to drop
me a note or call.
H.R.6414 – Innovation and Development in Ecuador Act of 2023
This bill would establish a free trade agreement with Ecuador, one of the countries currently
being investigated by the International Trade Commission, alleging the dumping of shrimp into
the US. As noted, many times before, North Carolina is a member of the Southern Shrimp
Alliance. SSA wrote a letter to the US House Ways and Means Committee to oppose this
legislation.
Congressman Greg Murphy’s office first alerted us to this legislation last fall and after review
advised them of our opposition, which was followed by the SSA letter. If you would like to see a
copy of the letter, just let us know.
SHRIMP: INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
As noted in December, North Carolina is one of the states from NC to Texas that is part of the
US Shrimp Coalition working on legal action against potential unfair trade practices in the
importation of shrimp from India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Ecuador. The ITC determined in
December that it will move forward with its investigation. That investigation is ongoing and a
determination could come as early as May of this year.
H.R. 4547; The Less Act
Next week we’ll provide up to date information on this bill which also addresses problems facing
the shrimp industry. This bill has two cosponsors from North Carolina: Congressman Greg
Murphy, Republican and Congressman Don Davis, Democrat. Greg previously served in the NC
House and Don in the NC Senate.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
My wife, Pam, is celebrating a milestone birthday on the 22nd so I’d like to use this update to
wish her a Happy 75th Birthday!
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Jerry
