OUTER BANKS, N.C. — The North Carolina Coastal Counties Fisheries Coalition has officially been formed, following a successful effort to stop a shrimp trawling ban from becoming law.

The alliance held their first meeting a week ago, with the future of the fishing and seafood industry in mind.

"I think everybody's finally figured out that we don't need individual voices. We need a coalition speaking on behalf of all of these coastal counties,” said Bob Woodard, the coalition chair.

Watch previous coverage: Proposed coalition to N.C. coastal counties seeks to protect fishing industry Coalition proposed to N.C. coastal counties in efforts to preserve and protect fishing industry

In late June, a bill originally meant to expand flounder and red snapper seasons had an amendment introduced

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