BY NICOLE BOWMAN-LAYTON
Albemarle Observer
COLUMBIA — The Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners will meet at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 15, at the Tyrrell County Office Building to consider a range of issues, including a proposal that could connect the county with others along the North Carolina coast in a new regional coalition focused on fisheries and coastal policy.
At the center of the agenda is a discussion on the formation of the North Carolina Coastal Counties Fisheries Coalition, a concept originally proposed in a letter sent to coastal counties by Dare County Board of Commission Chair Bob Woodard earlier this month. The coalition is envisioned as a formal alliance of coastal counties working together to advocate for sustainable fisheries management, economic development, and the protection of the state’s traditional working waterfronts.
If approved, Tyrrell would join a number of counties expressing interest in greater collaboration on coastal and marine issues — particularly those that directly impact commercial and recreational fishing, seafood processing, and maritime culture.
What the Coalition Aims to Do
Woodard has emphasized that the coalition’s primary goal is to “ensure coastal voices are heard in Raleigh and beyond,” especially as decisions about fisheries management and coastal regulation become increasingly complex.
According to Woodard the idea came out of concerns that local governments and watermen were being left out of conversations with state and federal regulators. The coalition would aim to meet regularly, share research and advocacy strategies, and present a united front on policy matters that affect eastern North Carolina’s coastal communities.
Tyrrell County, one of the smallest counties in the state by population, has a long history tied to fishing and agriculture. By joining the coalition, commissioners could amplify their influence in regional decisions that could affect livelihoods and the local economy.
Woodard’s letter
Woodard’s letter was addressed to the “Board Chairs of North Carolina Coastal Counties,” as well as fellow Dare County commissioners.
The letter was sent to 19 counties in total. Besides Tyrrell and Dare Counties, the letter was sent to the counties of Currituck, Pasquotank, Camden, Perquimans, Chowan, Hertford, Bertie, Washington, Hyde, Beaufort, Pamlico, Craven, Carteret, Onslow, New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender. The full text of the letter is below.
Dear Board Chairs of North Carolina Coastal Counties,
I hope this letter finds you well.
As coastal counties, we share a deep connection to our working waterfronts and the hardworking men and women who make their living from our coastal waters. Our commercial fishing industry is not only a vital part of our economy — it’s also an essential part of our heritage and identity.
With the recent controversy surrounding House Bill 442, which was fortunately defeated in the House, it has become clear that we must be proactive in defending and supporting this vital industry. It’s likely we will see similar legislation resurface in the future, along with other issues that directly impact our commercial fishermen and coastal communities.
To that end, I am proposing the establishment of a North Carolina Coastal Counties Fisheries Coalition. The goal of this coalition is to bring together county leaders from coastal regions to address these critical issues with a unified voice. By coordinating our efforts, we can better advocate for the long-term health and sustainability of our fisheries, our local economies, and our way of life.
Each participating county can appoint the representative of their choice-whether that be yourself, your county manager, or another staff member. Additionally, I welcome you to extend this invitation to other counties that may wish to be involved, even if they do not have a direct commercial fishing presence but have a stake in supporting our coastal economy and culture.
I am aiming to schedule our first meeting in August at a central location. Virtual participation may be considered in the future to ensure accessibility and convenience for all.
Please let me know at your earliest convenience if your county is interested in joining this effort, along with the name and contact information of your designated representative. I also welcome the opportunity to speak with you directly if you would like to discuss this in more detail.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to work together in support of our coastal communities and fisheries.
Respectfully,
Robert L. “Bob” Woodard, Sr.
Chairman, Dare County Board of Commissioners
Shelter Proposal Also on Agenda
In other business, Janie Spencer of the Inner Banks (IBX) Hotline is scheduled to address the board to seek support for the establishment of a shelter facility in Tyrrell County. The hotline provides crisis support and resources to victims of domestic violence and abuse in the region. It currently does not have a physical shelter in Tyrrell.
Spencer is expected to outline the need for a local facility, especially given the county’s rural nature and the difficulty some residents face when trying to access services in surrounding counties. The board’s role may involve discussing funding options or partnerships to support the initiative.
Annual NCACC Delegate Appointment
Commissioners will also designate a voting delegate for the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) Annual Conference, scheduled for August. The delegate will represent Tyrrell County during official business sessions at the statewide gathering of local government officials.
Routine Business and Public Comment
The meeting will begin with a review and approval of minutes from four previous sessions held in June, including regular and reconvened meetings. A public comment period will follow, during which residents may address the board for up to three minutes on any topic.
County Manager David Clegg is expected to provide updates during his report later in the meeting. A closed session is also scheduled, pursuant to N.C. General Statute 143-318.11(a), though the reason for the session has not been disclosed in the agenda. The section of statue says: “It is the policy of this State that closed sessions shall be held only when required to permit a public body to act in the public interest as permitted in this section.”
How to Participate
The meeting is open to the public and will take place at the Tyrrell County Office Building, beginning at 1 p.m. Residents are encouraged to attend or participate during the public comment period. Those wishing to speak must give their full name and follow the board’s rules, which limit each speaker to three minutes.
For more information, residents may contact the Tyrrell County Manager’s Office or visit the county’s official website.
