The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries has decided to extend the Spotted Seatrout cold stun harvest closure until June 30. This decision aligns with the state’s fishery management plan.
Initially, the division closed the state’s coastal and joint fishing waters for both recreational and commercial harvest of Spotted Seatrout on January 24. This action was due to widespread cold stun events and was initially set to last until June 15, as outlined in the existing N.C. Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan. The Marine Fisheries Commission, in March, adopted Amendment 1 to this plan, extending the closure through June 30 after significant cold stunning.
Cold stuns occur when water temperatures suddenly drop or remain cold for extended periods. These conditions not only make the fish sluggish but also lead to many fish perishing or becoming easy prey for predators. Such events can severely impact Spotted Seatrout populations.
The closure extension aims to allow the surviving fish to spawn before harvest activities resume. The peak spawning period for Spotted Seatrout is from May to June.
The fishery will be open again for recreational and commercial harvest in joint and coastal waters from July 1, 2025. At that time, new management measures from Amendment 1 will be enforced.
Further details on these measures can be found on the Spotted Seatrout Amendment 1 Information Page. Specifics regarding the harvest closure are available in Proclamation FF-15-2025.
