The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries will close all Coastal and Joint fishing waters in the state to commercial and recreational Spotted Seatrout harvest starting at 4 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026. The decision comes after widespread cold stun events have affected fish populations.
Cold stuns occur when there is a sudden drop in water temperature or extended periods of cold weather, causing fish to become sluggish. Many fish die from the cold, while others are eaten by predators. According to studies, these events can significantly affect Spotted Seatrout numbers.
The Division has confirmed significant cold stun events for Spotted Seatrout in ten waterbodies ranging from Hyde County to Pender County. Officials continue to receive and verify additional reports and are collecting environmental data related to the incidents. This work will continue despite the closure so that the Division can assess the scale of the event and determine how best to protect the species.
“Amendment 1 to the N.C. Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan specifies that if a significant cold stun event occurs, the Division of Marine Fisheries will close all Spotted Seatrout harvests through the spring.”
“The intent of the closure is to allow the surviving fish a chance to spawn in the spring before harvest reopens. Peak spawning occurs from May through July.”
Spotted Seatrout season will remain closed until June 30, when it is scheduled to reopen by proclamation.
Commercial seafood dealers have until 3:30 p.m., Friday, February 13, 2026, to sell or otherwise dispose of any unfrozen Spotted Seatrout purchased before the closure.
“For more specifics on the closure in coastal waters, see Proclamation FF-12-2026.”
“The public should continue to report any cold stun events they see in coastal waters. To report a cold stun event or for more information, contact Lucas Pensinger at 252-515-5638 or Lucas.Pensinger@deq.nc.gov.”
The Department of Environmental Quality regulates and protects North Carolina’s natural resources including air, land, water, and coastal environments throughout North Carolina. The agency provides services such as air quality regulation and water resource oversight while supporting public education about environmental stewardship across communities statewide.
