The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries is urging the public to report any cold stunned spotted seatrout observed in coastal waters. Cold stun events, which occur when there is a sudden drop in temperature or extended periods of cold weather, can leave these fish sluggish and vulnerable.
Spotted seatrout typically move into shallow creeks and rivers during winter months. When exposed to severe cold, they may become so immobile that they can be picked up by hand. According to studies, such events can lead to significant reductions in local trout populations as many affected fish die from the cold or are eaten by predators. However, some do survive.
Recent weather conditions along coastal North Carolina have increased the risk of a cold stun event affecting area rivers and creeks. Staff from the division monitor for signs of cold stunned fish after periods of winter weather and investigate reports submitted by members of the public.
Reports about spotted seatrout affected by cold stun can be made at any time to the N.C. Marine Patrol at 252-515-5507 or during regular business hours to Lucas Pensinger, the division’s spotted seatrout biologist, at 252-515-5638 or via email at Lucas.Pensinger@deq.nc.gov. The department asks that those reporting include specific details such as location, date, time observed, and contact information.
According to Amendment 1 to the N.C. Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan: “If a significant cold stun event occurs, the Division of Marine Fisheries will close all spotted seatrout harvest in the affected areas through June 30.” A significant event is defined based on two criteria: assessment of how many trout are impacted and whether water temperatures meet triggers—either 5° C (41° F) for eight consecutive days or 3° C (37.4° F) within a 24-hour period. To track this data, loggers have been placed throughout state waterways prone to these incidents.
The closure aims “to allow surviving fish a chance to spawn before harvest re-opens,” with peak spawning season occurring from May through June.
