The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries has extended the closure on the harvest of Spotted Seatrout through June 30. This decision aligns with the state’s fishery management plan addressing the impact of cold stun events.
The initial closure began on January 24 and was meant to last until June 15. This was due to cold stun events that affected North Carolina’s coastal and joint fishing waters. The events caused significant harm to the Spotted Seatrout population, prompting the need for protective measures outlined in the N.C. Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan. The Marine Fisheries Commission’s recent adoption of Amendment 1 further extends this closure to June 30 following these events.
Cold stun events are natural occurrences that happen when water temperature plummets suddenly or stays low for an extended period. This often results in many fish becoming sluggish, dying, or falling prey to predators. Such events significantly impact Spotted Seatrout populations.
The extension aims to provide time for surviving Spotted Seatrout to spawn. The peak spawning period occurs from May through June.
Fishing for Spotted Seatrout is set to resume for both recreational and commercial purposes in the joint and coastal waters on July 1, 2025. At that time, new management measures under Amendment 1 will take effect.
Further details regarding the new measures can be found on the Spotted Seatrout Amendment 1 Information Page. Information specific to the harvest closure is available in Proclamation FF-15-2025.
