Information on Spotted Seatrout FMP Amendment 1

Draft Spotted Seatrout FMP Amendment 1

A review of the Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan is underway. Results of the 2022 benchmark stock assessment indicate the stock is not overfished but is experiencing overfishing. At their November 2024 business meeting, the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission vote to select their preferred management options for the commercial and recreational Spotted Seatrout fisheries.

Division management recommendation for both sectors:
• Statewide harvest closure Jan. through Feb.

Division management recommendation for recreational fishery:
• 14”–20” slot limit with allowance for one fish >26”
• 3 fish bag limit

Division management recommendation for commercial fishery:
• 11:59 p.m. Friday to 12:01 a.m. Tuesday closure from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31
• No changes to Bogue Banks stop net quota, but formalize management in Amendment 1

Division supplemental and cold stun management recommendations:
• Eliminate spotted seatrout captain/crew limit on for-hire trips
• Extend harvest closure following a severe cold stun through Jun. 30
For questions, contact Lucas Pensinger, Lucas.Pensinger@deq.nc.gov or Melinda Lambert, Melinda.Lambert@deq.nc.gov.