The basis of good fisheries management is good data. Fishery management plans and modelling used to conduct stock assessments are data hungry products. Luckily, the Division of Marine Fisheries has one of the top data and statistics programs in the country. This is validated if you look at many regional and interstate fishery management plans that use division data sets and sampling programs to develop management for those species.

In this edition of The INSIGHT we explore the use of fish tagging and how fishermen can participate in this very important program. We will also look at the new improved recreational survey methodology and the corresponding data that will help us manage many of our important fish species. The new Fishing Effort Survey highlights the significant contributions of the recreational sector and total economic impact and harvest. This work is done nationwide but the Division of Marine Fisheries leads the way with the most comprehensive and staffed program on the East Coast. In fact, North Carolina is one of the only states that conducts year-round surveys of recreational anglers. There are many dedicated staff who make this possible and, in this edition, we highlight the contributions of several of those division employees.

For an idea of how expansive these datasets are, read about and then link to the Annual License and Statistics Report, more affectionately known at the division as the Big Book of Data. This report showcases the incredible datasets that the division compiles on recreational and commercial catch, trips, economic value and even regional comparisons. It is a great starting point for learning more about fishing statistics in North Carolina and the Southeast.

While spring is approaching, winter is still upon us. We describe and highlight what are known as cold stun events for one of our most popular fish species, the spotted seatrout or speckled trout. Mass mortality events can and have happened in the past as we are near the northern range of this species. As such, management measures are in place to protect remaining fish if triggers are met in a cold stun event.

I hope you enjoy this edition of The INSIGHT . Thank you and stay safe out on the water.