N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries has extended the Spotted Seatrout cold stun harvest closure through June 30, in accordance with the state’s fishery management plan.
The Division had previously closed coastal and joint fishing waters in North Carolina to both recreational and commercial spotted seatrout harvest on January 24 due to widespread cold stun events. This initial closure was effective through June 15 as prescribed in the N.C. Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan in place at that time. In March, the Marine Fisheries Commission adopted Amendment 1 to the N.C. Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan that, among other measures, extends the harvest closure after a significant cold stunning event through June 30.
Cold stuns are natural occurrences when there is a sudden drop in water temperature or prolonged periods of cold weather that makes the fish sluggish. Many fish die from the cold and others fall prey to birds and other predators. Studies indicate cold stun events can have a significant impact on spotted seatrout populations.
The intent is to allow surviving fish a chance to spawn before harvest reopens. Peak spawning occurs from May through June.
The Spotted Seatrout fishery will reopen to recreational and commercial harvest in joint and coastal fishing waters on July 1, 2025. Upon reopening, new Amendment 1 management measures will be implemented.
For more information on those measures see the Spotted Seatrout Amendment 1 Information Page.
For specifics on the Spotted Seatrout harvest closure, see Proclamation FF-15-2025.