Widespread cold stun events have prompted the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries to close the state’s coastal and joint fishing waters to commercial and recreational spotted seatrout harvest.
The closure will go into effect at 4 p.m. Friday, according to a release from the division.
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In all, 10 waterbodies from Hyde County south to Pender County have been confirmed to have significant spotted seatrout cold stun events.
“The Division is still receiving and verifying more cold stun reports and collecting associated environmental data,” the release states. “These efforts will continue regardless of the closure so the Division can measure the magnitude of the cold stun event to evaluate how to protect the stock.”
Cold stuns occur as a result of a sudden drop in water temperature or prolonged periods of cold weather, making fish sluggish, killing many outright or leaving them vulnerable to birds and other predators.
“Studies suggest that cold stun events can have a significant impact on Spotted Seatrout populations,” according to the release.
The division is ordering the closure through June 30 to allow surviving fish a chance to spawn in the spring before harvest reopens. Peak spawning runs from May through July.
Commercial seafood dealers have until 3:30 p.m. Feb. 13 to sell, offer for sale, transport or dispose of any unfrozen spotted seatrout in their possession from purchases made before the closure.
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The public is asked to report any cold stun events in coastal waters to Lucas Pensinger at 252-515-5638 or Lucas.Pensinger@deq.nc.gov.
