Information on Spotted Seatrout FMP Amendment 1
A review of the Spotted Seatrout FMP is underway. Results of the 2022 benchmark stock assessment indicate the stock is not overfished however it is experiencing overfishing. The Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan Amendment 1 is under development to address overfishing in the fishery. The division is requesting stakeholders share their expertise on the spotted seatrout fishery to inform development of Amendment 1.
For questions, contact Lucas Pensinger, Lucas.Pensinger@ncdenr.gov.
The N.C. Division of Marine fisheries will hold the Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan Advisory Committee Workshop in the spring of 2024. Workshop-style meetings allow scientists, managers, and stakeholders on the committee to address questions, comments, and concerns more effectively and in a less formal setting.
To apply to be an advisor, please visit the Marine Fisheries Commission Advisory Committees webpage.
The Division of Marine Fisheries is developing Amendment 1 to the N.C. Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The division held a public scoping period in March of 2023 to solicit input on potential management strategies for the amendment and discuss stakeholder priorities.
A scoping document outlining the 2022 benchmark stock assessment results and potential management strategies can be found below. The stock assessment indicates overfishing is occurring in the fishery. The primary management strategies under consideration for Amendment 1 are sustainable harvest and reducing recreational release mortality in the spotted seatrout fishery.
The 2022 benchmark stock assessment for spotted seatrout determined the stock is not overfished however overfishing is occurring. A reduction in total removals between 14.6-39.6% is needed to end overfishing within two years.