North Carolina DMF Closes Speckled Trout Fishery

NC Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) Louis Daniel issued a proclamation today closing all waters to commercial and recreational harvest of speckled trout for an indefinite period.

The DMF has been investigating cold stun and kill events Rose Bay, Juniper Bay, and other inland waters.

"On the heels of two cold stun events, one in 2010 and now in 2011, and pretty large commercial and recreational catch rates in 2009, I believe this is the best thing for the fishery," Daniel said.

Daniel had been struggling with the decision about whether or not to close the speckled trout fishery for several days.

Beth Burns, the DMF biologist who did the investigation in the Juniper and Rose Bay areas, said the two bodies had a significant cold kill event.

"The total estimated number of fish killed in Juniper Bay was in the 100's," said Burns. "The fish were primarily small (10-12 inches), but a few larger fish (3-5 lbs) were present too. Rose Bay appeared to have a larger kill. We estimated a total kill (there) in the low 1000's."

The DMF said that Daniel had consulted with NC Marine Fisheries Commission Chairman Rob Bizzell, and that the intent of the closure is to prevent the harvest of vulnerable cold stunned fish, which may recover with warming temperatures.

The MFC authorized Daniel to close the speckled trout fishery in the event of a cold stun event when approving the trout FMP last fall. The MFC will meet Feb 11 at Pine Knolls Shores and will consider extending the closure.

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