December 29, 2020 — State fisheries managers ask residents and visitors who are out on the water or near it to keep an eye open for cold stunned fish.
The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries reminded the public Monday to report any cold stunned spotted seatrout they may see in North Carolina coastal waters.
During the winter, spotted seatrout move to relatively shallow creeks and rivers, where they can be vulnerable to cold stun events. Cold stun events have the potential to occur when there is a sudden drop in temperature or during prolonged periods of cold weather, making fish so sluggish they can be harvested by hand.
According to the DMF, many fish that are stunned die from the cold or fall prey to birds and other predators.
“Studies suggest that cold stun events can have a significant negative impact on spotted seatrout populations,” the DMF said.
Spotted seatrout cold stun events may be reported at any time to the N.C. Marine Patrol at 1-800-682-2632 or during regular business hours to DMF spotted seatrout biologist Tracey Bauer by phone at 252-808-8159 or by email tracey.bauer@ncdenr.gov.