Striped Mullet FMP Amendment 1 Supplement A
In September 2022, the DEQ Secretary determined it is in the long-term interest of the striped mullet stock to develop temporary management through a Supplement. The Division developed the Striped Mullet Fishery Management Plan Amendment 1 Supplement A. The supplement addresses the overfishing status of the stock while the Division works on comprehensive management to address sustainable harvest in Amendment 2.
Striped Mullet Fishery Management Plan Amendment 1 Supplement A
At its May 2023 business meeting, the Marine Fisheries Commission approved supplement management. Supplement A adopted Option 5 regional season closures:
| Region | Closure Dates |
|---|---|
| North of the Highway 58 Bridge | Nov. 7- Dec. 31 |
| South of the Highway 58 Bridge | Nov. 10 – Dec. 31 |
Management will remain in place until Amendment 2 is adopted. For more on Amendment 2, see Information on Striped Mullet FMP Amendment 2.
For questions, contact Jeffrey Dobbs or Willow Patten.
Frequently Asked Questions
Supplement A management measures went into effect in 2023. Regional season closures will begin in the fall of 2023.
The closure period is specific to which region you are fishing. The regional closure periods are:
- North of the Hwy 58 bridge: November 7 – December 31
- South of the Hwy 58 bridge: November 10 – December 31
This closure applies to all Coastal Fishing Waters, including the Atlantic Ocean in North Carolina, within each region.
The closure is for both recreational and commercial fishing.
No, mullet cannot be harvested for any use during the season closure.
Mullet captured in North Carolina Coastal Fishing Waters, regardless of when they were captured, may not be possessed during the closure.
Mullet can only be used as bait during the season closure if they were captured outside of North Carolina Coastal Fishing Waters, purchased, and the proof of purchase, such as a receipt, is with you when fishing.
Documentation must show the species, amount, and date of purchase. Marine Patrol must be able to use this documentation to determine the chain of custody, and where the mullet were captured, for any mullet possessed during the closure.
Only mullet captured outside of North Carolina coastal waters with proper documentation can be sold during the closure. Mullet captured in North Carolina Coastal Fishing Waters may not be sold during the closure at all, regardless of when they were captured.
Dealers will be given one week to dispose of mullet in their possession that were taken from North Carolina Coastal Fishing Waters prior to the closure. Dealers, fish houses, and bait shops may not have mullet captured in North Carolina Coastal Fishing Waters at their places of business, or available for sale, during the closure. Mullet may be stored at a separate, non-public location during the closure, where they are not available for purchase.