Kingfishes (Sea Mullet) Scoping Information

The scoping period for the North Carolina Kingfishes Fishery Management Plan occurred from September 1-30, 2026.

There are three species of Kingfishes, commonly called Sea Mullet or Whiting, found in North Carolina waters: Southern, Gulf and Northern. All three species are managed collectively under the Kingfishes Fishery Management Plan (FMP).

A comprehensive review of the Kingfishes FMP began in 2025. After reviewing available data, the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) has not identified any concerning trends in the Kingfishes stock, but does acknowledge data is limited and because there are no management measures in place to directly limit harvest of Kingfishes, shifts in effort that substantially increase harvest could cause concern. 

DMF held a scoping period from September 1 to 30, 2026 to provide fishermen and other stakeholders an opportunity to provide input about stock and fishery issues and share ideas on potential management strategies. DMF is considering the input gathered during this scoping period to determine if management changes should be considered. If changes are identified, the division will draft an Amendment to the FMP. If no changes are identified, the Division can develop an information update that maintains current management. 

Learn more about Kingfishes by reading the Kingfishes Scoping Document here:

Kingfishes Scoping Document

Or by watching the Kingfishes Scoping Information Presentation video below,

If you have any questions about Kingfishes, the scoping period or how to submit your comments contact the species leads.