Red Drum Scoping Information

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We need your help determining how Red Drum should be managed in North Carolina.

As part of a five-year review of North Carolina’s Red Drum Fishery Management Plan (FMP), the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is taking a closer look at the fishery and asking fishermen and other interested members of the public to share what they're seeing on the water and what they think should be considered.

The latest stock assessment found that the northern Red Drum stock, which includes New Jersey through North Carolina, is not overfished and is not experiencing overfishing. However, North Carolina fishery-independent data show declining Red Drum abundance, while fishing effort and harvest have increased in other areas of the stock’s range.

During the October 1–30, 2026 scoping period, tell us what you’re seeing and share your ideas about how Red Drum should be managed. Your input will help DMF determine whether management changes should be considered.

If changes are needed, DMF will develop a proposed amendment to the Fishery Management Plan. If no changes are needed, DMF will develop an information update to maintain current management.

Review the information below and submit your comments by October 30.

Learn more about Red Drum by reading the Red Drum Scoping Document here:

Red Drum Scoping Document

By watching the Red Drum Scoping Information Presentation video below, 

or by attending a scoping meeting