Sheepshead Management Information

Sheepshead Annual Update 

Sheepshead Management Information

No stock assessment is currently available for management of sheepshead. Landings trends and other biological data prompted the Marine Fisheries Commission to implement harvest restrictions in June 2015. 

At its August 2024 meeting, the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission requested the Division investigate trends in the sheepshead commercial and recreational fisheries to determine if proactive management changes are needed to slow the growth of the fishery. Division staff investigated increases in effort and landings, and possible size and age truncation of the sheepshead stock. Due to increases in fishing pressure, particularly on juvenile fish, and a decline in older fish observed in recent years, the Division implemented management changes in March 2026 for sheepshead.

The division continues to monitor landings and collect data on the stock. For more information, contact Anne Markwith at Anne.Markwith@deq.nc.gov.