Kingfishes (sea mullet) scoping period begins today

The Division of Marine Fisheries’ scoping period for Kingfishes (sea mullet) begins today, providing fishermen and other stakeholders an opportunity to provide input about stock and fishery issues, and share ideas on management strategies for the scheduled 5-year review of the N.C. Kingfishes Fishery Management Plan (FMP).

The public may provide input in writing or at either of two scheduled public meetings. The scoping period will run through Sept. 30.

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 FMP.

The DMF will consider input gathered during the scoping period throughout the FMP process and  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 may develop an information update that maintains current management.