The Division of Marine Fisheries’ scoping period for Kingfishes (sea mullet) runs Sept. 1-30, 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.
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 has not developed specific management options for the Kingfishes FMP and will consider input gathered during the scoping period throughout the FMP process 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 may develop an information update that maintains current management.
| KINGFISHES SCOPING PERIOD SEPTEMBER 1-30, 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Written Input | |
Submit Comments Online N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries | |
| Scoping Meetings | |
Thursday Sept. 3, 2026 DMF Central District Office A listening location will be available at: | Thursday Sept. 17, 2026 Wilmington Regional Office |
| More Information | |
Scoping materials can be found on the Kingfishes Scoping Information webpage. For questions about Kingfishes biology, life history and management please contact: | |
| Matthew Doster, Morehead City Matthew.Doster@deq.nc.gov 252-515-5623 | Claire Pelletier, Washington Claire.Pelletier@deq.nc.gov 252-948-3871 |