Red Drum Management Information

 Red Drum Annual Update

The regional benchmark stock assessment (North Carolina through New Jersey), completed by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission in 2024, indicated the northern stock is not overfished and overfishing is not occurring, though concerning trends are developing. In response to stock assessment results, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Sciaenid's Management Board adopted Addendum II to Amendment 2 to the Interstate FMP for Red Drum. The Addendum changes the management programs for the southern (South Carolina to Florida) and northern (New Jersey to North Carolina) stocks of Red Drum but does not require any management changes in North Carolina. Comprehensive review of the North Carolina Red Drum FMP began in July 2025 to accommodate 2024 stock assessment results and any potential recommended ASMFC management changes. It should be noted that any changes to the state FMP must consider compliance requirements of the ASMFC plan.