WHITE PERCH
(06/05 NCDMF)

Stock Status - Unknown - DMF has not had a directed sampling program since 1980, due to budget and personnel constraints. Federal aid project F-80 began March 2004 to fulfill data needs for upcoming FMP. A high abundance of large fish present in 2003 magnified the 51percent decline in commercial landings for 2004. Data are insufficient to evaluate status.

Average Commercial Landings and Value 1995-2004 - 234,710 lbs./$155,303

2004 Commercial Landings and Value - 217,898 lbs./$122,582

Average Recreational Landings 1995-2004 – Unknown, 2004 - Unknown

Average RCGL Landings and for 2002-2004 and 2004 - 19,919 lbs., 2004 - 11,190 lbs.

Average Number of Citations 1995-2004 - N/A, 2004--N/A

Status of Fishery Management Plan - No state or federal plan. State plan schedule 2009-2011

Data/Research Needs - All types of fishery dependent and independent data

Current Regulations (2005) - None

Harvest Season (2005) - Open year round

Size and Age at Maturity – Males: 3 inches/2 years; Females: 4 inches/3 years-4 years

Historical Maximum Age - 17 years

Juvenile Abundance Index Average (# of Individuals per unit of effort) 1995-2004 – Unknown 2004 – 7.9

Habits/Habitats - Spawning occurs over fine gravel, sand, or mud from late March to early May, in rivers and tributaries. Eggs hatch within 6 days, depending on the water temperature. Young utilize the rivers and sounds as a nursery area, within the same area as the adults.