WHITE PERCH
(06/06 NCDMF)

Stock Status – Unknown - Due to budget and personnel constraints the Division of Marine Fisheries has not had a directed sampling program since 1980. Federal aid project F-80 began March 2004 to fulfill data needs for upcoming Fishery Management Plan. Data show juvenile abundance indices are near historical averages after severe decline in the mid 1980s and early 1990s. Landings have a positive trend over the last 14 years.

Average Commercial Landings and Value 1996-2005 – 241,347 lbs./ $158,630

2005 Commercial Landings and Value – 177,734 lbs./ $108,616

Average Recreational Landings 1996-2005 - Unknown 2005 - Unknown

Average Recreational Commercial Gear Landings and for 2002-2005 and 2005 – 16,127 lbs. 2005 – 4,751 lbs.

Average Number of Citations 1996-2005 - N/A, 2005 - N/A

Status of Fishery Management Plan (FMP) - No state or federal plan. State plan scheduled 2009-2011

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

Current Regulations (2006) - None

Harvest Season - Open year round

Size and Age at Maturity - Males - 3 inches Total Length (TL)/2 years, Females - 4 inches/3-4 years

Historical and Current Maximum Age - 17 years/10 years

Juvenile Abundance Index Average 2004 – 7.9, 2005 – 9.6

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