CATFISHES

Stock Status - Unknown - Federal aid project F-80 began March 2004 to fulfill data needs for upcoming Fishery Management Plan (FMP).  Commercial landings are 28% below 10 - year average.  Data are not sufficient to evaluate status.

Average Commercial Landings and Value 1999-2008 – 501,130 lbs./$135,762

2008 Commercial Landings and Value – 361,456 lbs./$91,752

Average Recreational Landings 1999-2008 – unknown, 2008 - unknown

Average Recreational Commercial Gear License (RCGL) Landings 2002-2008 – 6,864 lbs.  2008 – 9,121 lbs.

Status of Fishery Management Plan (FMP) – There is no state or federal plan. A state plan is scheduled for development when adequate data are available.

Data and Research Needs – validation of juvenile indices, size, age and sex composition of commercial and recreational harvest, fecundity estimates, updated maturity estimates, gear selectivity estimates, gut content analysis, characterize species composition of commercial harvest, characterize species composition between waterbodies, spawning area surveys, identify movement and migration patterns, evaluate similarities of age, growth, and productivity between waterbodies
                                               
Current Regulations – no regulations in place

Harvest Season - open year round

Size and Age at Maturity - white and channel catfish - 7-12 inches total length (TL)/ 3-4 years; bullheads- 8-10 inches TL/ 3 years

Historical and Current Maximum Age – 20 years/19 years

Juvenile Abundance Index Average 2004 – 2008 – 0.6 2008 – 0.1 (not validated)

Habits and Habitats – Spawning occurs in nests over sand, gravel, and mud, and under protection of logs, roots, vegetation, from late March through June depending on the species.  Males of some species protect the young once hatching occurs.  Juveniles utilize the rivers and sounds as a nursery area, within the same area as adults.

For more information please contact michael.loeffler@ncdenr.gov(800-338-7805 or 252-264-3911)