Stock Status - Unknown - Federal aid project F-80 began March 2004 to fulfill data needs for the upcoming FMP.  Data show juvenile abundance indices are near historical averages after severe decline in the mid 1980s and early 1990s.  Landings have had a positive trend over the last 15 years.

Average Commercial Landings and Value 1999-2008 – 270,462 lbs./$182,103

2008 Commercial Landings and Value – 398,307 lbs./$318,802

Average Recreational Landings 1999-2008 - unknown   2008 - unknown

Average Recreational Commercial Gear License (RCGL) Landings 2002-2008 – 15,531 lbs., 2008 – 23,347 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, updated maturity estimates,     gear selectivity estimates, gut content analysis, spawning area surveys, identify movement and migration patterns, evaluate similarities of age, growth, and productivity between waterbodies

Current Regulations - none

Harvest Season - open year round

Size and Age at Maturity - males - 3 inches total length (TL)/2 years; females - 4 inches TL/3-4 years

Historical and Current Maximum Age – 17 years/13 years

Juvenile Abundance Index Average 2004 – 2008 –6.1 2008 – 6.6 (not validated)

Habits and Habitats - Spawning occurs in rivers and tributaries over fine gravel, sand, or mud from late March to early May.  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.

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