Public reminded to report any cold stunned trout

MOREHEAD CITY, NC (WWAY) — The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries reminds the community to report any cold stunned spotted seatrout that they see in the coastal waters.

Spotted seatrout move to shallow creeks and rivers during the winter where they can be vulnerable to cold stun events.

When temperatures drop for a prolonged period time, fish become sluggish.

Studies show that cold stun events significantly reduce spotted seatrout populations as many die from the cold or are targeted by predators.

Spotted seatrout cold stun events can be reported to the NC Marine Patrol at 252-515-5507. When reporting, provide the specific location, date, and time the fish was spotted as well as your contact information.