As summer starts to wind down here on the Carolina coast, Hurricane Erin is churning offshore in the Atlantic. While it isn’t expected to make landfall in NC, it’s already creating high rip current risks for our beaches. For many, that means extra caution in the surf — but did you know offshore storms also affect our local seafood supply?
At Motts ChannelSeafood, we think it’s important to help our customers understand how weather out at sea
impacts what shows up in our case each day.
Rough Seas Mean Fewer Boats on the Water: When a storm system like Erin stirs up the ocean, it creates large swells and strong rip currents that extend well offshore. Commercial and local fishermen often can’t safely launch or stay out on the water during these conditions. That means fewer fresh catches — from shrimp and flounder to mahi and tuna — make their way back to market until conditions calm.
Storms Shift Fish Populations: Tropical systems churn the ocean, mixing warm surface water with cooler layers below. This can change water temperatures and push schools of fish closer to the coast — or drive them farther out. For example, storms may scatter
shrimp and baitfish, which then changes the behavior of the larger fish that feed on them. After a storm passes, fishermen often see a noticeable difference in what’s running compared to the week before.
Shellfish Feel the Impact Too: Shellfish like clams, oysters, and crabs live in estuaries and inlets that are especially sensitive to storms. Heavy rain and runoff from hurricanes can lower salinity levels, stress shellfish beds, and even cause temporary closures for
harvesting. While these closures protect public health and sustainability, they can also mean limited availability of customer favorites for a short period.
Resilience of North Carolina Seafood: The good news is that our waters are incredibly resilient. Once conditions stabilize, fishermen return, and the supply of fresh, local seafood rebounds quickly. This is part of what makes North Carolina’s seafood industry so special — it’s closely tied to the rhythms of the coast, always adapting to nature.
What This Means for You at Motts Channel Seafood: At Motts Channel Seafood, we work hard to keep our cases stocked with the freshest catches available, even when storms shake up supply. Here are a few tips as we ride out hurricane season together:
- Stay Flexible: Instead of planning your meal around one specific fish, ask what’s freshest that day.
- Plan Ahead: If you’re hosting a boil, fish fry, or cookout, consider buying ahead of a storm since availability can dip temporarily.
- Trust Local: While frozen imports may fill grocery shelves during weather disruptions, Motts Channel Seafood remains committed to fresh, local seafood whenever possible.
Closing Out Summer Coastal Style: As we wave goodbye to summer (but not the summer heat!) and keep an eye on hurricane season, there’s no better way to celebrate the coast than with fresh seafood. Whether it’s shrimp on the grill or a flounder or tuna steak fillet in the pan, your meal tells the story of our resilient waters and the hardworking fishermen who bring it to shore. Stop by Motts Channel Seafood and let us help you savor the flavors of summer — no
matter what the Atlantic stirs up.