NOAA announced on September 30, 2009, the temporarily closure of the black sea bass recreational fishery in federal waters north of Cape Hatteras, N.C., for 180 days in response.
Landings data and scientific analyses show recreational fishermen have reached
their quota and could exceed their 1.14 million pound harvest limit by as much as 84 to
225 percent if the recreational fishery is not closed.
An independent body of federal and university scientists recently determined that
the black sea bass stock has been rebuilt. However, both the scientists and the Science
and Statistical Committee of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council have
cautioned against increasing fishing of this stock for several reasons, including the
complex and poorly understood reproductive cycle, and limited information on life span
and important habitats for this species. The Council recommends catch limits for black
sea bass in federal waters.