On May 6, 2010, Senator Schumer wrote to NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco (and cc'd Patricia Kurkul), urging her to approve a proposed rule for states to “have the option to extend the 2010 black sea bass season in the state waters by an additional 90 days.”
Schumer wrote, “The proposed new season will run from May 22 through October 11, with an additional open period of November 1 through December 31. The proposal would keep the size and bag limit the same of 12-1/2 inches and 25 fish per angler.
I urge you to follow this guidance and expedite approval of the proposed rule to extend the black sea bass fishery for federal waters in 2010. The black sea bass resource is a crucial fishery for the recreational fishing community in New York, as our summer flounder season continues to shrink and many charter boats and for-hire vessels rely on black sea bass fishing for business through the fall and winter.
Allowing an extension of the black sea bass season will provide a well-founded shot-in-the-arm for our struggling recreational fishing sector.”
Read Senator Schumer's letter here.