According to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, Black Sea Bass Recreational Management Measures in 2014 will result in a seasonal closure.
NOAA Fisheries’ 2013 final rule for recreational black sea bass fishery indicated the 2014 Wave 1 (January 1-February 28) will not be open in federal waters. At the Commission 2013 Annual Meeting, the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Management Board moved to initiate Draft Addendum XXV for the 2014 Black Sea Bass Recreational Fishery.
The Draft Addendum proposes the continuation of ad hoc regional measures as were used for the last three years in lieu of a coastwide measure. The draft Addendum will not be considered for final approval until the February Commission meeting week if approved for public comment in December. The Board will need to discuss this issue if there is an interest in opening state waters for wave 1 at the joint meeting in December with the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council.
For more information, contact Kirby Rootes-Murdy, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at [email protected] or 703-842-0740.
