The Division of Marine Fisheries (MarineFisheries) has projected that 100% of the annual black sea bass quota will be taken by September 22nd . Consequently the black sea bass commercial fishery will close effective 0001 hours on Friday September 23rd. The 2005 commercial black sea bass fishery will remain closed through December 31, 2005. Possession of black sea bass for commercial purposes will be prohibited until the 2006 fishery opens on January 1, 2006 with a possession limit of 100 lbs.

Dealers are reminded that it is unlawful to purchase black sea bass from Massachusetts commercial fishermen when the fishery is closed. Quota totals and regulations can be monitored through the MarineFisheries web site at: www.mass.gov/marinefisheries.