The Division of Marine Fisheries (MarineFisheries) has projected that 100% of the annual black sea bass quota will be taken by Thursday, October 26, 2006. Consequently the black sea bass commercial fishery will close effective 0001 hours on Friday, October 27th. The 2006 commercial black sea bass fishery will remain closed through December 31, 2006. Possession of black sea bass for commercial purposes will be prohibited until the 2007 fishery opens on January 1, 2007 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.