The Division of Marine Fisheries (MarineFisheries) has projected that 100% of the annual black sea bass quota will be taken by Sunday, September 2, 2007 . Consequently the black sea bass commercial fishery will close effective 0001 hours on Monday, September 3rd through December 31, 2007 . Possession of black sea bass for commercial purposes will be prohibited until the 2008 fishery opens on January 1, 2008 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.