Division of Marine Fisheries (MarineFisheries) has projected that 50% of the 2007 annual black sea bass quota will have been reached by Monday, June 4, 2007. Consequently, effective 0001 hours on Tuesday, June 5, 2007 through July 31, 2007 fishermen are prohibited from possessing black sea bass for commercial purposes. The fishery will re-open on August 1, 2007. The same rules in effect since May 1 will be in effect when the fishery re-opens:

During a 24-hour day, it is unlawful for commercial fishermen to land or posses more than 500 lbs. of black sea bass in the directed sea bass pot fishery and weir fishery, 200 lbs of black sea bass for all other gear types, or 100 lbs. in the commercial lobster trap fishery. During the open season, the landing and/or possession of black sea bass on Fridays and Saturdays is prohibited.

For further information including quota totals and regulations please visit the MarineFisheries web site at: www.mass.gov/marinefisheries.