Due to low catch rates of black sea bass, the Director has rescinded the scheduled 9-day sea bass commercial closure during May 23 -31, 2007. This scheduled closure was designed to constrain commercial landings and allow the Division of Marine Fisheries (MarineFisheries) to tally the cumulative landings at a time when the fishery is expected to peak.

Previously enacted daily limits will apply during this period: 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, 100 lbs. of black sea bass in the commercial lobster trap fishery, or 200 lbs of black sea bass for all other gear types.

The landing and/or possession of black sea bass on Fridays and Saturdays is prohibited.

Once the Director has projected that 50% of the Massachusetts commercial fishery quota will be reached, the commercial fishery shall be closed until August 1 when it will re-open.

Quota totals and regulations can be monitored through the MarineFisheries web site at: www.mass.gov/marinefisheries.