Division of Marine Fisheries (MarineFisheries) has projected that 100% of the 2008 annual black sea bass quota will have been reached by Monday, August 18th. Consequently, effective 0001 hours on Tuesday, August 19th through December 31st, 2008 fishermen are prohibited from possessing black sea bass for commercial purposes. The fishery will re-open on January 1, 2009 with a 100-lb. daily landing/possession limit.

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