The Maine Department of Marine Resources has proposed regulations that will implement management measures to sustain the growing and valued black sea bass population.

“Black sea bass have become more prevalent in Maine waters in recent years so the department determined that it was important to develop regulations that would provide opportunity for both recreational and commercial fishermen while ensuring that this new commercially viable species can be sustained,” said Maine Department of Resources Commissioner Patrick Keliher.

The proposed management measures will be consistent with the existing Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Interstate Fishery Management Plan and will implement a quota for commercial harvesters of 10,850 pounds in 2014.

The ASMFC will establish Maine’s commercial sea bass quota each year by May 1 and when that quota is reached, the Department of Marine Resources will close the commercial fishery.

Commercial harvesters fishing in Maine waters will have a daily limit of 50 pounds.

In order to fish commercially for black sea bass, harvesters must obtain a DMR Commercial Pelagic and Anadromous Fishing license. Wholesalers who wish to sell black sea bass must also obtain a black sea bass endorsement and must report all transactions weekly to the DMR landings programs.

The regulation will also put in place daily bag limits for recreational harvesters of 10 fish and a minimum size for both commercial and recreational fish of 13 inches. The season for recreational harvesting is May 19 through Sept. 21 and Oct. 18 through Dec. 31.

The method of fishing for both commercial and recreational fishing is hook and line.

Black sea bass is a perch-like fish that lives from the Gulf of Maine to Florida. They are mottled smoky gray to dusky brown or blue-black in color, with one long continuous dorsal fin. They live on the bottom, on offshore ledges and banks. According to the Maine Sea Grant’s Maine Seafood Guide, black seas bass is a versatile and popular seafood, sold whole and as steaks or fillets, is low in calories and fat, and considered a good source of selenium and omega-3 fatty acids.

“While this is a small fishery, it is a nice opportunity for younger fishermen just starting out and smaller operators because it is a high-value fishery,” said Ben Martens, Executive Director of the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association. “With declining stocks of other species like Atlantic Cod, this also provides an opportunity for fishermen interested in pursuing the growing interest in boutique hook and line fisheries.”

A public hearing was held Aug. 26 on the proposed regulations. Deadline for public comment is Sept. 8. Information on the proposed regulation can be found at http://www.maine.gov/dmr/51blackseabassproposedweb.pdf.