New Rules to Save South Atlantic Black Sea Bass
Published Date: 9/22/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The government wants to protect black sea bass in the South Atlantic by proposing new fishing rules to help their numbers bounce back. These changes affect fishermen and businesses relying on black sea bass, aiming to keep the fish healthy while scientists update their studies. Comments on the plan are open until October 22, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 6 costs, 0 mixed.
New Commercial and Recreational ACTs
The rule would set annual catch targets (ACTs) below existing limits: a commercial ACT of 48,557 lb (round weight) and a recreational ACT of 63,143 lb (round weight). These ACTs are management targets intended to reduce fishing and would limit how much black sea bass the commercial and recreational sectors can harvest each year.
Commercial In-Season Closures Triggered Sooner
The commercial accountability measure would be changed so NMFS closes the commercial season if landings are projected to reach the commercial quota (48,557 lb round weight) during the fishing year. That means commercial closures could happen earlier or more often than under the current quota trigger.
Recreational Season Projected From ACT
NMFS would set recreational season length based on when the recreational ACT of 63,143 lb is projected to be met and would announce the recreational season end date in the Federal Register before the recreational fishing year begins on April 1. If the projected ACT is met, bag and possession limits become zero on the effective date of the closure.
Smaller Recreational Bag Limit (7 to 3)
The recreational daily bag limit for black sea bass would be reduced from seven fish per person to three fish per person per day. This applies to anglers in Federal waters south of Cape Hatteras and to anglers on federally permitted charter and headboat vessels regardless of where the fish were harvested.
Commercial Spawning-Season Closure (Feb–Mar)
The proposal would prohibit commercial sale, purchase, harvest, or possession of black sea bass in South Atlantic Federal waters south of Cape Hatteras from February 1 through March 31 each year and set the commercial trip limit to zero during those months.
Recreational Spawning-Season Closure (Feb–Mar)
The proposal would prohibit recreational harvest or possession of black sea bass in South Atlantic Federal waters south of Cape Hatteras from February 1 through March 31 each year; bag and possession limits would be zero during the closure.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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