COMMERCIAL BLACK SEA BASS FISHERY CLOSES EFFECTIVE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7

PROVIDENCE: The Department of Environmental Management announces the closure of the commercial black sea bass fishery within state waters for the remainder of the October -December period effective November 7, 2000.

This action mirrors the closure of the black sea bass fishery in federal waters and complies with the Emergency Rule for the Black Sea Bass Fishery approved by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. This rule requires states to close their commercial black sea bass fisheries upon notification from ASMFC that a quarterly coast-wide quota is projected to be landed. ASMFC has notified DEM that the fourth quarter October - December coast-wide quota of 450,000 pounds will be landed within the next few days. Therefore, Rhode Island must close its commercial black sea bass fishery. This closure will last through December 31, 2000.