A blackfish goes by many names, so don't let the markets confuse you! Black sea bass, black bass, blackfish, sea bass, rockfish, and talywag are all the same species. Blackfish has been a popular fish for consumption for many years. Because of this, the population of the species drastically declined due to overfishing, their slow growth to maturity, curiosity of traps, and unique reproductive practices. However, recently new restrictions have been placed on the fishing of this species, and the populations in the mid-Atlantic are deemed rebuilt. Blackfish grow very slowly. It is not uncommon for a fish that is 9 years old to peak the scale at only three pounds. This poses a problem for fishermen, because the government places size restrictions on the fish that are allowed to be brought back to port. Since the fish grow so slowly, only the uncommonly aged fish are big enough to be caught. Blackfish are also prone to being caught because of their instinctive search for cover. These fish live at the bottom of the ocean and stay hidden away in rocks, reefs, oyster bars, or anywhere with protection. For this reason, many blackfish willingly swim into the traps left out by fishermen. Many fishermen have reported that they frequently catch blackfish without even using bait. Another interesting fact about blackfish that complicates their chances at obtaining a stable population, is that they are protogynous hermaphrodites. This means that sea bass are born female and overtime evolve into males. This poses more problems for sustaining their population because the males are the ones being caught by fishermen. Because of this, the females need to switch sexes earlier in their development in order to maintain the male to female ratio. Some people believe that the stimulus for females to switch to males, may be the lack of males in their respective communities. However, regardless of all the fishy drama surrounding them, blackfish are delicious. Commonly broiled, grilled, and steamed, blackfish has a meaty texture and a delicate taste that is a bit like sea trout. Blackfish is essentially a grouper, so all grouper recipes can be applied. The gelatinous content of the flesh makes this fish particularly attractive for fish chowders.

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/fishwatch/species/black_sea_bass.htm

broiled, grilled, steamed

slow growing, can live up to 13 years but over 9 years is old. A 9 year old can be only 3 pounds.

Black sea bass are highly sought after by recreational and commercial fisherman, and thus can be over-fished. Quotas have been set to help limit the overfishing of black sea bass. The mid-Atlantic population is considered “rebuilt,” while the south Atlantic population is over-fished.

10” TL minimum size limit.

Pots allowed only north of Cape Canaveral, FL.

Gear restrictions apply.

The following changes to the commercial regulations were effective October 23, 2006. See Federal Register Notice for details:

Fishing year change from calendar year to June 1 through May 31.

Annual commercial quota: 477,000 lbs gutted weight until 6/1/07

423,000 lbs gutted weight from 6/1/07 through 5/31/08

309,000 lbs gutted weight from 6/1/08 until modified

Black sea bass pots are to be removed from the water once quota is met.

Require the use of at least a 2 inch mesh for the entire back panel of black sea bass pots. (See the Federal Register Notice posted above for details.)

Latin name

Taxonomy, classification

Size

Weight

Season

Catch Method

Catch Restriction

New Jersey

New York

Federal

Sustainability

Landings (tonnage)

Belford

Raritan Bay

Food Description