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VMRC sets 2026 black sea bass recreational season and size limit; adopts payback closure for February fishery
Summary
The Commission set Virginia’s 2026 recreational black sea bass season to May 1–Dec 31 with a 13‑inch minimum and 15‑fish bag, and approved a May 1–10 closure to 'pay back' February 2026 federal fishery landings; it deferred commercial quota language to the interstate plan.
At its April 21 meeting VMRC adopted recreational management measures for black sea bass for 2026 and 2027 consistent with interstate processes.
After hearing staff and the Finfish Management Advisory Committee, the Commission set the 2026 recreational season as May 1–December 31 with a 13‑inch minimum total length and a 15‑fish daily bag limit. For 2027 the Commission adopted an April 1–December 31 season with a 13‑inch minimum and the same bag limit. Because ASMFC and the Mid‑Atlantic Council set coast‑wide quotas and may adjust state shares annually, VMRC amended its commercial quota language to defer to the interstate black sea bass FMP and any transfers that may occur.
The Commission also agreed to a 10‑day mid‑season closure — May 1 through May 10, 2026 — to repay excess landings from the February 2026 federally authorized recreational fishery. Staff had estimated February landings would require closure of roughly 10 days to remain within Virginia’s annual share.
VMRC staff emphasized that the action aligns Virginia’s season with neighboring states while preserving VMRC’s ability to respond to ASMFC quota decisions. The motion passed on a roll call after discussion of regional harmonization and payback logistics.
