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FMAC backs May‑1 opening and state option for black sea bass after ASMFC liberalization
Summary
VMRC advisory committee recommended the state support a May 1–Dec 31 recreational black sea bass season and submitted that recommendation ahead of the April 1 ASMFC management deadline; the committee also set a May 1–10 payback window for the February special season based on preliminary reporting.
The Fisheries Management Advisory Committee recommended that Virginia endorse a May 1–Dec. 31 recreational black sea bass season and forward that recommendation to the commission and ASMFC.
VMRC staff said the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and the Mid‑Atlantic Fishery Management Council approved a coastwide 20% liberalization late last year and allocated 16.5% to the southern region (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina). Staff presented two state options: Option One would open May 1–Dec. 31 with a 12.5‑inch minimum size and retain a 15‑fish bag; Option Two would open April 1–Dec. 31 with a 13‑inch minimum size and a 15‑fish bag. Staff noted states must declare management measures to ASMFC by April 1.
Committee members said the charter industry favored an earlier opening, while others urged consistent size limits across state lines to ease enforcement in federal waters. After discussion, the committee moved to support Option One (May 1–Dec. 31) and the motion carried; staff will relay the committee recommendation to the commission before ASMFC deadlines.
Separately, staff presented preliminary data for the special February black sea bass season: with about 54% of permits reported, roughly 88 reported trips and an estimate of 33,000 pounds landed to date. Using that preliminary figure staff modeled the number of days needed for a payback closure depending on which part of the year is closed. The committee voted to schedule the February payback closure at the beginning of the regular season (May 1–10) to minimize mid‑season disruption.
The committee emphasized that the February reporting is still incomplete and that closing‑day calculations may change as reporting is finalized. Staff also noted legal and operational challenges if Virginia attempted to limit participation to in‑state hailing ports; staff will continue to evaluate permit records and reporting to inform enforcement options.
The commission will consider the committee recommendation at its upcoming meeting; all state management measures must be communicated to ASMFC by April 1.
