DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Register Notice
Tidal Finfish Regulation No. 23 Black Sea Bass Size Limit; Trip Limits; Seasons; Quotas
1. Title of the Regulation:
Tidal Finfish Regulation No. 23 Black Sea Bass Size Limit; Trip Limits; Seasons; Quotas.
2. Brief Synopsis of The Subject, Substance And Issues:
The fishing mortality rate on the black sea bass is under the target level described in the Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan. Therefore the recreational seasonal closure is no longer needed. The current seasonal closure of August 1 – August 15 for recreational fishermen will be dropped.
3. Possible Terms of The Agency Action:
States musts comply with the minimum requirements of the Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan or face a closure of the fishery.
4. Statutory Basis or Legal Authority to Act:
§ 903 (e)(2)(a), 7 Del. C.
5. Other Regulations That May Be Affected by The Proposal:
None
6. Notice of Public Comment:
Individuals may present their opinions and evidence and/or request additional information by writing, calling or visiting the Division of Fish and Wildlife, Fisheries Section, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901 (302) 739-3441, prior to 4:30 PM on Friday, March 5, 1999. A public hearing on proposed amendments to TIDAL FINFISH REGULATION NO. 23 will be held in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control auditorium, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE at 7:30 PM on Thursday, February 25, 1999.
7. Prepared by:
Charles A. Lesser (302)739-3441 January 11,1999
Proposed Amendment to Tidal Finfish Regulation No. 23 Black Sea Bass Size Limits; Trip Limits; Seasons; Quotas
Section 1.
Amend Tidal Finfish Regulation No. 23 Black Sea Bass Size Limit; Trip Limits; Seasons; Quotas by striking subsection (b) in its entirety.
Section 2. Effective Date
These amendments to Tidal Finfish Regulation No. 23 shall become effective 30 days from the date the Order adopting these amendments is issued by the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
Tidal Finfish Regulaton No. 23
Tidal Finfish Regulation No. 23 Black Sea Bass Size Limit; Trip Limits; Seasons; Quotas
a) It shall be unlawful for any person to have in possession any black sea bass Centropritis striata that measures less than ten (10) inches, total length.
b) It shall be unlawful for any recreational fisherman to take and reduce to possession any black sea bass or to land any black sea bass during the period beginning at 12:01 a.m. on August 1 and ending at midnight on August 15.
c) It shall be unlawful for any person to possess on board a vessel at any time or to land after one trip more than on the following quantities of black sea bass during the quarter listed:
First Quarter (January, February and March) – 11,000 lbs.
Second Quarter (April, May and June) – 7,000 lbs.
Third Quarter (July, August and September) – 3,000 lbs.
Fourth Quarter (October, November and December) – 4,000 lbs.
“One trip” shall mean the time between a vessel leaving its home port and the next time said vessel returns t any port in Delaware.”
d) It shall be unlawful for any person to fish for black sea bass for commercial purposes or to land any black sea bass for commercial purposes during any quarter indicated in subsection (c) after the date in said quarter that the National Marine Fisheries Services determines that quarter’s quota is filled.”