Section 188-51-02 - Harvest, Possession and Landing Restrictions1. Quota. Commercial fishing for black sea bass is subject to the annual quota specified by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) specifications. The annual quota is established annually by May 1st for the fishing year. When the annual ASMFC quota for black sea bass is reached, it shall be unlawful to fish for, take, have in possession or land black sea bass taken from Maine territorial waters. Persons shall be informed by public notice in a newspaper with statewide circulation when the annual quota for black sea bass taken from Maine territorial waters has been reached. This is in accordance with the annual quota established by the ASMFC. A. Exception: This rule shall not apply to vessels or individuals who harvest or possess black sea bass for research use, provided such vessels or individuals have obtained a special license from the Commissioner of Marine Resources.
2. Fishing Method. It shall be unlawful to fish for or take black sea bass from the coastal waters of the State by any method other than hook and line.3. Size Restriction. It shall be unlawful to take or possess black sea bass measuring less than 13 inches not including the filament/tail extension.4. Additional Commercial Harvest Restrictions A. Vessel Trip Limit. It is unlawful to harvest, land or possess more than 50 pounds of black sea bass per calendar day or 24-hour period when Maine territorial waters are not closed to the taking of black sea bass in accordance with Chapter 51.02(1).5. Additional Recreational Harvest Restrictions A. Possession Limit. It shall be unlawful to take, catch, kill or possess more than ten (10) black sea bass per day.B. Saltwater Registry. Recreational fishermen are not required to obtain a license to fish for black sea bass but must comply with the saltwater fishing registration requirements as outlined in 12 M.R.S. §6312(3) and DMR Chapter 85.C. Personal Use. It shall be unlawful to sell, barter, trade, or otherwise transfer for a commercial purpose, or to attempt to sell, barter, trade, or otherwise transfer for a commercial purpose, black sea bass caught or landed by charter, party, or recreational fishing vessels.D. Closed Seasons. Black sea bass may not be possessed on board a charter, party or recreational fishing vessel from January 1 through May 18 and September 22 through October 17, inclusive.13- 188 C.M.R. ch. 51, § 02