HYANNIS – New information on the health of the black sea bass fishery could result in eased restrictions on quotas for the 2017-2018 season.
NOAA Fisheries is proposing a 53 percent increase in the commercial quota after new scientific data showed improvement in the stock since stricter management measures were implemented in 2015.
NOAA said the data led them to believe that higher catch limits should be put in place and will now work with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council to develop new management measures.
The public can comment on the proposal until May 1.
There has been an increase in recreational fishing for black sea bass in recent years.