Maine Seafood Guide - Black Sea Bass

photo of a black sea bass on the grass Black Sea Bass

►Species Description
Black sea bass Centropristis striata

Wild.

Some small aquaculture production of black sea bass occurs in other states. Black sea bass is a perch-like fish that lives from the Gulf of Maine to Florida. Mottled smoky gray to dusky brown or blue-black in color, with one long continuous dorsal fin. They live on the bottom, on offshore ledges and banks.

►Season
Black sea bass occasionally stray into the Gulf of Maine in summer.
>back to top

►Status (see the About page for definitions)
According to the most recent assessment, the black sea bass population in the Mid-Atlantic is considered rebuilt and overfishing is not occurring. See Fishwatch.gov for more information.
>back to top

►Regulatory Authority
Managed cooperatively by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (under the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan).
>back to top

►Harvest Method
Otter trawls and fish pots, also hand lines and lobster pots. Hook and line only in State waters.
>back to top

►Recreational Harvest
Harvest permitted between May 19 and September 21; minimum size of 13 inches, limit 10 fish per angler per day. Fish for black sea bass in summer around jetties, wharf pilings, and wrecks.
>back to top

►Health Benefits & Risks
Black sea bass is low in calories and fat, is a good source of selenium, and contains omega-3 fatty acids.

Black sea bass has low to moderate levels of mercury.
>back to top

►Buying & Preparing
Black sea bass is a versatile and popular seafood, sold whole and as steaks or fillets. Treat similarly to striped bass or any firm, meaty, white-fleshed fish.
>back to top

►Companies, Brands, and Labels
None.
>back to top

►Certifications & Verifications
None.
>back to top

►Links
Northeast Fisheries Science Center Black Sea Bass Information
Black Sea Bass Description from Wild Rhody Seafood (RI)
>back to top