Maine Seafood Guide

If you are interested in recreational harvesting, please check the listed regulatory agencies for the most up-to-date status of each fishery. If you see information here that you know to be outdated, please let us know.

Shellfish recreational limits: The one peck per day limit is for a combined total regardless of species harvested. Towns may also require recreational licenses although the state does not require a license to harvest for personal consumption.

Black Sea Bass

Centropristis striata (S0502) (12599876825)
Photo by Robert Aguilar, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center.

Species Description
Season
Status
Regulatory Authority
Harvest Method
Recreational Harvest
Health Benefits & Risks
Buying & Preparing
Brands
Certifications
Links

►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; as the waters warm, they are becoming more numerous.

►Status

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.

►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).

►Harvest Method

Otter trawls and fish pots, also hand lines and lobster pots. Hook and line only in State waters.

►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.

►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.

►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.

►Companies, Brands, and Labels

►Certifications & Verifications

►Links