Maine Seafood Guide – 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