MA Seeks Public Input On Black Sea Bass Rules

Tom Schlichter, shows off a sea bass. Photo/Tom Richardson

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is seeking public input on how to best allow for more black sea bass fishing in 2026.

The DMF’s review of the state’s rules for recreational black sea bass fishing comes after the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council authorized a 20 percent coastwide harvest increase.

DMF officials will hold a virtual public scoping meeting on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 6 p.m. The public can register for the Zoom-based meeting here.

Additionally, DMF has created a short survey to collect input on what fishing management measures (i.e., bag limit, size limit, season length) should be prioritized for changing. The survey is available here.

Officials said those who want to take the survey should respond by January 18 so that officials can review and discuss public preferences and potential management options at the scoping meeting.

DMF officials said they anticipate announcing the 2026 recreational black sea bass measures by early April.