The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has announced that the recreational fishing season for black sea bass in South Atlantic Federal waters will extend through the entire 2025-2026 fishing year, from April 23, 2025, to March 31, 2026. This decision allows fishers to make the most of the recreational annual catch limit (ACL) while keeping the fish population healthy. Based on data from recent years, NMFS expects that recreational fishers will not exceed this year’s catch limit, so the fishing season is expected to remain open until the end date without any early closure. This rule is part of the regulations aimed at sustaining the black sea bass stock.
Simple Explanation
In 2025 and 2026, people can catch black sea bass, a type of fish, in a special part of the ocean all year long, from April 23, 2025, to March 31, 2026. The people in charge believe everyone can enjoy fishing for these fish without catching too many, so the fishing season should stay open the whole time.