By RICHARD DEGENER, Press of AC Staff Writer | Posted: Friday, February 12, 2010
The federal government has taken emergency action this week to increase the black sea bass quota by nearly 61 percent in 2010.
The action came amid a six-month closure of the fishery and a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court by the Galloway Township-based Recreational Fishing Alliance.
Fishermen were incensed about the closure that began in October, destroying the winter fishery, and this led to a review of data that led to a better outlook on stocks.
The RFA is still reviewing its options concerning the lawsuit, since “substantial and irreparable harm” was brought forth by the closure.
The quota for 2010 was expected to only allow a two-month fishing season. The new quota will add several months but could still be one of the most restrictive sea bass years in recent memory.