(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species bass, black sea
Species Id M010169
Date 27 AUG 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - bass, black sea
OTHER COMMON NAMES - black sea bass, blackfish, black bass and black will
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Fish
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - Chordata,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - Osteichthyes,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - Perciformes,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - Serranidae,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - Centropristis,
SPECIES AND SSP - striata,
SCIENTIFIC NAME - Centropristis striata
AUTHORITY - Linnaeus
TAXONOMY REFERENCES - 201
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
A subspecies, C.s. melana, occurs along the eastern and northern coastal
areas of the Gulf of Mexico.
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species bass, black sea
Species Id M010169
Date 27 AUG 96
STATUS
Coded Status
Sport Fish
Commercial
Migrant
Existing, FMP exists
Commercial/consumption
REFERENCES FOR STATUS - 184, 191 and 201
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
Management regulations for black sea bass caught in the Fishery Conservation
Zone (the area in which the United States asserts exclusive fishery
management authority and which extends seaward from 3 to 200 nm) were
established in the Fishery Management Plan for the snapper-grouper fishery
of the South Atlantic Region (Prepared by the South Atlantic Fishery
Management Council, March, 1983).*201*
For both the commercial and recreational sectors, all species in the
management unit are sought as food fish.*184*
Black sea bass are migratory in the northern part of their range, whereas
south of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, they are apparently residents in
given areas year round. In the Middle Atlantic Bight black sea bass move
inshore and northward in spring and offshore and south in fall, probably due
to changes in temperature.*201*
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Distribution
Species bass, black sea
Species Id M010169
Date 27 AUG 96
DISTRIBUTION
Distribution - 1 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - AQUATIC
REFERENCES FOR HABITAT - 201
NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY CODES
NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC
Estuarine
Marine
REFERENCES FOR NWI - 201
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
Black sea bass eggs are pelagic. Little is known of the early life history
of black sea bass. The pelagic existence of this fish is short. Larvae
longer than 13 mm SL were not collected, presumably because they become
demersel or estuarine near that size. It is not known what part of the
population remains at sea, nor are the routes and mechanisms of larval
transport known. Juvenile black sea bass occur in saline areas of
estuaries along the coast from Florida to Massachusetts and in offshore
areas.*201*
Habitat Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species bass, black sea
Species Id M010169
Date 27 AUG 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
CARNIVORE
REFERENCES FOR TROPHIC LEVEL - 201
LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
General Echinoderms Not Specified
General Molluscs Not Specified
General Crustaceans Not Specified
General Fish Not Specified
General See Comments; Food Not Applicable
Adult Crustaceans Not Specified
Adult Fish Not Specified
Adult See Comments; Food Not Applicable
Juvenile Crustaceans Not Specified
Juvenile See Comments; Food Not Applicable
Important Crustaceans Not Specified
Important Fish Not Specified
Important See Comments; Food Not Applicable
REFERENCES FOR GENERAL FOOD - 201
REFERENCES FOR IMPORTANT FOOD - 201
REFERENCES FOR ADULT FOOD - 201
REFERENCES FOR JUVENILE FOOD - 201
COMMENTS ON FOOD -
Black sea bass are carnivorous bottom-feeders that eat crustaceans
(primarily crabs and shrimp), fish, mollusks, and echinoderns.*201*
COMMENTS ON ADULT FOOD -
Adults eat mainly crabs and fish. *201*
COMMENTS ON JUVENILE FOOD -
The young eat shrimp, isopods, and amphipods.*201*
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species bass, black sea
Species Id M010169
Date 27 AUG 96
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G = General A = Adult
LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult
J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult
RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult
FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae
L = Larvae E = Egg
RL = Resting Larvae
FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G Water Temperature: Greater than 27 degrees C
G Water Temperature: Between 21-27 degrees C
G Water Temperature: Between 15-21 degrees C
G Water Temperature: Below 15 degrees C
G Water Temperature: Specified in Comments
G Bottom Type [Aquatic]: Specified in Comments
E Water Temperature: Between 15-21 degrees C
E Water Temperature: Specified in Comments
L Water Depth Preference: Less than 1 ft.
L Water Depth Preference: 1-5 ft.
L Water Depth Preference: 5-10 ft.
L Water Depth Preference: 10-25 ft.
L Water Depth Preference: 25-50 ft.
L Water Depth Preference: 50-100 ft.
L Water Depth Preference: 100-200 ft.
L Water Depth Preference: Specified in Comments
J Water Temperature: Greater than 27 degrees C
J Water Temperature: Between 21-27 degrees C
J Water Temperature: Between 15-21 degrees C
J Water Temperature: Below 15 degrees C
J Water Temperature: Specified in Comments
J Bottom Type [Aquatic]: Specified in Comments
J
J
J
J
J
J
J
J
J Estuarine habitat zone: specified in comments
A Water Temperature: Specified in Comments
A Water Depth Preference: 25-50 ft.
A Water Depth Preference: 50-100 ft.
A Water Depth Preference: 100-200 ft.
A Water Depth Preference: 200-500 ft.
A Water Depth Preference: Specified in Comments
REFERENCES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - 201
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species bass, black sea
Species Id M010169
Date 27 AUG 96
REFERENCES FOR FEEDING ADULT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - 201
REFERENCES FOR FEEDING JUVENILE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - 201
REFERENCES FOR EGG ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - 201
COMMENTS ON ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS -
In North Carolina estuaries, black sea bass were collected at 6 to 29
degrees C.*201*
The black sea bass is a dominant species associated with the hard-or
live-bottom sponge-coral habitat in the South Atlantic Bight. This
habitat, which is located on the open shelf from depths of 18 to 55 m,
consists of low rock ridges, outcroppings, coral patches, and shipwrecks.
The black sea bass is also one of the most abundant species on artificial
reefs along the South Atlantic coast.*201*
COMMENTS ON FEEDING ADULT ENVIRONTAL ASSOC_ -
Adult black sea bass are found in offshore areas in depths of 10 to 120 m;
however, most are at 20 to 60 m.*201*
Off South Carolina the lowest bottom temperatures recorded in the depth
range inhabited by adult sea bass are 10 degrees C or higher during all
seasons. Although no seasonal movements were observed in South Carolina
waters, it has been noted that larger specimens were found in deep water,
which suggest gradual offshore movements with increasing age; however,
reduced fishing pressure offshore away from ports may be a factor. It has
been reported that average age increased with depth from 2.4 years at 18-26
m to 4.8 years at 37-46 m.*201*
COMMENTS ON FEEDING JUVENILE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ -
Juvenile black sea bass occur in saline areas of estuaries along the coast
from Florida to Massachusetts and in offshore areas. Within estuaries,
juveniles are found around jetties, piers, wrecks, and shell bottom such as
oyster reefs.*201*
Black sea bass have been collected year round in North Carolina estuaries
at salinities of 1 to 36 ppt and temperatures of 6 to 29 degrees C. In
South Carolina estuaries juveniles (20-140 mm SL) were found at salinities
of 8.8 to 37.8 ppt and temperatures of 5.6 to 30.4 degrees C, mainly from
July to November. Young-of-the-year black sea bass have been collected
throughout the year in the lower reaches of a Georgia estuary, mostly over
shell bottom.
COMMENTS ON FEEDING LARVAE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ -
Larvae were collected in tows from the surface to a depth of 33m, 4 to 82
km from shore where water depths ranged from 15 to 51 m.*201*
COMMENTS ON EGG ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ -
Black sea bass eggs are pelagic, are 0.9-1.0 mm in diameter and hatch in
about 75 h at 16 degrees C. Eggs from artificially spawned gulf black sea
bass hatch in about 38 h after fertilization at 23 degrees C under an 11
h photoperiod.*201*
Environment Associations - 2 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species bass, black sea
Species Id M010169
Date 27 AUG 96
LIFE HISTORY
Morphology:
Dorsal X, 11; anal III, 7; total gill rakers plus tubercles usually 22-28
(20-29), lower limb usually 14 to 18 (14-19); scales large, lateral line
scales 47 (46-49). Body robust, the back somewhat elevated anteriorly; head
large; snout moderately pointed; mouth large, oblique. Spinous and soft
dorsal fins continuous, males having the noticeabley higher fins; caudal fin
rounded in juveniles, trilobed and with one upper ray extended in adults.
Breeding males develop an adipose hump on the nape.*201*
Color in life: smokey gray, dusky brown, or blue-black above, slightly paler
below; centers of scales pale blue or white, forming longitudinal stripes
along back and sides; sides sometimes mottled or with dark and light
vertical crossbars. Breeding males with vivid hues of fluorescent blue and
green around eyes and nape; females are lighter and brownish or gray-blue
instead of blue-black. Four juvenile color phases have been described: an
overall light grayish phase peppered with small dark spots; a dark phase
with dull white spots; a striped phase with a single horizontal dark stripe;
and a barred phase with six vertical bars.
The Atlantic subspecies of black sea bass differs from Gulf of Mexico
subspecies in the following details: gill rakers and tubercles usually 25
to 26, instead of 22-24; pectoral rays 18 or 19, instead of 17 or 18; jaw
usually 16% or 17% of standard length, instead of 18% to 19%; black spot at
base of last dorsal spines distinct in juveniles, rather than indistinct to
almost absent; dark blotches on jaws usually absent in young.
Other species of Centropristis differ in being very pale to white, with
seven diffuse to distinct dark vertical bars on side, fins pale, soft dorsal
and caudal with dark to inky spots.*201*
Spawning:
Black sea bass are protogynous hermaphrodites. Most individuals function
first as females, undergo sexual succession, and become functional males.
Spawning of black sea bass extends from January to June offshore in the
South Atlantic region, peaking from March to May. Minor spawning occurs in
September and October. Spawning occurs later in the northern part of the
range. The frequency of occurence of transitional individuals increases
after both spawning periods, indicating that sexual succession is primarily
a post-spawning process.*201*
Black sea bass mature between age I and IV. Sex ratios of black sea bass
differ significantly from 1:1 in favor of females at the smaller sizes and
younger ages. An increased frequency of males occurs between 200 and 240 mm
SL and ages IV and V. Individuals undergoing sexual succession ranged in
length from 118 to 327 mm SL and from ages I to VIII; modes were at 200 mm
SL and age III.*201*
Fecundity and eggs:
Estimates of fecundity have ranged from 17,000 in a fish of 108 mm SL (age
II) to 1,050,000 in a fish of 438 mm SL of undetermined age. Fecundity was
significantly related to length, weight, and age.*201*
Black sea bass eggs are pelagic, are 0.9-1.0 mm in diameter and hatch in
about 75 h at 16 degrees C.*201*
Larvae:
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species bass, black sea
Species Id M010169
Date 27 AUG 96
The pelagic existence of this fish is short. Larvae longer than 12 mm SL
were not collected, presumably because they become demersal or estuarine
near that size. It is not known what part of the population remains at sea,
nor are the routes and mechanisms of larval transport known.*201*
Juveniles:
Juvenile black sea bass occur in saline areas of estuaries along the coast
from Florida to Massachusetts and in offshore areas. Within estuaries,
juveniles are found around jetties, piers, wrecks, and shell bottom such as
oyster reefs.*201*
Black sea bass have been collected year round in North Carolina estuaries
at salinities of 1 to 36 ppt and temperatures of 6 to 29 degrees C. In
South Carolina estuaries juveniles (20-140 mm SL) were found at salinities
of 8.8 to 37.8 ppt and temperatures of 5.6 to 30.4 degrees C, mainly from
July to November. Young-of-the-year black sea bass have been collected
throughout the year in the lower reaches of a Georgia estuary, mostly over
shell bottom.*201*
Migration:
Black sea bass are migratory in the northern part of their range, whereas
south of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, they are apparently residents in
given areas year round. In the Middle Atlantic Bight black sea bass move
inshore and northward in spring and offshore and south in fall, probably due
to changes in temperature. Off South Carolina the lowest bottom
temperatures recorded in the depth range inhabited by adult sea bass are 10
degrees C or higher during all seasons. Although no seasonal movements were
observed in South Carolina waters, it has been noted that larger specimens
were found in deep water, which suggest gradual offshore movements with
increasing age; however, reduced fishing pressure offshore away from ports
may be a factor. It has been reported that average age increased with depth
from 2.4 years at 18-26 m to 4.8 years at 37-46 m.*201*
LIFE HISTORY CODES -
Breeding/Spawning Season: January
Breeding/Spawning Season: February
Breeding/Spawning Season: March
Breeding Spawning Season: April
Breeding/Spawning Season: May
Breeding/Spawning Season: June
Gestation/Incubation Period: 3-4 days
Average Number of Offspring/Reproductive Effort: Grea
REFERENCES FOR LIFE HISTORY- 201
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species bass, black sea
Species Id M010169
Date 27 AUG 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Existing Regulating harvest of species being described
Existing Regulating harvest - setting size limits
Existing Regulating commercial harvest gear types
Existing Regulating commercial harvest levels
REFERENCES FOR EXISTING MANAGEMENT PRACTICES - 201
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
A minimum size limit of 203 mm TL (8 inches) was adopted for black sea bass
on the basis of a yield-per-recruit analysis that indicated the harvest is
less than the maximum possible.*201*
Restrictions on fish trap dimensions and trap fishing areas were adopted for
black sea bass caught in the South Atlantic Fishery Conservaton Zone.
Minimum mesh size of traps is 1 by 2 inches (rectangular) or 1 1/2 inches
(hexagonal).*201*
Commercial harvest:
In the South Atlantic region black sea bass are mainly harvested by a trap
fishery; small amounts are caught with trawls and hand lines. In the early
1900's the fishery was primarily a handline fishery. The trap fishery,
which developed in 1960, operates year-round along the 18 m contour.
Wire-mesh crab pots are used, baited with menhaden, herring, squid, mullet,
spot, or croaker. Highest landings occur from early winter to spring due to
increased participation in the fishery by shrimp and sport fishermen.
Fifteen to 40 traps are set singly over patch reefs. Fishing time ranges
from 20 to 45 minutes for each trap. This fishery differs considerably from
the trap fishery north of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, which operates from
May to December, and in which 400 to 1,5000 unbaited wooden slat traps are
set out for the entire season in strings of 10 or 20 traps per line, with
about 200 traps fished daily. Trawl catches of black sea bass are
primarily landed north of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Black sea bass are
also caught in the handline fishery for snappers and groupers.
Black sea bass landings increased sharply in the South Atlantic region after
1960 due to the development of the trap fishery.*201*
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council concluded from YPR analysis
that black sea bass are probably in the range of growth overfishing, i.e.;
excessive harvesting of small fish.
Sport fishing:
The recreational catch of black sea bass has increased, partly due to the
development of the headboat fishery in the mid-1960's. The black sea bass
is the most abundant species in the North Carolina charter boat bottom
fishing catches of reef fishes, accounting for 75% of the catch by number
and 64% of the catch by weight.*201*
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species bass, black sea
Species Id M010169
Date 27 AUG 96
References
184 * South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. 1983. Fishery
Management Plan, Regulatory Impact Review, and Final
Environmental Impact Statement for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery
of the South Atlantic Region. South Atlantic Fishery Management
Council (ed.). National Marine Fishery Service:273.
191 * South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. 1988. Amendment
Number 1 and Environmental Assessment and Regulatory Impact
Review To The Fishery Management Plan For The Snapper Grouper
Fishery of The South Atlantic Region. (ed.):46.
201 * Mercer, Linda. 1989. Species Profiles: Life Histories and
Environmental Requirements of Coastal Fishes and Invertebrates
(South Atlantic) --Black Sea Bass. Species Profile Series from
the Fish and Wildlife Service 82(11.99) (ed.):16.
References - 1