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Black Sea Bass Index of Abundance

Black sea bass
Juvenile Black Sea Bass Black Sea Bass are protogynous hermaphrodites, being born as females but switching to males as they mature. Adults, which inhabit areas with structure like wrecks or pilings, are infrequently encountered by the survey. Juveniles are collected more regularly, although seldom in large numbers. Black Sea Bass are diurnal feeders, with juveniles feeding on small crustaceans and adults feeding on bivalves, fish and crabs.
Black sea bass
Black Sea Bass Twenty-seven Black Sea Bass were captured at a station in November 2011. They ranged in size from 142-241 millimeters (5.6-9.5 inches).

Black Sea Bass index of abundance figure. The graph shows Black Sea Bass annual indices of abundance from all sampling stations from 1988 to 2023.About the data

This species first recruits to the survey gear in August. All bay and lower James River stations are used to calculate the index of abundance. The index is for young-of-year fish, but uses survey data from the year following the spawning year.

  • The young-of year cutoff values are as follows (index months are listed in bold):
    • August: 0-70 mm.
    • September: 0-85 mm.
    • October: 0-100 mm.
    • November: 0-105 mm.
    • December: 0-110 mm.
    • January: 0-110 mm.
    • February: 0-110 mm.
    • March: 0-110 mm.
    • April: 0-110 mm.
    • May: 0-110 mm.
    • June: 0-150 mm.
    • July: 0-175 mm.

Data collected after the transition to a new vessel and net in June 2015 have been adjusted by a species-specific calibration factor. Note that we were unable to calculate an index for 2020 due to a pause in sampling due to COVID-19.

Black Sea Bass index data (Microsoft Excel download)

For more information on how this species is managed please visit the ASMFC website.