Special Section: Managing Black Bass in Northern Waters

We summarize the Keynote Address, 26 technical presentations, and the panel presentations and discussions from the American Fisheries Society Northeastern Division workshop “Managing Black Bass in Northern Waters,” October 1993. Presentations addressed both biology and management of black bass Micropterus spp.; 15 of the 18 management presentations evaluated harvest regulations. The majority of presentations focused on smallmouth bass M. dolomieu. The workshop discussions focused on three major subjects: biology, ethics in fisheries management, and the need for improved communication between anglers and fisheries managers. Participants recommended that an interagency Northeastern Division task force be formed to establish and maintain interagency communication, identify research needs, compare black bass management objectives, and improve communication and establish partnerships with anglers.