This video features the incredible black or giant sea bass now making a comeback from near regional extinction in southern California. These giants, reaching more than 7 feet long and a reported 800 pounds, were fished in southern California waters for food and sport dating back to the 1800's.

As early as 1910 conservationist Charles F. Holder, co- founder of Avalon's Tuna Club, called for protection. By the early 1970's they had essentially disappeared from our region. The State of California instituted protection for this species from the commercial fishery in 1982 and the sport fishery a year later. A gill net ban in 1993 removed a major threat to the species. Beginning in the 1980's and 1990's these fish began reappearing in the waters of the Channel Islands and later the southern California mainland, a testament to their resiliency once protections were established.

Today divers and even snorkelers may encounter them near shore. This video includes footage of black sea bass behavior, including courtship and interactions with other species, and morphology.

Price $25.00 plus California state sales tax of $2.20 if applicable. Shipping via USPS first class mail is $2.00. Other options include USPS Priority Mail. DVD's may be ordered from us on-line using PAYPAL. My Paypal account is bushing@post.harvard.edu. Be sure to include your mailing address. Payments made via credit or debit card on Paypal are subject to additional charges due to Paypal fees. On-line purchases must include $2 shipping and handling for each item, and CA sales tax (8.75%) if sent to a California address.

This web page last updated March 22, 2007

This document maintained by Dr. Bill Bushing.
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