Today the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) released another year of alarming results from an annual survey of juvenile striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay. For the sixth consecutive year in Maryland and second consecutive year in Virginia, both states’ juvenile indexes fell far below the long-term average. The surveys track recruitment of striped bass, which includes reproductive success and early survival of juvenile fish that were spawned in the spring.
Consistent, record-low levels of recruitment are extremely concerning for the future of the iconic species. Not enough young fish are surviving the challenges of warmer water temperatures, especially in the spawning reaches, and invasive predators like blue catfish. The result will be less large, adult fish that can be targeted by anglers and watermen in the future and delayed rebuilding of the striped bass population. According to the survey, the 2024 young-of-year index for Maryland was 2.0 fish per sample, significantly lower than the long-term average of 11.0. In Virginia, the index was 3.43 fish per sample, with a historic average of 7.77.
Low recruitment in the region has already resulted in increased conservation measures for the striped bass fishery. In January, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) issued new fishery regulations to help reduce adult striped bass mortality, including limits on the size and number of fish that can be harvested. At their next meeting on October 23, ASMFC will review results of an updated coastwide striped bass stock assessment. This long-awaited effort will gauge the overall health of the striped bass population, shedding light on the effectiveness of current regulations and overall health of the striped bass population.
Allison Colden, Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Maryland Executive Director, issued the following statement:
“The annual survey of juvenile striped bass in Chesapeake Bay gives us a sense of what the future will look like. With these latest results, that picture is bleak.
“Juvenile numbers are closely linked to environmental conditions, including water quality and habitat availability in key nursery areas like Chesapeake Bay. Alongside improving the coastwide spawning stock, Bay states must work diligently to reduce threats to young striped bass, including predation from invasive predators like blue catfish. Many people in Maryland rely on striped bass for their food, their businesses, and their futures. Without action, that will all be at risk.”
Chris Moore, Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Virginia Executive Director, issued the following statement:
“This year’s results continue a disturbing trend for our most iconic Bay finfish and makes it clear that rebuilding the striped bass population is not guaranteed. We’ve advocated for a host of actions over the years to get striped bass back on the right track. This juvenile survey data proves again that we need to do more to improve spawning success through both habitat improvements and fisheries management actions such as seasonal closures.
“With six consecutive years of poor recruitment, there will be fewer spawning adult fish left to help the population recover. Climate change and invasive predators like blue catfish will also make recovery efforts more challenging. We urge ASMFC to review this data along with the results of the new stock assessment and implement additional conservation measures for the fishery during times when they will make significant conservation gains.”