Striped Bass Continue to Struggle in Chesapeake Bay

CBF urges ASMFC to take strong action now to rebuild this critical fishery

The future of Chesapeake Bay’s striped bass population continues to be in peril, as seen by today’s results from Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR)’s annual juvenile striped bass survey. For the seventh consecutive year in Maryland and fourth consecutive year in Virginia, young striped bass numbers are well below the long-term average. 

This annual survey estimates striped bass recruitment, which includes reproductive success and early survival rates, and offers a window into the future of adult striped bass numbers. Consistent, record-low levels of recruitment, combined with past overfishing of striped bass, are extremely concerning for the iconic species.

Not enough young fish are surviving the many challenges in the region, including warmer water temperatures, food availability, and invasive predators like blue catfish. That means far fewer fish will grow up to become large, adult trophy fish that anglers seek in the Bay and are extremely important to rebuilding the population. This could delay or jeopardize rebuilding the striped bass population by the 2029 target—a goal set by fisheries managers at the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC). 

According to the survey, the 2025 young-of-year index for Maryland was 4.0 fish per sample. This is slightly higher than last year’s index of 2.0, but significantly lower than the state’s long-term average of 11.0. In Virginia, the index was 5.12 fish per sample. This is slightly higher than last year’s index of 3.43, but still below the state’s historic average of 7.77. 

To address concerns for striped bass, ASMFC is currently considering stronger protections for the species. At their next meeting on October 29, ASMFC’s Striped Bass Management Board will vote to approve Addendum III—a response to the 2024 striped bass stock assessment and recommendations made by ASMFC’s Technical Committee. The analysis determined that striped bass are overfished, and that without additional action, it’s unlikely the species will rebuild to their target numbers by 2029. 

To help increase the likelihood that we’re able to rebuild the striped bass fishery, Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) urges ASMFC to adopt the protective measures laid out in Addendum III. Immediate, strong action is needed if we want a chance to rebuild the striped bass fishery by 2029. 

Allison Colden, CBF Maryland Executive Director, issued the following statement: 

“This annual survey gives us an important sneak peek into the status of the striped bass population in Chesapeake Bay. And for nearly a decade that picture’s been bleak.” 

“This alarming trend could seriously jeopardize our chances of rebuilding the striped bass stock to the target level. CBF urges ASMFC to take strong action now to protect this iconic Bay species and rebuild by the end of this decade.” 

Chris Moore, CBF Virginia Executive Director, issued the following statement: 

“This year’s results make 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. We need to do more to ensure striped bass can reproduce and young can grow up, both through both habitat improvements and fisheries management actions. 

“We urge ASMFC not to delay and take action now to help this iconic species. There’s just too much at stake.”