Striped Bass See Slight Boost amid Years-Long Struggle in Chesapeake Bay, Annual Survey Says

Results Predict How Many Large Fish the Atlantic Coast Can Expect in the Future

Despite a slight bump in numbers compared to last year, the future remains bleak for striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay, as seen in juvenile striped bass survey results released today. This survey is issued annually by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and estimates striped bass’s reproductive success and ability to survive early life, giving a glimpse into the population’s future.

For the eighth consecutive year in Maryland, young striped bass numbers remain well below the long-term average needed to sustain a healthy population. In Virginia, results ticked up from 2025 but were still similar to the state’s historical average. The Virginia increase came after three consecutive years of below-average results.

These results mean not enough young fish are surviving into adulthood, likely due to environmental stressors like warmer water temperatures from climate change, habitat loss, food availability, and invasive predators like blue catfish.

According to the survey, the 2026 juvenile index for Maryland was 5.5 fish per sample. This is slightly higher than last year’s index of 4.0, but significantly lower than the state’s long-term average of 10.8. In Virginia, the index was 9.52 fish per sample. This is a bump from last year’s index of 5.12 and slightly higher than the state’s historical average of 7.77. VIMS characterized the 2026 class as an “average” year.

The results from Maryland are especially concerning because Maryland tributaries are where roughly 80 percent of all East Coast striped bass come to spawn. The Bay’s annual juvenile survey essentially predicts how many large, adult striped bass the entire coast can expect to see in the future.

Last year, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) neglected a critical opportunity to help the striped bass population recover by rejecting a proposal for tighter regulations. This was after an analysis by ASMFC technical staff determined that striped bass are overfished, and that without additional action, it’s unlikely the species will rebuild to their target numbers by 2029.

Instead, the Board formed a Striped Bass Working Group which will identify topics for future management consideration. The Board is scheduled to meet again at ASMFC’s annual meeting on November 11 but will not be considering any additional regulatory changes.

Maryland DNR adopted a new striped bass fishing season earlier this year that closed striped bass fishing for the entire month of August. This is when water temperatures are the highest and striped bass are mostly likely to die when caught and released. Similarly, Virginia only allows anglers to target striped bass in the fall through spring.

Striped bass are running out of options. Chesapeake Bay states are doing their part to try and protect this beloved species. Now, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is imploring ASMFC to prioritize a coastwide strategy for striped bass so the species has a shot at rebuilding a sustainable future.

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

“Eight consecutive years of poor survey results paints a bleak picture. What happens in the Chesapeake Bay is a prediction for striped bass’s future up and down the Atlantic Coast. Roughly 80 percent of the coastwide striped bass population spawn here in the Bay.

“We’re encouraged by DNR’s recent seasonal adjustments. But striped bass need coastwide commitment and action from ASMFC if we want this beloved fish to have any chance to rebound.”

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

“Striped bass are clearly still struggling in the Chesapeake Bay. We must act more aggressively if they’re to have a future here.

“While any increase is heartening, longer-term trends should be a wake-up call. Many striped bass caught in Virginia start their lives in Maryland. An average year here doesn’t mean it’s time to become complacent. Now is the time for coastwide action from ASMFC.”