2023 Maryland Striper Young of Year Survey Results - DISASTER!!
- Thread starter Roccus7
- Start date
More info from MD, including the more familiar graph, followed by the VA graph, which was also very low...
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today announced results of this year’s juvenile striped bass survey, which tracks the reproductive success of Maryland’s state fish in the Chesapeake Bay. The 2023 young-of-year index is 1.0, well below the long-term average of 11.1.
“The warm, dry conditions in winter and spring during the past several years have not been conducive to the successful reproduction of fish that migrate to fresh water for spawning,” said DNR’s Fisheries and Boating Director Lynn Fegley. “In response, we’re working with the Atlantic States Fisheries Commission to support management actions we can take now to protect striped bass and improve spawning success. The Department is also considering additional state-specific actions to increase protections within Maryland.”
Efforts to rebuild the Atlantic Coast population have been underway for several years and are ongoing. Low levels of spawning stock in recent years have spurred action by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, which manages the overall population of striped bass along the Atlantic coast, including the Chesapeake Bay. In May, the Commission put in place an emergency measure that bars anglers from harvesting fish larger than 31 inches, a step to better protect large fish. In early 2024, the Commission will vote on additional regulation changes aimed at reducing striped bass deaths caused by coastwide fishing activity, including the Chesapeake Bay.
In previous years, Maryland has taken several management actions aimed at rebuilding the spawning stock—including a recreational one-fish daily catch limit, a two-week summer closure, changes in slot size, and moving season start and end dates—but changing environmental conditions may be hindering the ability for the striped bass population to quickly bounce back.
Striped bass spawning activity is temperature-driven and historically adult fish migrated to the Chesapeake Bay to spawn in April and May, which aligned with the seasonal arrival of zooplankton and other microscopic food sources that larval striped bass eat. However, recent winters have produced less-than-average snowfalls in the region and therefore less snowmelt to cool the rivers and streams where striped bass spawn.
Research has also shown Spring zooplankton production in the Bay is being altered by warmer winters. Fishery scientists are continuing to investigate whether higher temperatures earlier in the year are affecting the survivability of juvenile striped bass.
Despite the challenges striped bass face, historic spawning data have shown the ability of the overall striped bass population to increase quickly under the right environmental conditions. The species can have several years of poor recruitment followed by a productive spawning year that can bolster the overall population long-term.
Other anadromous species with similar spawning behavior such as white perch, yellow perch, and herring also experienced below-average reproduction this year.
“It’s important to remember that increasing the size of the striped bass stock does not guarantee strong reproduction,” said Fegley. “We will continue to work with other coastal states to rebuild the population so spawning can succeed when conditions are right.”
Previously, favorable environmental conditions for striped bass such as heavy winter snowfalls or higher spring rainfalls have helped produce stronger juvenile year classes. Nutrient pollution reduction efforts throughout the Bay watershed have also reduced the instances of hypoxia affecting striped bass and other fish.
Biologists captured more than 47,000 fish of 63 different species while conducting this year’s survey. Encouraging results were documented regarding two species lower on the food chain. Menhaden abundance was the highest measured in over 30 years. Bay anchovy abundance was the highest measured since 1974. These species are very important to the ecology of the Bay as a food source for many other species of fish and wildlife.
During this annual survey, fishery managers examine 22 sites located in four major striped bass spawning areas: the Choptank, Nanticoke, and Potomac rivers, and the Upper Chesapeake Bay. Biologists visit each site three times per summer, collecting fish with two sweeps of a 100-foot beach seine net. The index represents the average number of recently hatched striped bass captured in each sample.
And to pile it on, here are the VA results...
Chesapeake Bay 2023 Young-of-Year Striped Bass Survey Results Announced
October 12, 2023The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today announced results of this year’s juvenile striped bass survey, which tracks the reproductive success of Maryland’s state fish in the Chesapeake Bay. The 2023 young-of-year index is 1.0, well below the long-term average of 11.1.
“The warm, dry conditions in winter and spring during the past several years have not been conducive to the successful reproduction of fish that migrate to fresh water for spawning,” said DNR’s Fisheries and Boating Director Lynn Fegley. “In response, we’re working with the Atlantic States Fisheries Commission to support management actions we can take now to protect striped bass and improve spawning success. The Department is also considering additional state-specific actions to increase protections within Maryland.”
Efforts to rebuild the Atlantic Coast population have been underway for several years and are ongoing. Low levels of spawning stock in recent years have spurred action by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, which manages the overall population of striped bass along the Atlantic coast, including the Chesapeake Bay. In May, the Commission put in place an emergency measure that bars anglers from harvesting fish larger than 31 inches, a step to better protect large fish. In early 2024, the Commission will vote on additional regulation changes aimed at reducing striped bass deaths caused by coastwide fishing activity, including the Chesapeake Bay.
In previous years, Maryland has taken several management actions aimed at rebuilding the spawning stock—including a recreational one-fish daily catch limit, a two-week summer closure, changes in slot size, and moving season start and end dates—but changing environmental conditions may be hindering the ability for the striped bass population to quickly bounce back.
Striped bass spawning activity is temperature-driven and historically adult fish migrated to the Chesapeake Bay to spawn in April and May, which aligned with the seasonal arrival of zooplankton and other microscopic food sources that larval striped bass eat. However, recent winters have produced less-than-average snowfalls in the region and therefore less snowmelt to cool the rivers and streams where striped bass spawn.
Research has also shown Spring zooplankton production in the Bay is being altered by warmer winters. Fishery scientists are continuing to investigate whether higher temperatures earlier in the year are affecting the survivability of juvenile striped bass.
Despite the challenges striped bass face, historic spawning data have shown the ability of the overall striped bass population to increase quickly under the right environmental conditions. The species can have several years of poor recruitment followed by a productive spawning year that can bolster the overall population long-term.
Other anadromous species with similar spawning behavior such as white perch, yellow perch, and herring also experienced below-average reproduction this year.
“It’s important to remember that increasing the size of the striped bass stock does not guarantee strong reproduction,” said Fegley. “We will continue to work with other coastal states to rebuild the population so spawning can succeed when conditions are right.”
Previously, favorable environmental conditions for striped bass such as heavy winter snowfalls or higher spring rainfalls have helped produce stronger juvenile year classes. Nutrient pollution reduction efforts throughout the Bay watershed have also reduced the instances of hypoxia affecting striped bass and other fish.
Biologists captured more than 47,000 fish of 63 different species while conducting this year’s survey. Encouraging results were documented regarding two species lower on the food chain. Menhaden abundance was the highest measured in over 30 years. Bay anchovy abundance was the highest measured since 1974. These species are very important to the ecology of the Bay as a food source for many other species of fish and wildlife.
During this annual survey, fishery managers examine 22 sites located in four major striped bass spawning areas: the Choptank, Nanticoke, and Potomac rivers, and the Upper Chesapeake Bay. Biologists visit each site three times per summer, collecting fish with two sweeps of a 100-foot beach seine net. The index represents the average number of recently hatched striped bass captured in each sample.
And to pile it on, here are the VA results...
captmike28
Well-Known Angler
Can you say "Moratorium"!!
Going to be really hard to book Striped Bass charters for a C&R species, if the regulators even allow that!
Going to be really hard to book Striped Bass charters for a C&R species, if the regulators even allow that!
Bigger problem is that the success of a spawn is not directly related to the number of fish on the spawning grounds, but far more dependent on the environmental conditions during the spawn including things like salinity, and the food supply for the newly hatched fish. These items are pretty much out of fishery managers control.
That being said, increasing the number of spawning fish "couldn't hurt", so a full moratorium on the spawning grounds during the spawn is probably a prudent step. The Chesapeake states are almost there and it's time for NY to shut down the Hudson to all fishing during the spawn, PERIOD!! I know @george will vehemently disagree with that, but the fish need every bit of help they can get. To deny this is a death sentence for this noble fish. The data are clear, we're looking at a repeat of the poor spawns of the early 80s.
We really can learn a lesson from our friends in Canada who have nurtured a significant and healthy striped bass population in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. On the Miramichi River in New Brunswick, the river is SHUT DOWN to all fishing during the spawn and is adjusted every year.
Protection during the spawning period in the Northwest Miramichi
There is a closure of the Northwest Miramichi River spawning ground to all angling during the spawning period. The Department will issue a variation order to close all angling for a duration of up to ten (10) days in an approximate area of 9.8 kilometers in the Northwest Miramichi River below the Red Bank Bridge once concentrations of striped bass are observed spawning.Legend: The map below shows a close-up view of the closure on the Northwest Miramichi River. The Red Bank-Sunny Corner bridge is visible on the lower left side of the map, and on the right side, the downstream boundary of the angling closure is indicated with a black line drawn between two points located approximately 9.8 km downriver from the bridge. This line is perpendicular to Route 435. The zone that will be closed is marked in red. Coordinates of the two points defining the line are 1) 46°58'00.339"N/ -65°42'58.117"W on the north shore; and 2) 46°57'42.322"N/ -65°42'57.205"W on the south shore (NAD 83).
The Northwest Miramichi River estuary is the only confirmed successful spawning ground for striped bass in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. The closure of all angling in the area and during the period when striped bass are most concentrated and actively spawning is intended to ensure the best success of spawning activities and the continued health of the striped bass stock in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. With the exception of the area described above, the recreational fishery will remain open throughout the Miramichi River system during the striped bass spawning period. A closure notice will be posted on the DFO Gulf Region Recreational Fisheries Internet page when the closure becomes effective.
This should be the model for all states with a significant striper spawn and shows commitment to protecting and nurturing the species.
Realistically, I have something like 10 years or less in my striped bass career, so during the Endgame of my Life Long Quest, I'll be casting at the scattered members of the recent poor spawns. It will be a replay of the fishing I knew in the 80s before I left LI. I can deal with that, but I don't want my children and grandchildren to. We need to take bold steps now, period!!
@Roccus7 If I didn't know you, I'd think you were trying to save all of the fish for Maine! Lets talk facts, or at least what they tell us are facts.
Examine the chart provided closely. Does it depict a fishery in dire need of a complete moratorium? Is this the appreciation New Yorkers receive after diligently working to rejuvenate this esteemed fishery? I found it amusing reading your comments about the spring fishery. Regrettably, I believe you might be overly influenced by Witek's narratives. He clearly has a disdain for the fishing industry. He appears to aim for the downfall of charter, party, and tackle shops. I'm familiar with his stance as he once wrote for my magazine, and I had to part ways with him when he targeted our very advertisers. A similar incident transpired with him at "On The Water."
Furthermore, your ongoing endorsement of halting recreational activities in spring might have longer-term repercussions than you realize. Initiatives are in motion to allow commercial fishing in these zones. Ironically, while we face potential restrictions, there are moves to open these areas to commercial ventures. Presently, our fishing constraints are almost tantamount to a moratorium. We're limited to fish from a specific year of hatching.
Consider these facts:
It's becoming imperative for the ASMFC to contemplate managing these fisheries on individual merits. Our region has done significant work, and it's only just that we reap the benefits rather than facing consequences for mismanagement elsewhere.
Examine the chart provided closely. Does it depict a fishery in dire need of a complete moratorium? Is this the appreciation New Yorkers receive after diligently working to rejuvenate this esteemed fishery? I found it amusing reading your comments about the spring fishery. Regrettably, I believe you might be overly influenced by Witek's narratives. He clearly has a disdain for the fishing industry. He appears to aim for the downfall of charter, party, and tackle shops. I'm familiar with his stance as he once wrote for my magazine, and I had to part ways with him when he targeted our very advertisers. A similar incident transpired with him at "On The Water."
Furthermore, your ongoing endorsement of halting recreational activities in spring might have longer-term repercussions than you realize. Initiatives are in motion to allow commercial fishing in these zones. Ironically, while we face potential restrictions, there are moves to open these areas to commercial ventures. Presently, our fishing constraints are almost tantamount to a moratorium. We're limited to fish from a specific year of hatching.
Consider these facts:
- The Hudson stock is thriving, while the Chesapeake stock is dwindling.
- Annually, the Chesapeake witnesses a transfer of around 5 million pounds of bass to commercial fishing, whereas New York's figure is below 1 million.
- New York's waters have more available food sources due to our restrictions on reduction boats. In contrast, the Chesapeake Bay had 112 million pounds of menhaden extracted this year.
- With the current slot limit, New York anglers are essentially under a de facto moratorium, akin to other coastal regions.
- New York's striped bass fishery is currently experiencing one of its most prosperous periods under the striped bass management act's purview.
It's becoming imperative for the ASMFC to contemplate managing these fisheries on individual merits. Our region has done significant work, and it's only just that we reap the benefits rather than facing consequences for mismanagement elsewhere.
I almost forgot. Your statement about the Chesapeake not fishing the spawn is incorrect; Notice the first regulation . . . that's their trophy season.
| MAY 1–MAY 15 | Chesapeake Bay from Brewerton Channel to the MD-VA Line, excluding all bays, sounds, tributaries, creeks and rivers, except Tangier Sound and Pocomoke Sound | 1 fish per person per day Minimum size 35 inches |
| May 16 May 31st | Chesapeake Bay downstream from a line drawn from the south corner of Hart-Miller Island Dike to the end of MD Route 21 at Tolchester and south to the MD/VA line, excluding all bays, sounds, tributaries, creeks and rivers | 1 fish per person per day 19–31 inches |
| JUNE 1–JULY 15 | All Maryland Chesapeake Bay waters and tributaries open to fishing | 1 fish per person per day 19–31 inches |
| JULY 16–JULY 31 | All areas closed to striped bass fishing. | CLOSED |
|
| AUGUST 1–DECEMBER 10 | All Maryland Chesapeake Bay waters and tributaries open to fishing | 1 fish per person per day 19–31 inches |
@george I never used the "M" word, in terms of bass fishing as a whole, just on the spawning grounds during the spawn. I know about MD, that's why I said, Chesapeake is almost there. Virginia shut down their trophy season during the spawn, MD still needs to, although they did finally shut down their fall "Basszilla" tournament a couple of years ago. I just deleted an editorial comment regarding the conservation gestalt of MD, which can also be shared with "The Garden State"...
I've never cared whether or not a fishery is imperiled regarding fishing in the spawning waters. It just doesn't make any sense from a population perspective, unless someone wants to purposely reduce the population. Think about it. Why don't we have spring both sexes turkey hunting? The game managers want all the available females to lay eggs. Same goes for bass, and in the case of the Hudson fish, NJ should shut down Raritan Bay just prior to the spawn, as the fish stage there just prior to ascending the river to spawn. It's no secret that boats from NY & NJ pounce on that dragging those MoJos...
Maine is not without sin on fishing during the spawn. Folks can fish in the Kennebec River May1 through June 30, but it is solely catch and release. The only allowable gear is a single hooked lure with no bait. Yes, I constantly remind folks about this, but it really doesn't seem to be worth anything. The spawn numbers for the Kennebec are not readily shared, but I've seen them and we haven't had a good spawn in 8 years or so.
I really can't see how anyone in good conscience can think that fishing on a spawning ground during the spawn is not detrimental to the health of any fish population. Imagine how much larger the Hudson spawn could be if the spawn wasn't disturbed. (Note: Curious what the 2022 & 2023 Hudson river numbers are, I have yet to find that graph, you have access to it?)
As far as being "recognized" for good deeds, NY will have to get in line.
Maine back in 2015 or 16 was the first to:
Enough on the soapbox. Problem is simple, the major spawning ground for striped bass that migrate along the northern US Atlantic Coast has been historically low for the past few years. There are different estimates for this, but it is believed that the Chesapeake is responsible for 70-90% of the entire spawn.
Therefore, all striped bass fishermen along the coast have a vested interest in how all striped bass spawning waters are managed and the most proactive thing to help the spawn across the coast is to stop fishing on the spawning grounds during the spawn.
I would hazard a guess that during Wednesday's ASMFC Striped Bass meeting, the data from MD & VA will be the topic of some serious discussion. If they continue to kick the can down the road, the striped bass population problem will quickly become a small problem...
I've never cared whether or not a fishery is imperiled regarding fishing in the spawning waters. It just doesn't make any sense from a population perspective, unless someone wants to purposely reduce the population. Think about it. Why don't we have spring both sexes turkey hunting? The game managers want all the available females to lay eggs. Same goes for bass, and in the case of the Hudson fish, NJ should shut down Raritan Bay just prior to the spawn, as the fish stage there just prior to ascending the river to spawn. It's no secret that boats from NY & NJ pounce on that dragging those MoJos...
Maine is not without sin on fishing during the spawn. Folks can fish in the Kennebec River May1 through June 30, but it is solely catch and release. The only allowable gear is a single hooked lure with no bait. Yes, I constantly remind folks about this, but it really doesn't seem to be worth anything. The spawn numbers for the Kennebec are not readily shared, but I've seen them and we haven't had a good spawn in 8 years or so.
I really can't see how anyone in good conscience can think that fishing on a spawning ground during the spawn is not detrimental to the health of any fish population. Imagine how much larger the Hudson spawn could be if the spawn wasn't disturbed. (Note: Curious what the 2022 & 2023 Hudson river numbers are, I have yet to find that graph, you have access to it?)
As far as being "recognized" for good deeds, NY will have to get in line.
Maine back in 2015 or 16 was the first to:
- Implement circle hooks for bait fishing for bass and blues
- Outlaw lures with more than 2 treble hooks for bass and blues (All my old Redfins migrated south to friends on LI)
- Ban gaffing striped bass
- Hasn't had a commercial bass season in over 20 years, and DID NOT reallocate the yearly assigned quota to recreational fishing like other states, NJ in particular. (Note: Regardless I would be disingenuous no to mention that our commercial quota is laughably small; I could fill it myself in June.)
Enough on the soapbox. Problem is simple, the major spawning ground for striped bass that migrate along the northern US Atlantic Coast has been historically low for the past few years. There are different estimates for this, but it is believed that the Chesapeake is responsible for 70-90% of the entire spawn.
Therefore, all striped bass fishermen along the coast have a vested interest in how all striped bass spawning waters are managed and the most proactive thing to help the spawn across the coast is to stop fishing on the spawning grounds during the spawn.
I would hazard a guess that during Wednesday's ASMFC Striped Bass meeting, the data from MD & VA will be the topic of some serious discussion. If they continue to kick the can down the road, the striped bass population problem will quickly become a small problem...
With all due respect, my friend, Maine's contribution was only 1.1% of the total coastal striped bass landings. That's less than the number of fish we lose to gill nets annually!
Simply put, there are Hudson fish and Chesapeake fish. The Hudson stock is thriving, while the Chesapeake is struggling. Given our efforts to rejuvenate the stock, it seems only fair that we benefit from it. Once they leave our waters, it's a different story, but while they spawn here, they belong to us.
And here's the data from 2022, showing yet another increase.
Simply put, there are Hudson fish and Chesapeake fish. The Hudson stock is thriving, while the Chesapeake is struggling. Given our efforts to rejuvenate the stock, it seems only fair that we benefit from it. Once they leave our waters, it's a different story, but while they spawn here, they belong to us.
And here's the data from 2022, showing yet another increase.
That's a rather provincial and disappointing outlook.
What if MD and/or VA, the 2 largest spawning areas by far, took that stance? We'd all be screwed, including LI Tackle Shops, Charter/Party boats and marinas, especially on both sides of the east end.
NOAA gave ASMFC the task to manage stripers coastwise. If they cannot do the job because of states looking at the fish as "theirs", NOAA will take over, and their interpretation of Magnuson Stevens act gives little, if any, leeway for businesses.
The words that no state wants to hear, "Hi, I'm from NOAA and I'm here to help you with your striped bass problem."
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Indeed, MD and VA have consistently held that position. It's evident that they've often been given special consideration. They're allowed to retain three times as many fish as coastal anglers in terms of quantity, even if not in weight. And I'm with you in thinking that numbers, rather than pounds, are the real measure for recreational fishing.
However, the core issue here is the decision to close a thriving fishery due to the shortcomings of another.
Not that it matters, but there is no striped bass fishing in the Kennebec River, our sole spawning site, from December through April, so the fish are protected during the spawn.
This is a moot point as of late, as the most recent YOY survey registered a massive 0.0 count, e.g. there were no captured Young of Year fish during the survey. The Kennebec hasn't had a solid spawn in 10 or so years now. I'm starting to wonder if our native spawning fish have picked up roots and headed south with the rest of the fish come the fall.
On a different note, ASMFC is talking striped bass this afternoon. I perused the meeting materials for the day and I'm disappointedly confident that the discussion will lapse into a procedural morass, with few, if any definitive actions. Sounds like a continued ASMFC Kicking the Can Down The Road Contest, something they excel at. And people chide Nero for fiddling while Rome burned; seems that ASMFC makes him look like a rank amateur, asking Nero to "Hold my beer!"
Not to beat a dead bass, but the Hudson River is just fine during the spawn. We don't need to change anything. The numbers prove that. Their numbers are at all time highs. These fish done need any more protection. They are everywhere!
Could striped bass be following the path of many other species that are headed north? I can remember. a time when Fl and GA had votes on striped bass.
I'm not sure what it is, but it cannot be argued that today we are seeing some of the best bass fishing we've ever witnessed.
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