As striped bass prepare to spawn in Maryland and Virginia rivers this month, experts believe the species may benefit from the Chesapeake Bay region’s snowier and colder winter. Historically, cold weather conditions have produced strong year classes of striped bass—when reproduction levels are high and young fish can grow into the large, iconic rockfish targeted by anglers.
Experts with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) expect a colder winter could support striped bass spawning success this spring. However, winter temperatures are just one factor among many. Maryland and other Bay states are also now experiencing drought conditions, which reduces viable spawning habitat and could negate the positive effects of a colder winter.
Striped bass recruitment, or breeding success, in Maryland has been far below average for six consecutive years. Several conditions including water quality, overfishing, invasive predators like blue catfish, and warming water temperatures due to climate change, could be causing these tragically low numbers. These results are especially alarming considering the Chesapeake Bay produces between 70 to 90 percent of all striped bass on the East Coast.
Each year, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conducts a juvenile index survey to measure striped bass recruitment in Maryland. DNR scientists agreed that this year’s cold and snowy winter could result in above-average success.
Striped bass prefer cooler water temperatures. For one, cold winters are better for tiny crustaceans called copepods that juvenile striped bass eat. Additionally, when water temperatures get too warm in the summer months, striped bass are easily stressed and more likely to die when caught by anglers, even if promptly released.
A year of cooler weather could help produce a stronger year of reproduction and could also help scientists indicate whether environmental conditions are the main driver of low recruitment, or if other challenges like invasive species and fisheries management should be more closely considered.
We certainly need a good year class soon. A few years ago would have been good.
The Wombat has Rule 5 Sunday: Fresh From The Shower up and garnering clicks at The Other McCain on time and under budget.
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