Recovery of the Striped Bass Morone saxatilis Zach Stauffer

Striped Bass Anadromous species along the Atlantic coast from Florida to St. Lawrence estuary in Canada Can grow to 6ft in length and 125lbs in weight Live to be 30 years old

Migrations Involved in two types of migrations Extensive coastal migrations apparently unrelated to spawning Upriver spawning migration from late winter to early spring Between 70% and 90% of Atlantic Coast stock spawn in the Chesapeake Bay

Early Fishery 1950-1975 Striped Bass fishery continually growing Very little regulation Scientific studies showing a decline

Collapse Late 70’s-Early 80’s, dramatic decline in population 1979 Emergency Striped Bass Act Primarily research

Legislation Early 80’s-Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission given responsibility Congress approves Atlantic Striped Bass Conservation Act 1985 MD, DE impose moratoriums

Moratorium Shut down fishery Consequences Negative Positive Thousands effected Revenue lost Positive New research opportunities

Recovery Population rebound began quickly 1989 Moratoriums lifted Hatchery program implemented 1989 Moratoriums lifted Strict regs left in place Seasons Size limits Fishing licenses Catch limits Commercial harvest quotas

Conclusion Cooperation Model for future fishery collapses Government Commercial/Recreational sectors Public awareness Model for future fishery collapses

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