Document Type
Report
Department/Program
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Publication Date
5-2020
Abstract
The 2019 Striped Bass juvenile abundance index was 9.54 and was not significantly different than the reference mean of 7.77 from 1980-2009. Abundance indices in the James, York, and Rappahannock rivers in 2019 were average compared with their individual reference means (1980-2009). Relatively low catches of young‐of‐the‐year Striped Bass from sites upriver and downriver of core nursery areas suggest Striped Bass largely remained within core nursery areas in 2019. Juvenile White Perch abundance indices in 2019 were above historic averages in the James, York and Rappahannock river systems.
Juvenile abundance indices for Atlantic Croaker, Alewife, Spot, and Atlantic Silverside were below their historic averages in 2019. In contrast, juvenile abundance indices for American Shad, Blueback Herring, Inland Silverside, and Banded Killifish were generally greater than historic averages in Virginia waters in 2019. A record high index for Spottail Shiner was observed in 2019. Together, these results suggest relatively high production of forage fish prey for piscivores in Virginia.
DOI
doi: 10.25773/nctn-tk16
Publication Statement
Submitted to Virginia Marine Resources Commission May 2020
Funding
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sport Fish Restoration Project F87R3
Recommended Citation
Buchanan, J. R., Tuckey, T. D., & Fabrizio, M. C. (2020) Estimation of Juvenile Striped Bass Relative Abundance in the Virginia Portion of Chesapeake Bay Annual Progress Report: 2019 - 2020. Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary. doi: 10.25773/nctn-tk16
