Document Type
Report
Department/Program
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Publication Date
5-2024
Abstract
The 2023 juvenile Striped Bass abundance index was 4.26 and was significantly lower than the reference mean of 7.77 for the period 1980 to 2009. Abundance indices were below average in the James and Rappahannock rivers and average in the York River in 2023 compared with the river-specific reference means (1980-2009). Relatively low catches of young‐of‐the‐year Striped Bass from sites upriver and downriver of core nursery areas suggest juvenile Striped Bass largely remained within core nursery areas in 2023.
Indices of abundance were calculated for three additional economically and recreationally important fishes in Virginia waters. Juvenile White Perch abundance indices in 2023 were below historic averages in the James, York, and Rappahannock river systems. Atlantic Croaker abundance in 2023 was greater than the historic average observed in Virginia waters. In contrast, the abundance index for Spot in 2023 was generally below the historic average in Virginia waters.
Indices of abundance were calculated for seven common forage species within the tidal nearshore zone of Virginia waters. In 2023, the abundance index was also calculated for another common forage species in Virginia waters, Mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus). Abundance indices for Atlantic Silverside and Mummichog were generally below their historic averages in 2023. The abundance indices for Banded Killifish, Inland Silverside, and Spottail Shiner were generally similar to their historic averages in 2023. For the second consecutive year, a record high abundance index was recorded for American Shad in the Rappahannock River. The abundance index for American Shad was average in the Mattaponi and Pamunkey rivers, and below average in the James, Chickahominy, and York rivers. The abundance indices for Alewife were below average in the James and York rivers, but average in the Rappahannock River. Abundance indices for Blueback Herring were average in the James and York rivers, but below average in the Rappahannock River. Together, these results suggest modest production of forage fish prey for piscivores in Virginia.
Description
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sport Fish Restoration Project F87R35
Submitted to Virginia Marine Resources Commission May 2024
DOI
https://www.doi.org/10.25773/nemy-f475
Recommended Citation
Buchanan, J. R., Fabrizio, M. C., & Tuckey, T. D. (2024) Estimation of Juvenile Striped Bass Relative Abundance in the Virginia Portion of Chesapeake Bay Annual Progress Report: 2023 - 2024. Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary. https://www.doi.org/10.25773/nemy-f475
