2016 Atlantic Striped Bass Stock Assessment Update

Large Striped Bass landed by Angler on "Chasin Tail Charters"

​The 2016 Atlantic Striped Bass Stock Assessment Update utilizes catch and index data from 1982- 2015.

In 2015, the Atlantic striped bass stock was not overfished or experiencing overfishing based on the point estimates of fully-recruited fishing mortality (F) and female spawning stock biomass (SSB) relative to the reference points defined in Atlantic Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan. SSB was estimated at 58,853 metric tons (129 million pounds) which is above the SSB threshold of 57,626 metric tons, but below the SSB target of 72,032 metric tons. Total F was estimated at 0.16 which is below the F threshold of 0.22 and below the F target of 0.18.

Commercial removals, i.e., landings plus dead discards, in 2015 were estimated at 917,264 fish. Recreational removals, i.e., angler harvest plus dead releases, in 2015 were estimated at 2,100,094 fish. Total abundance (age 1+) increased to 195 million fish by 2012 due primarily to the abundant 2011 year-class from the Chesapeake Bay. Total abundance dropped in 2013 as the small 2012 year-class recruited to the population.


​Abundance increased slightly in 2014 to 127 million fish, and in 2015 total abundance was estimated at 180 million fish. Abundance of age 8+ fish has declined since 2012 and is expected to drop slightly in 2016.

According to the projections model, if a constant catch of 3,017,358 fish, i.e., 2015 total removals, was maintained during 2016-2018, the probability of SSB falling below the threshold is 0.39 in 2016 and declines to 0.20 by 2018. The fully-recruited F is expected to decrease to 0.14 by 2018. The probability of F being above the F target is 0.08 by 2018 and there is little chance (near zero) that F would exceed the F threshold. 

(Source :Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission-2016 Atlantic Striped Bass Stock Assessment Update report)

Read report here 

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​Maryland is referred to the land of pleasant living with fishing as one of the most enduring pastimes; something where people of all ages can participate an activity that families and friends enjoy each year as a way to spend quality time on Maryland’s famous Chesapeake Bay, Rivers and tributaries. Professional charter fishing with an experienced licensed captain is paramount to a successful safe trip. We Specialize in Chesapeake Bay Trophy Striped Bass Charters, Bottom Fishing, Live lining, and Chumming on the Chesapeake Bay. We also fish for Perch, Croaker, Spot and Drum. We look forward to helping plan your fishing adventure, Bay/ River Cruise or Sea Duck Hunt. Chasin Tail Charters is conveniently located at Kentmorr Marina in Stevensville Maryland on Kent Island. Call Captain Brandon Moore to book your trip for the April 2017 Spring Striped Bass Season.

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