seamonkey
11-18-2008, 10:30 AM
Rockfish survey finds drop in bay spawning
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — An expert with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is not alarmed by an apparent sharp drop in the spawning success of striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay.
DNR fisheries biologist Eric Durell says healthy striped bass populations are known for highly variable spawning rates. He says this year’s survey was just the third in the past 10 years showing below average reproduction.
The annual survey, called the striped bass juvenile index, last year showed a slightly above average figure.
Striped bass, also known as rockfish, are a popular sport fish and provide income for commercial fishermen.
Poor reproduction this year also was observed for other species. Durell suspects heavy rains in May lowered water temperatures in major spawning areas.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — An expert with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is not alarmed by an apparent sharp drop in the spawning success of striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay.
DNR fisheries biologist Eric Durell says healthy striped bass populations are known for highly variable spawning rates. He says this year’s survey was just the third in the past 10 years showing below average reproduction.
The annual survey, called the striped bass juvenile index, last year showed a slightly above average figure.
Striped bass, also known as rockfish, are a popular sport fish and provide income for commercial fishermen.
Poor reproduction this year also was observed for other species. Durell suspects heavy rains in May lowered water temperatures in major spawning areas.