striped bass statistics: straight talk with real figures

[basshunter]

In the 2008 ASMFC report, they stated that by using the stock assessment of striped bass in 2006 that the bass are not overfished.

What have you learned about this? Anyone have any real figures to add for an ongoing informative discussion?

Here is the link to the ASMFC report:

http://www.asmfc.org/speciesDocuments/stripedBass/reports/fmpreviews/sbfmpreview2008.pdf

[williehookem]

According to the striped bass abundance indicator in the Chesapeake Bay area there is a decline of spawning striped bass from 2005 to 2008. Just because the numbers still reflect a greater positive from the 1980's, there is still a decline.

From the chart below the population of spawning stock has gone from 100.2 million pounds (2005) to 89.6 million pounds (2006). There is also a greater decrease from the 2003 of 113 million pounds.

http://www.chesapeakebay.net/status_stripedbass.aspx?menuitem=19688

[buckethead]

There are lots of surveys and charts out there representing the striped bass population. It is interesting how they come about receiving their information. The NOAA works with eight fishery councils and three interstate fisheries commissions. They also survey thousands of saltwater anglers.

After collecting this information they help in the decision of how many fish can be taken recreationally and commercially.

[hookset]

What was it like fishing before the bass mortatorium compared to during and after. Are there any good stories with numbers to share?