Chesapeake Bay 2025 Year-of-Young Striped Bass Survey Results
Recently the Maryland Department of Natural Resources released their 2025 year-of-young (fish under the age of 1 year) striped bass survey results. In conclusion, they found that for the 7th consecutive year, with an index number of 4.0, it is well below the long term survey average of 11.0.
In order to assess this information, MDNR collects data from 22 predetermined sites located in the major spawning areas of the Chesapeake. These areas include the Choptank, Nanticoke, Potomac rivers, and upper Chesapeake Bay. Throughout the summer, biologist will visit these sites and with the use of a 100ft seine net, they will sweep these areas to gather as many fish as possible. The resulting index number is created from the average number of 3-inch (or less) fish caught.
Although actions taken in the past, especially during the moratorium of 1985-1990, significantly impacted the population of striped bass in a very positive manner, the number of adult fish currently entering the population is now low. So with YOY numbers currently low, the future populations don't have a good chance of increasing and thus growing numbers of spawning age fish for the future.
An additional factor, aside from human impact via catch/harvest, that has effected striped bass population numbers is environmental. Continued drought and warmer winters negatively influences striped bass egg and larvae survival. This is an aspect that I have personally recommended be considered more during management discussions.
