Center for Coastal Resources Management

If you guessed striped bass (Morone saxatilis), you would be correct!

Interesting Facts

• Populations of Atlantic striped bass use coastal rivers to spawn and shallower bays and estuaries as nursery grounds.

• The striper can live up to 30 years and the state record is 73 lbs in 2008.

• Also known as rockfish, the striped bass has been fished since colonial times and is prized for its size, taste and ability to put up a good fight.

• There was a steep population decline in the 1980s and although populations have rebounded, there is concern regarding levels of prey food species, primarily menhaden and bay anchovies. Another concern is a bacterial disease called mycobacteriosis.

• Detriments to juvenile striped bass include coastal development, as well as marine debris.

References:

• Effects of coastal development on nearshore estuarine nekton communities

• 2011 A Banner Year for Young Striped Bass in Virginia

• Virginia Striper Fishing Information