Striped Bass Seine Survey of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

The juvenile striped bass survey documents annual year-class success for young-of-the-year (YOY) striped bass (Morone saxatilis) and relative abundance of many other fish species in Chesapeake Bay. Over 100 fish species have been collected since 1954. Annual indices of relative abundance provide an early indicator of future adult stock recruitment and document annual variation and long-term trends in abundance and distribution.

Juvenile indices are derived annually from sampling at 22 fixed stations within Maryland's portion of the Chesapeake Bay. Stations have been sampled continuously since 1954, with changes in some station locations.seining sites They are divided among four of the major spawning and nursery areas: seven each in the Potomac River and Head of Bay areas and four each in the Nanticoke and Choptank Rivers. Sampling is monthly, with rounds (sampling excursions) occurring during July (Round I), August (Round II), and September (Round III). Replicate seine hauls, a minimum of thirty minutes apart, are taken at each site on each sample round. This produces a total of 132 samples from which bay-wide means are calculated. From 1954 to 1961, juvenile surveys included various stations and rounds. Sample sizes ranged from 34 to 46. Present indices derived for this period include only stations which are consistent with subsequent years. In 1962, stations were standardized and a second sample round was added for a total of 88 samples. A third sample round, added in 1966, increased sample size to 132. Auxiliary stations have been sampled on an inconsistent basis and are not included in survey indices. These data enhance geographical coverage in rivers with permanent stations or provide information from other river systems. They are also useful for replacement of permanent stations when necessary.