Abstract |
Protection of the striped bass (Morone saxatilis) resource has been guided by mandatory coastwide management under the auspices of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) since 1984. A Chesapeake Bay fishery management plan (FMP) for striped bass was developed and adopted in 1989 as part of the 1987 Chesapeake Bay Agreement to address specific Chesapeake Bay issues and implement ASMFC recommendations. As a result of coordinated, interjurisdictional management efforts, the coastal striped bass stock has been declared restored to historic levels as of January 1, 1995. This assessment is based on a projected spawning stock biomass of mature Chesapeake Bay females exceeding the historical high average (calculated for 1960-1972, ASMFC 1994). |