Research Document 1997/16

Status of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence in 1996

By R.G. Bradford and G. Chaput

Abstract

Spawner abundance for 1996 was estimated to be 8,090 fish (5,097 female; 2,993 males). This represents a precipitous decline from a year earlier when spawners were estimated for be 50,000 fish. Removals of adults through unregulated, direct commercial fishing activities between May 1995 and March, 1996 were estimated to be about 30,000 fish. The 1991 year-class remains the largest single component of the spawning population, a consequence of a poorer than expected contribution to spawning by the 1992 year-class and a year-class failure in 1993. The decline abundance is expected to continue into 1997. Female spawners (63%) outnumbered male spawners (37%) for the first time since sampling was initiated in 1993, but a re-distribution of the sex ratio is expected in 1997 upon the recruitment of age 3 males from the 1994 year-class. The juvenile abundance index obtained by sampling of the bycatch in the autumn smelt fishery was the highest observed since monitoring of this fishery was initiated in 1991. However, the average body size of the year-class is small and the prospects for winter survival are probably poor. Production of Miramichi striped bass is likely to remain heavily dependent on the spawners of the 1991 year-class through to 1998 or 1999. Spawning site fidelity continues to be 100% for Miramichi striped bass. Estimates of spawner abundance are now revised to 29,000 fish in 1994 and 50,000 fish in 1995. These estimates replace those reported in earlier assessment documents.

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