An historical bioenergetics evaluation of striped bass in Chesapeake Bay

Jennifer C. Griffin¹, F. Joseph Margraf², and Eric B. May¹

¹Maryland Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, 1120 Trigg Hall, Princess Anne, MD 21853

²U.S. Geological Survey, Maryland Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, 1120 Trigg Hall, Princess Anne, MD 21853

Numerous studies have been undertaken to evaluate the stability of the current striped bass population in Chesapeake Bay and the predatory demand it places on prey species. However little information exists on the predatory demand of this species prior to its decline in the 1970's. In this study, a bioenergetics modeling approach will be used to investigate the density dependent effects historical populations of striped bass had in Chesapeake Bay during the 1950's and late 1960's. Estimates of predatory demand and prey species contributions to the production of striped bass will also be evaluated. Data on diet composition, growth and age has been obtained for striped bass ages 1 through 17. These fish were collected by Maryland DNR during most months of the year and within the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay. Of the 906 striped bass collected from 1955 through 1959, May 1968 and April 1969, 514 had food in their stomachs. The most numerous prey items were bay anchovy (40%) and Atlantic menhaden (40%). Analysis of historical data using current techniques can provide a valuable tool of comparison that may be used to better understand the current striped bass predator prey relationship in the Chesapeake Bay.