§5155 Continuing studies of striped bass populations

Summary

The Secretaries must run ongoing, detailed studies of Atlantic striped bass. The work must include annual stock checks using both fishing data and independent surveys to keep the long-term record. They must study why the populations rise and fall, how water quality, land use, and other environmental factors affect recruitment, spawning potential, mortality, and overall numbers (including the Delaware River population), and how striped bass interact with other fish like bluefish, menhaden, and mackerel, including assessing those species when appropriate and studying effects of predation and competition. The Secretaries must work with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission on a study of the fishery’s socioeconomic benefits and report to Congress by September 30, 1998. They must also send public progress reports every two years to Congress and the Commission, with recommendations to help manage striped bass sustainably.