§5155 Continuing Studies of Striped Bass Populations

Summary

The Secretaries must carry out ongoing, full studies of Atlantic striped bass. These studies must include yearly stock checks using both fishery-dependent and fishery-independent data to continue the long-term record from before 1994. They must also study why bass numbers change, how water quality, land use, and other environmental factors affect spawning, recruitment, mortality, and abundance (including the Delaware River population), and how striped bass interact with other fish (such as bluefish, menhaden, and mackerel), including effects of predation and competition. Working with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the Secretaries must study the socio-economic benefits of striped bass and send a report to Congress by September 30, 1998. They must also send public reports every two years to Congress and the Commission on their work and include, when appropriate, recommendations for sustainable management.