MATOS - Mid-Atlantic Acoustic Telemetry Observation System

Project Title: Spawning Behavior and Ocean Migrations by Hudson River Striped Bass

MATOS Project Code: HudRSB

Data Type: Data

Project Duration: April 2016 - April 2019

Project Description: Together with other principal striped bass stocks, the Hudson River population has experienced diminished recruitment and survival, which has prompted management action to reduce fishing mortality in New York and other states. A central issue in the management of Hudson River striped bass is how this population contributes to coastal fisheries. What factors influence coastal migrations? This study used existing telemetry receiver assets in the Hudson River, shelf waters, and other major Atlantic estuaries to examine the influence of sex, size, and spawning reach on these coastal migrations.

Objectives:

Evaluate seasonal coastal migration for spawners from two spawning regions of the Hudson River
Measure in-river loss rates of tagged spawners during the period of intensive recreational harvest
Test for spawning site fidelity between spawning regions
Estimate spawning frequency and straying rates
Evaluate movement behaviors associated with spawning migrations

Principal Investigator:	Dave Secor (University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science)
Email:	secor@umces.edu

Point of Contact:	Mike O'Brien
Email:	obrien@umces.edu

Collaborators:

Amanda Higgs (NYS DEC)
Jessica Best (NYS DEC)

Participating Organizations:

University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Funding:

Hudson River Foundation

UMCES-NYSDEC Hudson Striped Bass Spawning