Tagging Study To
Focus On Striped Bass Health
Anglers, commercial
fisherman play vital role in data collection
ANNAPOLIS - The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) are conducting a
cooperative tagging study to better understand
mycobacteria disease of resident
striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay.
Mycobacteriosis is a bacterial disease known to be present in striped bass
since at least the mid 1980s. Stock assessment analysis has not
demonstrated a decline in the population of striped bass and reproduction
remains high. This tagging study is designed to determine how or if the
disease progresses in fish over time. Diseased and healthy fish are
collected, assessed for current health condition, implanted with
bright-green anchor tags and released back into the Chesapeake Bay.
“Coordination between DNR and VIMS will ensure that fish recaptured in the
Chesapeake Bay are collected and analyzed in a timely manner, regardless
of where they are caught,” said Howard King, Director of DNR’s Fisheries
Service. “Results of this study will increase our understanding of the
potential impacts of mycobacteriosis on the striped bass population.”
Fish will be tagged each spring and fall through at least 2009. Both
agencies are using a bright-green colored anchor tag marked with either
“VIMS” or “MD DNR” that includes a toll free number (1-866-845-3379) to
report the fish. A reward is being offered for the return of tagged whole
fish to biologists so that they can be examined. Fish bearing the
bright-green tag are exempt from Maryland and Virginia daily catch limits
and seasonal and size restrictions, provided that they are reported
promptly, kept intact, kept cool or chilled (not frozen) and turned over
to DNR or VIMS. Cooperation by anglers, commercial fishermen and charter
boat captains is very much needed for success of this study. Tagged fish
captured outside Maryland and Virginia waters should still be reported on
the toll free number and the tag returned by mail.
