Maryland Striped Bass Reproduction Improves, Remains Below Average for Eighth Straight Year

Maryland Striped Bass Reproduction Index Higher For 2026 But Below Average For Eighth Straight Year - The BayNet

ANNAPOLIS – The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) 2026 juvenile striped bass survey recorded a young-of-year index of 5.5. Although it marks the eighth consecutive year of low spawning success for striped bass, this is the highest index recorded since 2018. The survey tracks the reproductive success of Maryland’s state fish in Chesapeake Bay. […]

Young Rockfish Count Rises but Stays Below Average Again

Maryland's 2026 young striped bass index rose to 5.5, best since 2018, but stayed below the 10.8 average for an eighth year.

The Chesapeake Bay’s young rockfish are still struggling. It may be the ‘new normal.’

For the eighth straight year, Maryland scientists found well below average numbers of young rockfish in the Chesapeake Bay. This summer's numbers were the best since 2018, but the “young of the year” index of 5.5 was still well below the historical average of 10.8.

Young rockfish population grows, but future still bleak for Maryland’s state fish

A slight upturn in young striped bass numbers from last year’s survey isn’t enough for Maryland’s state fish, also known as rockfish, to repopulate, experts say.

Maryland striped bass reproduction improves, remains below average for eighth straight year

Striped bass reproduction in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay showed signs of improvement this year but remained below average for the eighth consecutive year, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Rockfish survey shows mixed results across Chesapeake Bay

Young rockfish numbers increased in Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay tributaries this year, while a separate Maryland survey found reproduction remained below average in that state’s portion of the Bay. Preliminary findings released Monday by William & Mary’s Virginia Institute of Marine Science indicate Virginia produced an average-sized class of juvenile rockfish in 2026. The fish hatched this spring are expected to ...