* For catch and release tips Click Here.

* For Real-time water information at selected points in the northern portion of the bay Click Here.

* For Real-time Conowingo Dam information Click Here.

The project goal is reintroduction of self-sustaining populations of American shad and hickory shad in the watersheds of the Patuxent River, Choptank River and Nanticoke River. Historic DNR surveys indicated that shad species were severely depleted in these watersheds and lacked viable spawning populations. American shad restoration began in 1994 and hickory shad restoration began in 1996.

Marked hatchery fish are stocked as larvae and juveniles in the Patuxent River, Choptank River, Tuckahoe Creek, Marshyhope Creek and Nanticoke River. Nanticoke River restoration work is a cooperative program with Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. Mirant Mid-Atlantic also cooperates with DNR Fisheries Service Anadromous Restoration projects. The project is monitored through an adult electro fishing survey and juvenile seine survey. Since all hatchery fish are internally marked, we can identify whether a captured fish is hatchery origin or wild origin. This data is used to assess restoration progress.

American shad restoration is progressing as predicted in the three target tributaries. Restoration began in the Patuxent River in 1994. Hatchery origin juveniles were routinely captured during the early stages of the restoration effort but no wild juveniles were present in any collections on the river until 1998. Since then, wild juvenile abundance has generally increased over the years as hatchery fish return to spawn as adults. Early in the restoration project, most of the adults captured were wild origin and abundance was low. These fish were likely strays from other Bay tributaries. Hatchery fish stocked as juveniles began to return to the Patuxent River as adults in 1998. Hatchery fish dominated the adult population until 2003 when progeny of hatchery fish began to return to spawn in their native tributary. The majority of spawning American shad adults in the Patuxent River is now wild origin.

From 1998 through 2001, American shad larval stocking and survival were low, primarily due to physical conditions such as water temperature, flow and salinity. This has resulted in reduced juvenile abundance in 2004 and 2005 since American shad return to spawn in four to six years. We predict this could affect 2006 spawning as well. However, high levels of stocking effort and larval survival in 2002 and 2003 should be reflected in high numbers of returning spawners from 2007 through 2009. Additionally, in 2000 we began to stock 30-day old juveniles in an attempt to increase early survival. If successful, these fish should be present in 2005 and 2006 adult American shad collections. 2005 samples are currently being processed.

American shad restoration expanded to the Choptank River in 1996 and the Nanticoke River in 2000. These rivers are progressing in a manner similar to that of the Patuxent River.

Hickory shad reach maturity at a younger age than American shad. Since they return to spawn in three to four years, hatchery reintroduction can be successful in a shorter time frame. For example, Patuxent River restoration began in 1996. Hatchery fish dominated the spawning population by 2001. Sampling conducted in 2004 indicated that most adult hickory shad on the spawning grounds were wild origin. Both adult and juvenile Patuxent River surveys indicate abundant hickory shad populations over the last few years and we predict that this trend will continue. The Choptank River and Nanticoke River surveys also indicate similar trends as catches have been increasing in recent years.

The Patuxent River should provide ample opportunity for hickory shad and American shad catch and release fishing in 2006. Hickory shad begin to arrive at the end of March and American shad show up at the end of April, dependent on water temperature. Peak spawning temperature for hickory shad is 58-62°F. American shad prefer to spawn at 68-72°F. The highest concentration of shad should begin about a mile or so below Queen Anne Bridge and continue above the bridge to Route 50. Hickory shad will tend to congregate farther upstream than American shad. While there is some access by land, a small boat, kayak or canoe would enable the angler to cover more water.

Choptank River shad fishing should consist predominantly of hickory shad. Intensive American shad stocking in the Choptank watershed did not begin until 2002 so it might be a few more years until adults return to spawn in large numbers. Hickory shad can be caught in the main stem Choptank from Red Bridges down to Greensboro. Tuckahoe Creek has produced some decent hickory shad fishing in the past, principally below Crouse Mill Dam. However, anglers have reported reduced success there over the last two years.

The Nanticoke River currently has a remnant wild spawning population of both hickory shad and American shad. Stocked fish are also beginning to return to this watershed. The combination of the remnant wild population and hatchery origin adults should provide some angling opportunities in 2006. Most of the shad habitat in the main stem Nanticoke exists in Delaware. The best opportunity for Maryland anglers to catch shad in this watershed is Marshyhope Creek. Migrating shad will be concentrated in the area from Federalsburg up to the Maryland-Delaware line. As in other tributaries, hickory shad will occur farther upriver than American shad. Hickory shad will likely be more abundant than American shad in this tributary since restoration stocking began only a few years ago.

Fisheries Service has teamed up with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mirant Mid-Atlantic and University of Maryland to restore spawning populations of Atlantic sturgeon to Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay tributaries. This prehistoric fish historically spawned in most of Maryland’s tidal rivers. Due to over fishing, poor water quality and habitat degradation, this species no longer spawns here. We are attempting to culture a captive brood stock, which will be used to produce hatchery origin sturgeon. Stocked larvae and juveniles should return to the stocked tributaries to spawn. The captive brood fish originate as Chesapeake Bay migrants. These fish are foraging in Maryland waters but their origin is likely from other systems such as the Delaware River or Hudson River. There is also some evidence that limited spawning occurs in Virginia’s James River from time to time. These wild migrants are collected from the Maryland sturgeon reward program and brought to various culture facilities. Most of these migrant fish are age three to six years. Female Atlantic sturgeon don’t reach maturity for 15-20 years in the Chesapeake region. Therefore, these fish will be cultured for many years before they are old enough to spawn in the hatchery.

While we are waiting for the brood stock to reach maturity, we are busy acquiring the tools, technology and methodology that will be required for such an ambitious undertaking:

1. We are utilizing microsatellite DNA analysis to determine relatedness and origin of the brood stock. This information will be used to create a brood stock management plan to insure that we are producing progeny that will be genetically fit.
2. We are using laparoscopic surgery to assess sexual maturity. In this process, an endoscope is inserted through a small incision in the body cavity. This minimally invasive procedure allows us to monitor the progress of sexual maturity without imparting undue stress to the animal.
3. We are experimenting with different techniques to train wild-caught sturgeon to eat commercial fish diets in the hatchery and investigating various nutrient strategies for larval and juvenile sturgeon.
4. We are investigating whether cryogenically preserved sturgeon sperm can be used to successfully fertilize eggs. Frozen sperm could be stored indefinitely and a genetically diverse collection could be maintained on site at the culture facilities. If this technique can be perfected, it will provide greater flexibility in culture and spawning work.

Our warm water hatcheries culture fish species for many Fisheries Service projects including tidal bass enhancement, corrective stocking in state lakes and rivers, farm pond stocking and the fishing rodeo program. Cultured species include largemouth bass, small mouth bass, hybrid sunfish, redear sunfish, yellow perch, bluegill, walleye, golden shiners and striped bass. The facilities are located at Unicorn Lake Fish Hatchery on the Eastern Shore and Cedarville Hatchery in Southern Maryland.

Current research at these hatcheries is focusing on new marking techniques to identify hatchery fish in the wild. A new technique uses a flourochrome compound called calcein to mark hatchery fish. Fish are immersed in a calcein solution, which chemically binds to all the bony or calcified structures (fin rays, vertebrae, scale margins, otoliths). When excited by blue light of a specific wavelength, the marked structures will fluoresce, or glow under the light. This provides biologists with a non-lethal method to identify a captured fish as hatchery origin. This information is useful in population assessment and monitoring survival and movement.

We are also investigating the salinity tolerance of the Northern snakehead. This invasive species has been found in the tidal-freshwater zones of the Potomac River. It is important to know how much salinity this species can tolerate so we can judge the potential for movement.

For further information contact:
Brian Richardson,Project Leader
410- 643- 6788

Maryland anglers enjoyed another successful rockfish year in 2005. Fisheries Service surveys show many encouraging results.

Spring surveys on the spawning grounds show that the spawning stock remains abundant and age-diverse. Eighteen year-classes were present on the Potomac River and Upper Bay spawning grounds. A healthy spawning stock combined with favorable weather led to healthy reproduction. The 2005 Juvenile Striped Bass Index was 17.8, well above the 52-year average of 12.3. Reproduction was above average in the Potomac River, Choptank River, and Upper Bay

Surveys conducted during the spring trophy rockfish season showed that the average size of fish harvested was 35 inches, although there were reports of fish over 50 inches long. 9-year-old fish from the record 1996 year-class dominated the catch. The 2004 recreational harvest (the most recent year available) was nearly 1.7 million pounds.

Biologists released over 1,000-tagged striped bass for growth and mortality studies. Recreational anglers are asked to help by reporting the capture of tagged fish. Simply call the phone number printed on the tag.

A voluntary survey is also available on the Internet (http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/survey/sbsurveyintro.shtml) for anglers to document their rockfish catch. This survey provides important data about the rockfish population to fisheries scientists.

For further information contact:
Eric Durell, Fisheries Biologist
410-260-8308

The Fish and Wildlife Health Program (FWHP) continued its study of Mycobacteriosis in the resident rockfish population. This study currently involves two components: an annual survey of rockfish collected from commercial pound nets and a study tracking the progress of disease in sub-legal fish beginning with young-of-year. Rockfish, typically 18-24” in length or 3-5 years old, have been collected annually from a variety of pound nets throughout Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay since 1998. Since this survey began the infection rate within this segment of the population has climbed from 25% to 59% in 2004. Fish that were collected in 2005 are still being analyzed so we do not know yet if the infection rate is leveling off or continuing to climb.

The second component of the Mycobacteriosis study began in 2002 with the goal of determining at what age rockfish are first susceptible to the disease and how the infection rate change as the fish get older. Young-of-year, age-1 and age-2 rockfish were collected from each of the upper Bay, Choptank River, and Potomac River, representing the 2002 – 2004 year-classes from these locations. Signs of disease were first noted in age-1 fish. Infection rates were 13% for age-1 fish and 19% for age-2 fish. No differences were found between male and females or by location in the Chesapeake Bay.

This rockfish with severe Mycobacteriosis was caught off of Love Point August 25, 2005. Most rockfish have mild to moderate infections and do not have external lesions on the skin as seen in this example. However a greater proportion of fish over 18” in length have severe infections compared to smaller fish.

Many-concerned fisherman reported seeing numerous rockfish with ulcers or red patches on the skin of rockfish from a variety of locations around the Bay. This condition is called ulcerative dermatitis and can be caused by a variety of bacteria or parasites. Mycobacteriosis can cause these ulcers as well in severe cases, but is usually an internal infection.

A comparison of the internal organs of two comparably sized rockfish, a health female (A) and a male with a severe case of Mycobacteriosis (B). Note the spleen (bounded in red) from the infected fish is greatly enlarged and has extensive scar tissue compared to a healthy spleen. Tissue damage is usually found first in the spleen, liver, and kidney, but most tissues can be affected in cases of severe infection.

Most fish that have Mycobacteriosis show no signs of disease on the outside and appear quite normal. However, after rockfish reach 18” in length, a greater proportion have severe infections with skin ulcers and can be noticeably thinner than other fish. The bacteria that cause disease in fish do not pose an unusual danger to fishermen, but it is possible to contract an infection by handling sick fish, particularly if you have open cuts on your hands or a fish spine penetrates your skin. Therefore we recommend simple precautions like handling fish with gloves and washing hands frequently. Having a bottle of the waterless anti-bacterial hand wash on hand is a good idea.

In addition to the study of Mycobacteriosis, the FWHP also responded to a variety of other fish health events. Fortunately, 2005 was a quiet year. One notable event was a die-off of channel catfish and other fish species in the upper Bay (Northeast R. and Susquehanna Flats) during July. This event was likely triggered by a rise in water temperature with little precipitation. The temperature in the water column at the time of the die-off was greater than 85°F at the bottom to more than 90°F at the surface. A total of 2500 fish died as a result of this outbreak, predominantly channel catfish but also white perch, carp, and gizzard shad. This disease was also reported in smallmouth bass in tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay watershed in Pennsylvania.

For further information contact:
Mark Matsche, Fisheries Biologist
410-226-0078

Weakfish, bluefish, Atlantic croaker, summer flounder and spot are all very popular migratory sport fish in Maryland. Fisheries Services has conducted summer pound net sampling since 1993 to track population trends in summer migrant species. DNR biologists examined fish captured in commercial pound nets from June through September 2005. Data collected from this survey as well as commercial landings and estimates of recreational landings are used to evaluate and manage these species in Maryland. All of these species migrate in and out of Maryland waters and are managed on a regional basis, usually their entire range along the east coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

Atlantic Croaker stocks have been high for several years. Maryland recreational anglers have landed between 866,933 and 2,674,800 fish from 1997 to 2004. All eight of those years were above the long-term average of 787,842, according to estimates by the National Marine Fisheries Service. The mean length of croaker examined from the pound net survey was 12.5 inches; this was the largest mean length of the time series. Croaker tend to have cyclic patterns of abundance with a few high years followed by a decline to a few low years followed by recovery. A recent stock assessment by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) indicates the recent high abundance period has endured longer than those of the past. The ASMFC stock assessment estimated the mid-Atlantic population averaged 819.2 million fish from 1998 to 2002.

Weakfish have experienced a sharp decline in abundance coast wide. Recreational catch estimates by the NMFS for Maryland fell steadily from 475,348 fish in 2000 to 29,714 fish in 2004. The coast wide estimates were much the same with anglers landing 2,089,202 fish in 2000 and 769,793 fish in 2004. The coast wide 2004 estimate showed some recovery from 2003 (447,571 fish caught). Commercial catch throughout the Mid-Atlantic States follows the same trend. The 2005 mean length for weakfish from the pound net survey was 11 inches, tied for the lowest of the time series. Fish aged from the 2004 pound net survey were all 3 years of age or younger. These findings indicate weakfish migrating into Maryland’s waters do not appear to be surviving to older ages. The ASMFC weakfish stock assessment committee is currently finalizing a new stock assessment. The results of this assessment will allow managers to determine what action needs to be taken to help weakfish stocks recover. The recent decline in abundance has occurred despite regulations designed to increase stocks. This may indicate an increase in natural mortality, through increased predation, loss of habitat, decrease in food availability and/or disease, but more research is needed before a cause can be determined.

Spot is a short-lived species with high growth rates. This type of fishery tends to be more variable from year to year, and more dependent upon recruitment of young of the year to adulthood. Juvenile indexes have been lower in recent years than the long-term average while recreational catch estimates have remained near “normal”. The 2005-year class appears to be strong. The mean length of spot from the pound net survey was 7.75 inches. This is bellow average, but was driven down by the large number of small spot from the 2005-year class entering the fishery. These small spot not only give hope of more keeper spot next year, but also have and will provide quality forage for more popular sport fish such as weakfish, bluefish and striped bass.

Bluefish recreational harvest estimates were high through most of the 1980’s and have since been somewhat stable at a lower level. Mean length of bluefish from the pound net survey in 2005 was 12.75 inches, the second highest of the 1993-2005 survey. Length distribution showed a modest shift to larger fish, probably those from the strong 2004 year-class. Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay is primarily a nursery area for bluefish with few larger fish migrating here for anglers to catch. The latest coast wide stock assessment indicated the stock was not over fished and over fishing is not occurring.

Summer flounder mean lengths, from the pound net survey, increased to a time series high of 14.75 inches in 2005. The recreational harvest estimate was the 3rd lowest of the 1981-2004 time series at 67,858 fish, while release estimates were the 7th highest. Increased size and bag limits, in recent years, most likely are influencing the numbers of fish harvested and the number released. The 2004 coast wide stock assessment indicated the stock was not over fished and over fishing is not occurring.

For further information contact:
Harry Rickabaugh, Fisheries Biologist
410-643-6785, ext. 109

White perch are estuarine resident fish that inhabit East Coast ecosystems from South Carolina to Nova Scotia and are abundant in Chesapeake Bay. White perch possess high reproductive capability due to their small size at maturity. White perch fisheries are very important in the region. Maryland’s recreational white perch fishery in Chesapeake Bay and tributaries averaged 480,000 pounds annually since 1981. Over the latest 10 year period recreational harvest averaged 565,000 pounds. Commercial harvest averaged 1,052,000 pounds over the period 1980 – 2004.

There is no minimum size limit and no creel limit for recreational white perch fishing. Commercial white perch regulations include an 8-inch minimum size limit. Other commercial restrictions, which are not necessarily white perch specific, pertain to gear regulations and area closures such as striped bass spawning reaches.

Currently, there is no Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) for white perch. A stock assessment was conducted during 2005, and results are considered preliminary. Once finalized, the assessment will provide the information necessary to develop an FMP. The assessment included a bayside assessment and a Choptank River assessment. Biological reference points were determined to provide fishing mortality targets and limits. These reference points are levels of fishing mortality that ideally would not be exceeded. In addition, juvenile production is determined from the striped bass juvenile seine survey starting in 1962.

Young-of-year white perch relative abundance, as determined from the Estuarine Juvenile Finfish Survey (aka striped bass seine survey), indicated reproduction at or above average in 10 of the last 13 years. The relatively high level of juvenile production suggests that population levels are well above a critical level, and that total removals (mortality) are comfortably below critical levels.

For further information Contact:
Paul Piavis, Fisheries Biologist
410- 643-6776

Yellow Perch Project

Yellow perch are managed under the Yellow Perch Fisheries Management Plan adopted in 2002 to prevent over fishing in areas with stable populations and restore and enhance spawning stock in regions that have not had population recovery. Regulations were adopted in 2000 to preserve spawning stock biomass in areas with stable populations. Rates of fishing mortality that should not be exceeded have been established (termed targets and thresholds). Recreational anglers are limited to a 5 fish creel limit and a 9-inch minimum size. These restrictions are intended to allow anglers the opportunity to harvest a sustainable amount of yellow perch while conserving stock biomass. Commercial fishermen are prohibited from taking yellow perch in February, and may only land yellow perch between 8 ½ inches to 11 inches. Commercial regulations are intended to preserve spawning stock biomass by allowing large females to survive and spawn for the long-term. Several river systems remain closed to harvest.

The Fisheries Service has monitored adult yellow perch populations in Choptank River since 1988, upper Chesapeake Bay since 1998, and Severn and Nanticoke rivers since 2000. Juvenile abundance has been assessed via a seine survey in the upper Chesapeake Bay since 1979. Juvenile production in the upper Bay has been at or above the time-series average in 10 of the last 13 years. Particularly strong year-classes were evident during 1993, 1996, and 2003. Analysis of adult spawning stocks in other river systems indicates that the upper Bay juvenile index is representative of the other river systems.

Mortality rates in the Choptank River (open to recreational fishing only), and Nanticoke River (closed to recreational and commercial fishing) have consistently been below the target since the adoption of the plan during 2002. Fishing mortality in Choptank River has averaged about .20 during the five-year period 2001 – 2005. Mortality estimates for Nanticoke River are not available for 2004 and 2005, but estimates from previous years indicated little to no mortality beyond natural mortality, since the Nanticoke River is currently closed to all yellow perch harvest in Maryland.

Population abundance in the Choptank River is assessed from DNR fyke netting operations that indicate an increase of the yellow perch population by 430% since 1988. In addition, the strong year-class of 2003 should further increase the population abundance estimates over the next three years.

Data from the Nanticoke River are not sufficient to develop relative abundance estimates for yellow perch. However, analysis of the age and length data indicated that yellow perch mortality is very low and there is an abundance of larger perch. Length data indicates that 58% of the spawning population in 2005 was greater than 10 inches. Given that reproduction is similar to upper Bay production, mortality rates are low, and the length structure indicates relatively large yellow perch, population expansion has likely kept pace with the increased population assessed in the Choptank River.

For further information contact:
Paul Piavis, Fisheries Biologist
410-643-6776

Shad/Herring & Fish Passage Program

2005 was not a very productive year for shad and herring, at least not in the upper tributaries where many of DNR’s fish ladders are located. Although some ladders saw herring or a few hickory shad, most were void of migrating fish seeking upstream habitat. Shad and herring numbers were reportedly low across the entire East Coast. Conowingo Dam has been averaging over 125,000 American shad since 2000; spring 2005 totals were under 69,000.

Shad and herring migrations and spawning runs are largely driven by regional environmental conditions, mainly water temperature and water flow. The DNR Fish Passage Program had plans to monitor a new fish ladder, which was constructed in the upper Chester River watershed and opened nearly 25 miles of spawning habitat for shad and herring. Biologists anxiously watched water temperatures as they made final preparations for their study. Water temperatures at “Eyes on the Bay” station ET 4.1 located in the Upper Chester River began the year 6 degrees warmer then the 18 year average for the month of January, temperatures in February were also 5-6 degrees higher then the average. In March 2005 water temperatures fell in line with the average of 45°. It appeared that conditions were going to be good for a nice run shad and herring. Then suddenly in April, a time when many herring and hickory shad begin their migrations, temperatures rose from 44° to nearly 69°, the highest monthly average for the month of April. Alewife herring can spawn over a range of water temperatures, but their peak range is from about 49° to 55°. Daily temperature loggers located at the study site, first recorded temperatures of 49° on March 27th. A week later, temperatures peaked around 55° degrees before dropping back down to around 50° with an approaching storm. The storm dumped heavy rain across the area and caused many creeks and rivers to rise. Once the storm passed, warm weather returned and water temperatures rose 15° in 2 days to 63°, well above the peak range for alewife herring. A USGS stream gage on Morgan Creek, a tributary to the Chester River, is the closest active stream gage with real-time water monitoring. Based on 52 years of records, average discharge for this site in the spring is about 9 cubic feet per second. One large rain event approximately March 31st increased discharge to 109 cubic feet per second; another event one week later raised discharge to 190 cubic feet per second. These high flow events in conjunction with our rapidly rising water temperatures created very poor conditions and limited spawning opportunities for fish migrating up many of Maryland’s tributaries. The high spring flows and warm temperatures kept many fish confined to the main-stem sections of Maryland’s rivers.

Dam Removal, before and after.

On October 6th, 2005, the Maryland DNR Fish Passage Program, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and other partners (see list below) began the demolition of the Octoraro Creek Dam near Rising Sun, Maryland. The dam which had been a barrier to herring and shad for over 100 years was completely removed less then a week later, opening 19 miles of historic habitat and restoring the stream to a free-flowing condition. This project is an important milestone for the Maryland Fish Passage Program and marks the first time that a permit was granted by MDE to allow in-stream work in a free-flowing stream. Typically a temporary cofferdam would be constructed to dewater the site so that equipment would not be in the stream water. This is done to reduce the amount of sediment washed downstream during the removal. However, installing cofferdams greatly increases the cost and length of time to complete a project. After several detailed studies of the stream and the dam, it was determined by DNR and MDE that this removal would not need a cofferdam since there would be very little impact from sediment. The dam was removed by driving a track-hoe on the face of the dam and removing the rocks one-by-one. On October 6th, a small section was removed from the center of the dam to let the pond area behind the dam drain to a predetermined level. After several days to allow stabilization, work continued to remove the remaining sides. As the rocks were removed, they were placed along the bank to fill in sections that had been eroded away and to stabilize the stream bank. On November 3rd, volunteers from DNR, FWS, and the Octoraro Watershed Association completed the stream restoration by planting over 100 trees and shrubs along the rivers edge. These plants will help shade the stream and stabilize the newly exposed stream banks.

This project showcases collaboration among multiple agencies. Project Partners include: Maryland Department of Natural Resources - Fish Passage Program, U.S. Fish & Wildlife - Chesapeake Bay Field Office, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Association, American Rivers, Environmental Protection Agency, The Chesapeake Bay Program, Chester Water Authority, Octoraro Watershed Association, The Port Gun Club, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Maryland Department of the Environment, and the Army Corps of Engineers.

Although the dam was primarily removed to promote fish passage, dam removal will also provide portage-free canoeing from Pennsylvania to the Susquehanna River. In general, dam removals create a number of positive environmental and cultural changes: best passage opportunities for migrating fish; a reconnection of aquatic communities (mussels, crayfish, etc.); reduced thermal pollution; increased dissolved oxygen; improved riverine fish habitat; improved macroinvertebrate habitat; portage-free paddling; reduced safety concerns; and, free-flowing natural river conditions.

For further information contact:
Jim Thompson, Fisheries Biologist
410-260-8269

American Eel Project

American eel is a catadramous species (lives and matures in fresh/estuarine water and migrates to spawn and die in the ocean) that is widely distributed from the southern tip of Greenland to Northeastern South America. Despite localized depletion and population declines in some areas, mainly in the Lake Ontario/ St. Lawrence River system, populations in Maryland have remained stable and have produced a quite viable commercial fishery. Over the last 15 years Maryland commercial American eel fishery has accounted for more than one third of the entire Atlantic coast landings and ranks #1 among all states for average pounds harvested annually over the same period. Harvest of American eels occurs bayside in both the main stem and nearly all tributaries in Maryland’s tidal portion of the Chesapeake Bay.

DNR Fishery Service has an Eel Population Study that has been funded since 1997. DNR also participates in multi-state management of the American Eel through the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC). Some of the main components of our Eel Population study include the young of year abundance survey that has been carried out in MD since 1997 and was then mandated by the ASMFC in 2001 for each state on the Atlantic coast, monitoring of the eel fishery through representative sub sampling of commercial catches, and the development of size and age structure of the American Eel throughout most of the tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay.

For further information contact:
Keith Whiteford, Fisheries Biologist
410-643-6801, ext. 124

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