Philopatry and Vagrancy of Striped Bass in the Albemarle Sound/Roanoke River Stock Determined by Otolith and Water Chemistry Analysis

The strategic habitat areas of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) continue to be a topic of interest to researchers, fisheries managers, recreational and commercial fishermen.   This research will evaluate movement and site fidelity of the key species by assessing trace elements in otoliths and water chemistry in the Albemarle Sound/Roanoke River stock of North Carolina.   Intensive fishing pressure caused a drastic decline in the catch of the species in this area during the late 1970’s through the mid 1990’s.  Proper fishery management techniques to include stock enhancement programs, creel limits, slot limits, habitat improvement, water quality improvement, and seasonal length proclamations were conducted.   The Albemarle Sound/Roanoke River striped bass fishery was declared fully recovered in 1997 and is the third largest population of striped bass along the Atlantic Coast.  While research has been conducted to assist in successfully managing this species, major advances in otolith chemistry will provide answers to key questions about movement and strategic habitat areas in this fishery.