"Habitat Utilization of Juvenile Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) Inferred Through Otolith Chemistry"

The Cape Fear River (CFR) population of striped bass has been listed as exploited in the last fishery management plan.  Stocking of phase II juvenile striped bass in the CFR has had little influence on restoring the population.  Lack of juvenile striped bass present in the pre-stocking fishery surveys has caused concern among fishery managers.  The lack of juveniles present in surveys could mean that there is some disconnect in recruitment from the larval and juvenile stage to the adult stage.  Poor nursery habitat for juveniles and larval fish could be the cause of this disconnect.  The presence of adults in the population and lack of juveniles suggests that either the entire CFR population of striped bass is of hatchery origin or perhaps juveniles are utilizing habitat that is not being sampled by state agencies.  Otoliths will be collected from striped bass and analyzed using Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) to determine concentrations of trace metals found in the otolith.  Results from water chemistry samples taken throughout the watershed will be compared to results of otolith chemistry to determine areas utilized by striped bass during the juvenile life stage.  Determining areas that are important nursery areas to juveniles will aid fishery managers in effectively managing the CFR population of striped bass.