Seasonal Distribution of Black Sea Bass, Centropristis striata, in the Mid-Atlantic Bight with Comments on the Ecology and Fisheries of the Species

Abstract

Abstract Black sea bass in the Middle Atlantic Bight spawn in the summer, at depths of 18 to 45 m, primarily from Virginia to Montauk, Long Island. Young of the year become demersal at 13–24 mm total length and enter estuarine nursery grounds. In fall black sea bass migrate south and offshore to the Chesapeake Bight where the entire population spends the winter. Larger and older fish move offshore sooner than do young of the year and winter in deeper water (73–165 m). Black sea bass may tolerate temperatures as low as 6 C but are captured in larger numbers and more frequently in waters 9 C and above. In the spring sea bass migrate inshore and to the north; adults to their coastal spawning areas, juveniles to estuarine nursery areas (including lower Chesapeake Bay). In recent years, the commercial catch per effort of sea bass has dropped and the fishery lands fewer large and medium size fish. Concurrently domestic trawling effort has decreased somewhat whereas effort by the recreational, foreign trawl, and...