Species Profiles: Life Histories and Environmental Requirements of Coastal Fishes and Invertebrates (South Atlantic). Striped Bass

Abstract

Abstract : This species profile is one of a series on coastal aquatic organisms of sport, commercial, or ecological importance. The profiles are designed to provide coastal managers, engineers, and biologists with a brief comprehensive sketch of the biological characteristics and environmental requirements of the species and to describe how populations of the species may be expected to react to environmental changes caused by coastal development. Each profile has sections on taxonomy, life history, ecological role, environmental requirements, and economic importance, if applicable. The striped is a wide-ranging and adaptable species having commercial and recreational importance. Stiped bass populations along the South Atlantic coast of the United States are primary endemic and reverine and apparently do not undertake the extensive coastal migrations that are not typical of stocks in the Middle and North Atlantic. Striped bass require waters having suitable flows, salinities, temperatures, and other aspects of habitat quality, which make the species particularly vulnerable to river alterations. Such alterations have eliminated the native Gulf of Mexico striped bass from most of its original range.