Science Serving Maryland's Coasts

R/F-90

Evaluating and improving larval stocking as a method to restore american shad in Chesapeake Bay

Principal Investigator: 

Edward D. Houde

Start/End Year: 

2000 to 2004

Institution: 

Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

Co-Principal investigator: 

Steven P. Minkkinen, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Mariculture, Estuarine and Marine Hatcheries

Topic(s): 

Description: 

Stocked larvae of American shad contribute to adult stock in a restoration effort being conducted in Chesapeake Bay, but environmental conditions that optimize larval stocking procedures were unevaluated. For this research, larvae were stocked into the Patuxent River during 2000 and 2001 at prescribed locations and dates to determine preferred conditions that maximize growth, survival and interactions with other ichthyoplankton species. Recommended stocking strategies for resource management agencies will result from the research.

Related Publications:

Campfield, PA; Houde, ED. 2011. Ichthyoplankton community structure and comparative trophodynamics in an estuarine transition zone. Fishery Bulletin 109(1):1-19. UM-SG-RS-2011-04.