Population Characteristics

The aim of this project is to characterize long-term population characteristics of Striped Bass in Nova Scotia.

This work is done at an individual fish level using field sampling, fish tagging, and catch logs. Fish are sampled for biological information such as length, and date, time and location of capture. A scale sample is taken for genetic analysis, and additional information such as number of anglers in the area, water temperature, and other environmental information is recorded. The main tool for field work is fish tagging. If a fish is of suitable size and is healthy, we apply a dart tag with an individual fish identification number (ID). Additional fish catch records and scale samples are continually being collected through our Striped AmBASSador program and these contribute hugely to this research.

Fish tag reporting can be done via email to stripedbass@acadiau.ca. Eventually all fish catch information, tag reports, etc. will be done through www.trackmyfish.ca. Go check it out!

Lita O'Halloran (litaohalloran@acadiau.ca) is the lead researcher on this project. Her Masters thesis is on population demographics of Striped Bass, and Integrated Population Modeling (IPM). Basically, she is continuing to tag fish, and collect fish catch records and tag reports from anglers and commercial fishers.

Objectives

1. Estimate population size of Striped Bass using a Capture-Mark-Recapture (CMR) analysis.

2. Characterize and quantify population demographics such as size distributions, run timing, and mortalities.

3. Characterize large scale movement patterns in the Minas Basin.

4. Characterize mixing patterns of Canadian and USA Striped Bass in Minas Basin/Bay of Fundy (see Population Structure).

5. Develop an IPM for Striped Bass using catch records, and tag returns submitted/collected from fixed monitoring sites (e.g. weirs) and mobile recreational anglers.

Methods

1. Catch Striped Bass in commercial fishing weirs or by angling, or through the help of Citizen Scientists (volunteer recreational anglers).

2. Record total length of each fish, along with date, time, and location of fishing event and other information.

3. Collect Striped Bass scales or tissue samples for DNA analysis.

4. Tag each fish with a uniquely coded external dart tag.

5. Return all fish to the water in good condition.

6. Attend and participate in Striped Bass fishing derbies in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to promote our Striped AmBASSador program, solicit commercial fishers and anglers to participate in reporting tagged fish and the fish they catch (or not) during fishing trips, and conduct various outreach and awareness events at community events.

Results

Future Work

The tagging data will be included in the online fish tagging database found at www.trackmyfish.ca. More Striped Bass will be tagged in 2017, and the data continues to be analyzed.