Movement patterns of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) in a tidal coastal embayment in New England

Striped bass (Morone saxatilis) are important in commercial and recreational fisheries along the western Atlantic coastline. Although there is a good understanding of their seasonal migration patterns, less is known about the short-term movements of striped bass once they have reached New England coastal embayments during the summer months. Movement patterns were assessed by tagging 35 striped bass (38.5-80.5 cm TL) with acoustic transmitters and tracking them within a fixed array (n = 34 receivers) in Plymouth, Kingston, Duxbury (PKD) Bay, MA. The majority of tagged striped bass took up residency within PKD Bay for the summer months. Large juvenile through sub-adult (21-46 cm) and adult bass (>46 cm) remained residents of PKD Bay for periods of 6-75 days and appear to use the estuary as a vital summer foraging area before emigrating from the bay for their southward migration. Changes in activity space estimates were significant over the course of the season and increased with water temperature. There was a general increase of activity space preceding emigration where presence of striped bass was significantly related to water temperature and photoperiod. Various environmental factors influence striped bass movement, and it is important to understand individual patterns and behavioral ecology to make the most educated management decisions.