The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has reported continued poor reproductive success for Atlantic striped bass in the Hudson River, based on its annual Juvenile Abundance Index (JAI) survey. According to the DEC, this marks the third consecutive year that reproduction rates have remained low.
“For the third straight year, DEC’s annual juvenile striped bass survey in the Hudson River documented poor striped bass reproduction, heightening concerns about future abundance and long-term management implications for this critical resource,” Commissioner Lefton said. “The most recent findings confirm that it is more important than ever that DEC continue to engage with the interstate management process, as well as with the coastal community of stakeholders, to take a leadership role in responsibly managing the striped bass population over the next decade.”
The 2025 value for DEC’s Hudson River young-of-year index was 8.27 fish per haul. This figure falls below both the long-term average and below the 25th percentile for a third consecutive year. The index is calculated from beach seine surveys conducted at 13 sites along the lower Hudson River between July and November.
In addition to issues observed in New York waters, similar patterns have been seen elsewhere. The Chesapeake Bay has also experienced poor reproduction over seven years. Together, these two estuaries account for about 90 percent of all coastal striped bass populations. Environmental factors such as precipitation, water temperature, and salinity typically influence migratory fish reproduction along the Atlantic Coast; however, what is causing this trend among striped bass remains uncertain.
Due to these concerns and anticipating future challenges for stock management—especially since catchable populations are expected to decline significantly by 2030—the DEC initiated a motion at the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) to form a working group focused on upcoming management needs. This proposal received strong support and will begin discussions during ASMFC’s Winter Meeting on February 5 in Arlington, Virginia.
The working group will review updates needed for goals and objectives within the Striped Bass Interstate Fishery Management Plan ahead of a scheduled stock assessment in 2027. Outcomes from this assessment will inform decisions starting in 2028 regarding how best to manage stocks into the next decade while balancing access with societal and economic interests tied to striped bass fishing.
For further details on regulations or ongoing efforts related to striped bass management, information can be found at DEC’s website.
