Changes in local and regional fisheries have been quite noticeable in recent years. This year there seems to be a greater awareness among the general public, prompting much debate and speculation pertaining to the health and sustainability of the fish stocks both locally and coast-wise.
The main thing to consider is that a combination of factors can create a ‘perfect storm’ of variables that can have far reaching effects.
Let’s consider a few factors that can impact our fisheries: weather, water quality and harvesting.
Weather is certainly a culprit in the migration of fish this year, and arguably, can be attributed to changes over the past few years as well. Warming water temperatures and above-average rainfall in the Chesapeake Bay region this year has had significant effects on fishing and the overall aquatic system.
This year, the bay water surface temperature was 85 degrees by the second week of July. That is significantly higher than normal, as we don’t typically see those levels until mid-August. Elevated temperatures, coupled with a heavy influx of fresh water, causes changes in species distribution. As their habitat changes, the fish are often unable to adapt, so they move. This is clearly the case with striped bass.
Warm water holds less dissolved oxygen and it also increases the fish’s metabolism, causing it to need more food for energy. With the shortage of menhaden in Virginia’s bay waters, the stripers are fleeing to the upper bay and into the ocean and its northern tributaries where food is more abundant.
Rainfall has been well above average this spring and summer. We’ve had so much rain, you can almost hear the grass grow! Heavy rainfall can lead to increased nutrient loading. Runoff brings nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus into the bay. This can cause algal blooms, which also deplete oxygen levels and can cause dead zones from ‘red tides.’
Healthy menhaden stocks are essential in removal of excessive algae from the waters. Considering water quality, these are the most important fish in the bay.
Harvesting levels contribute to the rise and fall of fisheries. Size and bag limits have been a tool used to conserve our natural resources over the years. Federal agencies such as Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and state agencies like Virginia Marine Resource Commission (VMRC) need to be more proactive in management to maintain all fish stocks at healthy levels. This applies to both the predatory species as well as the menhaden that feed them.
As numbers become unbalanced and species become harder to find, fishing efforts shift to others. This is evident in commercial gill netting. Bottom fish have become more scarce, so they are heavily targeting Spanish mackerel at this time. It has taken a huge toll on the population of mackerel. It is a delicate balance between all user groups to survive and at the same time preserve the fisheries.
I want to be clear that the fisheries are not dead. We are still catching a variety of fish in the bay and rivers. Fisheries are constantly changing and evolving over time. After all, nature is difficult to understand, and nearly impossible to control. The best we can do is be vigilant in our efforts to preserve our future by keeping balance today. I’m a firm believer that a proactive approach is better than an after-the-fact reactive response.
BLUEFISH are increasing in availability, particularly in Maryland and Lower Potomac waters where bait fish is more abundant. There are fair numbers holding near structure in Virginia waters. They are often found feeding on shiners, so small spoons are the best presentation. SPANISH MACKEREL have been slow to arrive in the local area, but action is beginning to pick up.
Large schools of RED DRUM are rolling through the mid-bay and can be found surface feeding on pods of tiny peanut bunker.
Inshore fishing for SPECKLED TROUT and the smaller PUPPY DRUM is ramping up. Fishing should heat up for these fish later this month and into September.
Good fishing to all, and until next time….Fair winds.
