Striped Bass tagging in PEI

Abundance of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) in the SGSL is high compared to recent historical levels (DFO 2020). The goal of this study is to increase our understanding of striped bass movements and overwintering behaviour in PEI estuaries and within the Southern Gulf. Twenty-one Striped bass (>50 cm TL) caught as bycatch in the commercial gaspereau (Alosa pseudohangengus) were implanted with acoustic transmitters in May-June of 2021.

All fish were anesthetized prior to surgery and were allowed to fully recovery before being released at the point of capture. Six VR2W acoustic receivers were deployed the length of the Hillsborough river to monitor bass movements within the system. Preliminary results indicated that the majority of tagged fish left the system over the summer months (July-August) but some individuals remained as late as October.

Three fish were captured by anglers and tags were recovered. Many fish were detected by receivers in NS and NB over subsequent months indicating movement to known spawning grounds, consistent with known striped bass behaviour.