Predation by Striped Bass as a Possible Influence on Population Size of the Atlantic Croaker

Abstract

Recent data collected from the upper Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, and a review of commercial fishery statistics suggests that predation by striped bass on post larvae and juveniles of the Atlantic croaker, during periods of low water temperatures, may be a significant factor influencing the recent decline of the croaker on the northeastern coast of North America. The life history of the croaker, stomach analysis of adult striped bass, and commercial fishery statistics for both species during the period 1930–1965 are discussed in this connection.