Fish Habitat Workgroup

The STAC Workshop, "Striped Bass Survey Assessment and Habitat Connections," convened February 2025 to investigate the environmental and ecological factors contributing to the low recruitment of striped bass. The workshop aimed to review current survey approaches and identify priority science needs, supporting the management of this marquee sportfish, which is vital to both the recreational fishing industry and commercial harvest along the Atlantic Coast. The workshop focused on exploring research needs, sharing insights and fostering collaboration among participants to support effective management strategies.

View document [PDF, 1.3 MB] Striped Bass Survey Assessment and Habitat Connections

This report presents methods for a pilot assessment of the condition of fish habitats in both the estuarine and inland portions of Chesapeake Bay rivers.

View document [PDF, 7.3 MB] Pilot Framework for Fish Habitat Assessments Across Tidal and Non-Tidal Waters in the Patuxent River Basin

This report is a culmination of close to a decade of research to assess whether the status of forage species found in the Chesapeake Bay can support key predator populations.

View document [PDF, 14.1 MB] Forage Status and Trends Report for the Chesapeake Bay

This report summarizes expert feedback on the potential structure of a pilot framework for fish habitat assessment.

View document [PDF, 13.0 MB] Recommendations for Conducting Fish Habitat Assessments in Tidal Waters of the Chesapeake Bay

This report is the result of efforts to quantify the extent of suitable habitats for four key forage fishes in the Chesapeake Bay.

View document [PDF, 4.4 MB] Forage Fish Habitat Suitability Model Report