Striped Bass Decline Threatens $8 Billion Fishery

Striped bass are producing notable catches in several regions: at California’s San Luis Reservoir, anglers landed and released two trophy fish weighing 48 and 40 pounds within two weeks. Along the New Jersey coast, the fall run is underway, with large bass caught near shore and a 49-inch fish released near Manasquan Inlet. The strong local reports contrast with concerns among East Coast anglers and scientists that striped bass populations are declining because of human and environmental pressures, threatening both the fishery and a longstanding fishing tradition.