This proposal describes a continuing study to estimate the relative abundance and assess the stock structure and status of american shad (alosa sapidissima) and river herring (a. Pseudoharengus, and…

This federal Formula Grant award from the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Region 5 under the Sport Fish Restoration program (CFDA 15.605) provides $300,787 to the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) to conduct a continuing study to estimate the relative abundance and assess the stock structure and status of American shad and river herring in the Chesapeake Bay region of Virginia.

The key products and services to be delivered under this grant include: 1) monitoring catch rates of American shad during the spawning run in the James, York, and Rappahannock Rivers, 2) describing the biological attributes of the American shad catch, 3) surveying for river herring in the Chickahominy and Rappahannock Rivers and monitoring catch rates, 4) characterizing the bycatch of recreationally important species, and 5) monitoring the commercial bycatch allowance for American shad. This research will provide critical information to support the management of these important fisheries along the Atlantic coast.

This proposal describes a continuing study to estimate the relative abundance and assess the stock structure and status of american shad (alosa sapidissima) and river herring (a. Pseudoharengus, and a. Aestivalis) stocks in virginia by monitoring the spawning runs of these fishes in the three major tributaries of the chesapeake BAY in virginia in spring 2025 and contributing to coast-w IDE assessments. Biological data and abundance of hickory shad (a. Mediocris) will also be collected and analyzed to initiate data collection on this species, and provided to the asmfc. Specific objectives are: 1) monitor catch rates of american shad during the spawning run using gill nets set in the james, york and rappahannock rivers 2) describe the biological attributes (size, age composition, SEX ratio, spawning history, reproductive status) of the catch of american shad. 3) provide information useful for management of the american shad stocks. 4) characterize the bycatch of recreationally important species in staked gill nets and, for striped bass, determine the fraction of the catch that was dead at the time the nets were hauled. 5) survey for river herring in the chickahominy and rappahannock rivers using anchor gill nets, and monitor the catch rates of river herring during the spawning run. 6) describe the biological attributes (size, age composition, SEX ratio, spawning history, and reproductive status) of the catch of river herring. 7) provide information useful for management of river herring. 8) monitor bycatch and stock composition of american shad and river herring in pound nets in the rappahannock river and the main stem of the chesapeake BAY. 9) monitor the commercial bycatch allowance for american shad taken in gill nets in the james, york and rappahannock rivers by purchasing catch from commercial fishers with permits to sell shad determine catch rates, and biological characteristics of thesesamples.10) conduct analyses to evaluate the feasibility of developing a sustainable fishing plan for river herring for a limited fishery on the chickahominy river. 11) further evaluate and correlate the catches of american shad between anchored and staked gill nets in the james and rappahannock rivers. 12) collect data and conduct analyses on hickory shad, describe the biological characteristics of this species in the rappahanock and chickahominy rivers, and calculate an abundance index for the species due to increasing concern by constituents regarding the status and management of this alosine species.