Sequence capture analysis determines spatial and temporal stock contributions to a mixed coastal anadromous fishery.

Abstract

Employing a citizen science model of partnerships with recreational and commercial fishers, we collected 5298 fin-clip samples of striped bass Morone saxatilis over a 2-year period and a broad geographic area that encompassed a majority of the species migratory range. Using genetic stock identification with a sequence capture approach, we determined that the Chesapeake Bay was the major contributor (80%-88% proportional contributions) to the mixed coastal M. saxatilis fishery, in all seasons, in US northwest Atlantic waters from coastal southern Maine to the New York Bight. The Hudson River was the only other substantial contributor (10%-18%), and the Roanoke River contributed <2%. These patterns were consistent across years (2018-2019), seasons (spring, summer and fall) and maturity status of the fish. Our findings show the power of an efficient, affordable genomic tool and collaboration with an enthusiastic fishing community to inform management of a recreationally valuable fishery.