Environmental Effects on Survival of Eggs, Larvae, and Juveniles of Striped Bass in the Choptank River, Maryland

Abstract Eggs, larvae, and early juveniles of striped bass Morone saxatilis were sampled weekly from 1980 through 1985 in the Choptank River, Maryland. Yearly length-frequency distributions indicated variable survival of eggs and prolarvae (yolk-bearing larvae). Mortality of postlarvae (larvae that had absorbed their yolks) was 5–19%/d and was a decreasing function of larval size. Mortality of early juveniles was relatively low. Year-class success during 1980–1985 was significantly related to minimum water temperature during peak spawning periods and to rainfall during the early postlarval stage. Low water temperature (11–12°C) reduced the survival of eggs and prolarvae. Rainfall apparently depressed postlarval survival by creating acidic, potentially stressful, and toxic conditions.