Transport and stocking stresses on juvenile striped bass

The effects of harvest, transport , and stocking stress on Juvenile striped bass (Morone saxatilis) stocked into Kentucky Lake were assessed via field observations , laboratory handling, confinement and temperature change tests, and transport simulations. Although the majority of striped bass released into Kentucky Lake survived the stocking trip, an estimated 10%-20% died due to the stocking procedures. Laboratory tests and transport simulations indicated that handling, especially during initial capture, was the most stressful component of the stocking procedure. When combined with handling, confinement and acute temperature change produced cumulative stress effects . The established procedure of transport in 1.0% NaCl solution greatly reduced stress and increased striped bass survival. Reduced handling appeared to further enhance striped bass survival. Recommended striped bass stocking procedures included maintenance of water quality in both rearing ponds and transport tanks, continued addition of salt to transport tanks to reduce the osmotic gradient between fish and water, and the use of less stressful handling methods during fish transfer.