Young rockfish population grows, but future still bleak for Maryland's state fish

Karl Hille, The Baltimore Sun on Oct 19, 2026

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A slight upturn in young striped bass numbers from last year’s survey isn’t enough for Maryland’s state fish, also known as rockfish, to repopulate, experts say.

Allison Colden, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Maryland executive director, said the fish needs committed action from Atlantic Coast states if its population has any chance to recover.

“Eight consecutive years of poor survey results paint a bleak picture,” Colden said in a statement. “What happens in the Chesapeake Bay is a prediction for striped bass’ future up and down the Atlantic Coast. Roughly 80% of the coastwide striped bass population spawn here in the bay.”

The annual survey, compiled by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, estimates striped bass’ spawning success and ability to survive early life. For the eighth consecutive year, Maryland’s young stripers numbered well below the count needed to sustain a healthy population, according to the survey.

The 2026 juvenile survey for Maryland returned 5.5 fish per sample. This is slightly higher than last year’s index of 4.0, but significantly lower than the state’s long-term average of 10.8. In Virginia, the index was 9.52 fish per sample. This is a bump from last year’s index of 5.12 and slightly higher than the state’s historical average of 7.77.

The bay’s annual juvenile survey essentially predicts how many large, adult striped bass the entire coast can expect to see in the future.

In 2025, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission rejected a proposal to restrict commercial and recreational fishing by 12% despite a staff assessment supporting restrictions.

The CBF is asking the commission again this year to prioritize a coastwide strategy to protect the striped bass population’s future.

Maryland closed striped bass fishing for August this year, when water temperatures were warmer, and the fish were less likely to survive catch and release, according to the CBF.

“We’re encouraged by DNR’s recent seasonal adjustments,” Colden said. “But striped bass need coastwide commitment and action from ASMFC if we want this beloved fish to have any chance to rebound.”

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