History of Hybrid Striped Bass


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Researchers developed hybrid striped bass in the mid-1960's. The cross proved to be easier to raise, grew faster, survived better and was hardier than the striped bass. Many state fish and game agencies began producing hybrid striped bass to stock in reservoirs and now can be found all through the south and south east. Interest in the Hybrid Striped Bass as foodfish began to emerge in the late 1970's.(1) Around 1987, a project funded by the National Coastal Resources Research and Development Institute in North Carolina demonstrated that commercial production of the Hybrid Striped Bass in ponds was viable and profitable. The first harvest was sold in 1988/1989.(3) Its popularity has continued to rise with production in 2002 reaching almost 10,500,000 pounds. Production of hybrid striped bass for foodfish now can be found in many states including Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Texas, California, and Pennsylvania. 

Almost half of the production in 2002, of Hybrid Striped Bass, was west of the Mississippi River(mainly California). East of the Mississippi, three states, South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia, contributed almost 2.7 million pounds to the nation's production. Hybrid Striped Bass have been raised in ponds, tanks and cages. Pond culture has continually increased since the late 1980's and by 2002, 57 percent of Hybrid Striped Bass were raised in ponds and 43 percent were raised in tanks according to a survey done by Kent Sea Tech Corporation.(2).

   1. Carlberg, J. and J. Van Olst.2002. U.S. Production and Hybrid Striped Bass Production (1987-2002).PowerPoint Presentation. Kent SeaTech Corporation.
   2. Kohler C.C. 2000. Striped Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass Culture. page 899 In: Encyclopedia of Aquaculture. (R.R. Stickney, editor).  John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York.
   3. Hodson, R.C. 1995. Farming a New Fish:Hybrid Striped Bass. North Carolina Sea Grant Publication.