North Central Regional Aquaculture Center

The Status and Needs of Hybrid Striped Bass Aquaculture in the North Central Region

The hybrid striped bass is a cross between the anadromous striped bass Morone saxatilis and the freshwater white bass M. chrysops.  Hybrid striped bass are grown in several states in the North Central Region (NCR), and the group has been designated as high priority by the North Central Regional Aquaculture Center (NCRAC) Industry Advisory Committee (IAC).    After discussions were held among members of various committees and the Board at its June 1999 meeting, it was decided that a white paper, The Status and Needs of Hybrid Striped Bass Aquaculture in the North Central Region, should be developed on hybrid striped bass.  The Board directed that the white paper not be an exhaustive literature review, but rather be a working document that clearly defines the current status of hybrid striped bass aquaculture, the critical factors limiting its economical and sustainable commercial production, and recommendations as to the research agenda that should be considered in future work plans.  It is recognized that this will be a A living document@ in that priorities may change based on new developments, new problems encountered, or other externalities.  Industry participation and peer reviews are critical components of the process.