Effect of Female Size and Propagation Methods on Larval Production at a South Carolina Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) Hatchery

Abstract

Larval production as a function of female size and hatchery propagation methods was examined for a South Carolina striped bass (Morone saxatilis) hatchery from 1988 to 1990. Female weight was not related to egg size or embryo survival among years or between source rivers of females. However, female weight was strongly related to number of hatched embryos due to its collinearity with fecundity. In 1988 and 1990, the offspring of 14 females contributed to 50% of hatchery production. In 1989, only six females contributed to 50% of larval production. In 1990, changes in propagation methods associated with improved female response to hormone injection resulted in more consistent rates of larval production among broods. While the deleterious effects of inbreeding on striped bass populations remain unknown, results indicate that extensive use of large females by hatcheries in fishery recovery programs could decrease effective population size.