A University of Maine research team is currently conducting a groundbreaking study on striped bass foraging ecology, marking the first comprehensive assessment of the species’ diet within Maine waters. While the dietary habits of striped bass have been well-documented in southern Atlantic waters, a significant data gap exists regarding what these fish are consuming while they inhabit the Gulf of Maine. This cooperative research project aims to understand how their diet shifts across different ages, sizes, locations, and seasons, ultimately helping scientists understand the flow of energy throughout the local coastal ecosystem.
Recreational anglers are being invited to play a direct role in this science by donating filleted fish racks from legal-sized striped bass, which are currently categorized by Maine regulations as those between 28 and 31 inches in total length. The research team only requires the carcass and internal organs to study the stomach contents and health condition of the fish; anglers keep their fillets for the table. To participate, fishermen simply need to place the filleted rack in a plastic bag with a label indicating the date and the location of the catch. These samples should be kept on ice or frozen before being dropped off at one of several partner locations, including Saco Bay Tackle in Saco, Webhannet River Boatyard in Wells, Fishermens Edge in Edgecomb, the Darling Marine Center in Walpole, or the Maine Department of Marine Resources in West Boothbay Harbor.
Researchers are also utilizing a non-lethal sampling method called ‘gastric lavage’ which is a form of stomach flushing which is conducted in less than 45 seconds. They rely heavily on charter captains and recreational anglers who volunteer their time for their sampling efforts.
This study is particularly timely as the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission works to rebuild striped bass stocks. The data collected from these donations will feed directly into ecosystem-based fisheries management, helping to quantify how many commercially harvested prey species like Atlantic menhaden, herring, and mackerel are being consumed. This information allows managers to make more informed decisions that protect both the predators and their essential prey. Anglers who prefer to arrange a direct pickup or charter captains interested in hosting technicians for non-lethal sampling trips can contact Abby Remick at 401-651-1034 or via email at abrielle.remick@maine.edu.
