The development of a commercial striped bass (Morone saxatilis) aquaculture industry represents a significant opportunity to strengthen the domestic seafood supply, reduce dependence on imports, and support economic growth in both coastal and inland communities. Striped bass is a high-value, white-fleshed finfish that meets strong consumer demand and can thrive in both freshwater and marine systems. Despite decades of biological and technical research, large-scale production remains limited by two primary bottlenecks: reliable intensive larval rearing and consistent, year-round juvenile production.
The NOAA Sea Grant StriperHub program, established in 2020, integrates research, extension, and industry collaboration to advance striped bass aquaculture commercialization. This project expands StriperHub to the Great Lakes and North Central regions through partnership with Ohio and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, joining existing Sea Grant collaborators in North Carolina, Maryland, New York, and New Hampshire. Four objectives guide the project: (1) design and establish indoor larval rearing facilities for off-season juvenile production; (2) develop and evaluate novel larviculture technologies; (3) establish photothermal conditioning and “pace-setting” spawning protocols for off-season broodstock management; and (4) conduct economic analyses and seedstock distribution to support commercial hatchery development.
Integration of these advances will enable year-round seedstock availability, expand producer participation, and demonstrate the commercial viability of striped bass aquaculture in the United States. The project directly supports NOAA and Sea Grant priorities by promoting sustainable aquaculture, accelerating technology transfer, and enhancing the resilience of the U.S. seafood supply chain.
Results of phase shifting and out of season spawning, larval rearing trials and analyses of the economics of hatchery production will be presented.