A White Paper on 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). Each year priority research areas are identified by the NCRAC IAC and presented in consultation with the Technical Committee to the NCRAC Board of Directors. Concern has emanated among the various NCRAC constituencies that work plans could potentially lose focus over time and not always address the most critical factors limiting the economical and sustainable production of important species in the region. After discussions were held among members of various committees and the Board at its June 1999 meeting, it was decided that a white paper should be developed on hybrid striped bass