Development of Age Determination Methods, Life History/Population Dynamics Information, and Yield-per-Recruit Simulation Modeling to Evaluate the Potential for Growth and Recruitment Overfishing of weakfish, Cynoscion regali, in the Chesapeake Bay

The weakfish, Cynoscion regalis, supports large recreational fisheries in the Chesapeake Bay region, where it has historically shown large fluctuations in abundance. Although many studies have been conducted on this species in this region over the last 50 years or more, directed studies commencing at least as early as Nesbit (1954) and Massmann et al. (1958), little information has existed to support yield modeling and wise management. The present study was undertaken to provide basic life history/population dynamics information and yield modeling needed to wisely manage this species in the Chesapeake Bay region, and to evaluate the role that fishing plays in their fluctuations. Accordingly, the basic objectives of the present study were threefold: 1) To develop validated methods of age determination required to conduct basic life history/population dynamics studies, 2) To develop basic life history/population dynamics information required to conduct yield modeling and to provide a background against which modeling can be interpreted, and 3) To conduct, as feasible, yield-per-recruit and eggsper- recruit modeling needed to evaluate growth overfishing, recruitment potential, and to provide advice for wise management