Hybrid stripers - Illegal stocking in VA

[Johnsfolly]

Looks like VA does not want the risk for stocking hybrid stripers into lakes that could have an accidental release that would affect striper reproduction. Seems like someone had different ideas.

 

https://dwr.virginia.gov/blog/hybrid-striped-bass-found-in-lake-chesdin-highlights-stocking-regulations/

[BilletHead]

3 minutes ago, Johnsfolly said:

Looks like VA does not want the risk for stocking hybrid stripers into lakes that could have an accidental release that would affect striper reproduction. Seems like someone had different ideas.

 

https://dwr.virginia.gov/blog/hybrid-striped-bass-found-in-lake-chesdin-highlights-stocking-regulations/

            Interesting John. I can see it if there are native runs up the tidal rivers to spawn. The deal is the ones stocked in the land locked lakes are introduced. Is there White bass native that stripers can naturally cross within the system? 

[Johnsfolly]

Just now, BilletHead said:

            Interesting John. I can see it if there are native runs up the tidal rivers to spawn. The deal is the ones stocked in the land locked lakes are introduced. Is there White bass native that stripers can naturally cross within the system? 

The only temperate bass that spawn in those rivers are stripers and white perch. There are no native white bass on this side of the applachian mountains. I have not heard that stripers and white perch have had any hybridization though they spawn in the same rivers and creeks.

[fishinwrench]

2 hours ago, Johnsfolly said:

If hybrids escape from where they are stocked into our tidal rivers, there is the potential for them to backcross with the Chesapeake Bay strain of striped bass, which could pollute the genetic integrity of this valued and treasured fishery

Ya don't say !!!!!  

My goodness, where have we heard of THIS TYPE OF THING before?    🤔 

May I now inquire as to why they don't treasure the genetic integrity of our native White bass?

[jdmidwest]

Our white bass came up the Mississippi from somewhere. Who is to say they did not move up the coast around Florida looking for new waters?

Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers have white bass in them, maybe a Heron stabbed some and dropped them in.  Or migrating waterfowl picked up some eggs on their toes and flicked them off.

[fishinwrench]

31 minutes ago, jdmidwest said:

Or migrating waterfowl picked up some eggs on their toes and flicked them off

I think the old "on the feet of ducks" theory was debunked long ago.    It can happen with amphibians and some aquatic insects.... but not with fish. 

Once the outside of the egg is exposed to open air it hardens, quickly forms a skin over it.....and hatching is impossible.  Duck feet allegedly don't hold enough moisture.   

[tjm]

5 hours ago, Johnsfolly said:

I have not heard that stripers and white perch have had any hybridization though they spawn in the same rivers and creeks.

Apparently they can be crossed and have been https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=778