Did you know it is estimated that 40-50% of striped bass that die each year from fishing were those caught and released alive?

Fisheries biologists are trying to better understand why some striped bass don’t survive after they’re released, and they need your help. Sign up now for the Striped Bass Citizen Science Project to record data while you fish for stripers this fall. Your data makes this research possible and in return you will be entered to win monthly raffle prizes. The project will run until the end of the year.

While this project is led by biologists in Massachusetts, participation from New Jersey anglers will help provide a coastwide view into release mortality factors as they may vary up and down the coast.

If you're interested in joining the project as a volunteer angler, the first step is signing up through our online form. Each participant will be given a datasheets and instructions when they sign up. You'll also need three simple tools you might already have lying around. All you need to participate in the program is:

• A stopwatch—a wristwatch or smartphone can be used to record fight and release times (saying “hey siri, open stopwatch!” makes it easy on an iPhone). You can also buy a regular stopwatch at any sporting goods store.
• A thermometer—most fish-finders already have a built-in thermometer for recording water temperature, if you’re fishing from a boat. Your car probably will tell you the air temperature on the way to and from fishing. You can also buy a simple handheld thermometer from any kitchen store.
• A tape measure—most anglers probably keep one of these handy, but any kind of tape measure will do. Sometimes it is easier to note the fish length against your fishing rod, and then measure that length after release.

After sending in your first report, we'll mail you a pair of aluminum fishing pliers as a thank-you gift. Continued participation will keep you entered into regular raffle drawings for Shimano rod and reel combos!

Have questions? Email us at striper@mass.gov or call (978) 282-0308.