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Striped bass » Farmed striped bass

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Details About Farmed striped bass

farmed striped bass

a.k.a. Morone saxatilis, rockfish, striper, linesides

Health Details

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Eco Details

Even though striped bass are both farmed and wild-caught in an environmentally sustainable manner, Environmental Defense recommends that you eat only farmed striped bass because of high levels of contaminants in wild striped bass. Wild striped bass have recovered from earlier population crashes, and are now at record levels. Farmed hybrid striped bass are raised in ponds and tanks that limit water pollution and spread of disease.

More About Farmed striped bass

Striped bass normally live in coastal waters but spawn in freshwater – although some populations are landlocked in freshwater lakes or rivers. Farmed striped bass are hybrids, a cross between striped bass and white bass. Their broken stripes distinguish them from wild striped bass, which have solid stripes. Wild striped bass can grow to 6 feet (183 cm) in length and may live 30 years.

Commercial Sources

Wild striped bass are native to the freshwater and marine environments of eastern North America. Their range extends from the St. Lawrence River in Canada to the St. Johns River in northern Florida and throughout the northern Gulf of Mexico. Striped bass have been introduced into several countries.

Capture Methods

Striped bass come from coastal fisheries and fish farms. Wild bass are primarily caught with gillnets. Additional types of fishing gear include handlines, pound nets, and bottom trawls. Farmed bass are raised in ponds and tanks.

Note: Farmed striped bass are a hybrid of striped bass and white bass.

Buying & Eating Guide

Flavor and Texture

Striped bass has pink, firm flesh and edible skin. It is a good substitute for milder fish and easy to cook whole or filleted.

Buying Tips

Striped bass is commonly marketed fresh-caught or frozen, whole or in steaks or fillets. Fresh whole fish will have bright red gills and smell sweet.

This guide is produced in collaboration with the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Banner image from "Endangered Ocean" © 2007 Marian Osher.