Abstract Mark-recapture models can be useful for estimating vital rates of harvested fish populations. However, complex life history characteristics of the tagged population and attributes of associated fisheries can challenge the assumptions of mark-recapture models. We extended the instantaneous rates mark-recapture modeling framework to incorporate multi-stock dynamics, spatial and temporal variability, and the inclusion of catch-and-release fishing for analysis of 31 years (1990–2020) of Atlantic striped bass, Morone saxatilis, tag recovery data collected from a coastwide coordinated tagging program. The subannual model simultaneously estimates fleet-specific selectivity, annual commercial reporting rate, recreational catchability and annual adjustments for catch-and-release behaviors, instantaneous natural and fishing mortality rates, and age-based occupancy probabilities. Additionally, a time series of decreasing recreational tag reporting rates, mirroring patterns in angler behavior, was externally estimated and supplied to the model. The estimated natural mortality of striped bass in Chesapeake Bay, a main producer area for the species, increased over time and with age, but was relatively stable elsewhere. Estimated fishing mortality rates displayed substantial differences among fleet, disposition (fish or tag mortality), and region. Estimated producer area-, time-, and age-based occupancy probabilities indicated that fish from the Chesapeake Bay producer area were most likely to inhabit the Chesapeake Bay, with increasing probability to be found outside the estuary with age during the non-spawning time step. Estimated occupancy probabilities also provided evidence of juvenile striped bass movement between the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware River.
Schonfeld et al. (Sat,) studied this question.