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Efforts to save Florida’s shoal bass population show signs of improvement

Hatchlings released in May have grown to 4-6 inches

Rachel Clarke, Digital Intern

Tags: Florida Fish and Wildlife, Conservation, Shoal Bass, Chipola River, North Florida
Shoal Bass Release - May 2022 Freshwater fisheries researchers and managers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission successfully released 3,300 hatchery-raised shoal bass into the Chipola River on May 10, 2022. 
 In 2018, Hurricane Michael wiped out more than 90 percent of the shoal bass population in the Chipola River – the last genetically pure population of shoal bass in the world.  Shoal bass are one of four of Florida's native black bass species, and these efforts mark the first time genetically pure shoal bass have been raised in an FWC fish hatchery and released. Shoal bass are also a Florida Species of Greatest Conservation Need, which refers to native animals whose populations are of concern and are at risk or declining. By raising and releasing these fish, this can enhance the wild population of shoal bass to help keep the population's genetic purity intact and aid in the long-term conservation of the species. FWC photo (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee)

Shoal bass released by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee in May 2022 are having a significant impact on conservation efforts, according to researchers.

After Hurricane Michael nearly destroyed 90% of the shoal bass population in the Chipola River in 2018, the FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and the Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management released 3,300 genetically pure shoal bass.

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According to a news release, these are hatchery-spawned fish from the Blackwater Fisheries Research and Development Center.

The goal of releasing these hatchlings is to supplement and enhance the species’ population, FWC said.

“The shoal bass population in the Chipola River has become a top priority of fisheries biologists within the northwest region of Florida since Hurricane Michael,” said Andy Strickland, FWRI fisheries biologist

Recent samples in September show the hatchlings have grown to 4 to 6 inches in length and that 65% of the current young fish in the river were from the fish released in the river earlier this year, according to the release.

The Chipola River is home to Florida’s only known reproducing population of shoal bass and FWC biologists said they anticipate stocking additional shoal bass in spring of 2023, with the goal of eventually replenishing the population to pre-Hurricane Michael levels.

“These cooperative management, hatchery and research actions for the conservation of this unique northwest Florida bass species exemplify how effective the FWC’s efforts can be to preserve a species of greatest conservation need,” said Christopher Paxton, DFFM Regional Fisheries Biologist and Administrator.

FWC said they will continue to monitor population levels through DNA analysis and determine whether additional stocking will be needed to contribute to the overall population deficit.

To learn more about FWC’s freshwater fisheries conservation work, click here.

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About the Author

Rachel joined ClickOrlando.com in September 2022.

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