For these reasons, current large numbers of mature Striped Bass are unable to produce the expected number of young. Acid rain is another factor which effects those young that are produced. Maryland DNR has research that shows a fraction increase in acidity in any river will kill all the young fingerlings. Runoff from farms also contributes to the increased acidity and the destruction of the fingerlings. Since there is no immediate solution to the problems caused by acid rain and runoff, Striped Bass stocks will continue to be in danger for at least the immediate future.
Habitat loss is another important issue.
Over the past two hundred years we have continued to infringe on the wetlands that are the nurseries for Striped Bass. We have also polluted or dammed rivers that are principal spawning grounds. As an example, the Susquehanna River was once a productive spawning area for Striped Bass. The construction of a dam that cut off access by the fish to the spawning grounds has eliminated this river's contribution. Power plants constructed on spawning grounds have intakes that suck in the fry or reduce the waterflow and reduce the productivity of these areas as spawning grounds.