Variation in growth rate within and among stocks and families of striped bass

Variation in growth rate within and among stocks and families of striped ba ss Morone saxatilis was evaluated in flow-through tank systems at the Unive rsity of Maryland, College Park, Crane Aquaculture Facility. Effects of sto ck, family, gender, and their interactions were evaluated using a mixed-mod el analysis of variance, and best linear unbiased predictions (BLUP) of fam ily merit were estimated. Significant differences in growth performance amo ng distinct stocks originating from three areas of the Chesapeake Bay (1983 year-class) demonstrate among-stock differences that might be exploited in a selective breeding program for striped bass. Comparisons of growth perfo rmance within and among families (1991, 1992, 1993, and 1995 year-classes) revealed significant family and family x gender effects for the 1992 and 19 93 year-classes. The BLUR estimations of family merit and high within-famil y variance suggest directions for further research in heritability estimati on and selective breeding.