Development of Striped Bass Relative Condition Models with Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis and Associated Temperature Corrections

Nutritional condition is a valuable metric in ecosystem-based fisheries management. However, the need for lethal sampling for the most accurate indicators ethically and logistically limits sample sizes. Percent moisture has been recommended for management of Striped Bass Morone saxatilis. We sought to develop bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) models for five size-classes of Striped Bass across three temperatures in a controlled laboratory setting. Results suggest that BIA is an accurate and robust method for estimating percent dry weight in Striped Bass, with model adjusted R-2 values in the range of 0.70-0.89. Temperature correction models successfully removed a significant relationship (P < 0.0001) between temperature and BIA model residuals (P = 0.48). We recommend that these models be tested with independent data collected in a field setting.