HICKORY SHAD
(06/05 NCDMF)

Stock Status – Unknown - Landings increased for 2004, and are the second-highest reported since 1972. Juvenile abundance remains low; however, the current alosid seine survey is not a reliable stand-alone indicator of juvenile abundance for hickory shad. DMF has not conducted any assessment work since 1993.

Average Commercial Landings and Value 1995-2004 -117,167 lbs./$24,194

2004 Commercial Landings and Value - 187,463 lbs./$32,329

Average Recreational Landings 1994-2003 – unknown, 2004- unknown

Average RCGL Landings 2002-2004-- 23,180 lbs., 2004-12,371 lbs.

Status of Fishery Management Plan - The ASMFC Fishery Management Plan for Shad and River Herring was approved in 1985 and Amendment 1 of this plan was approved in October 1998. DMF currently does not have a hickory shad assessment program.

Data/Research Needs - All types of fishery dependent and independent data

Current Regulations (2005) - Harvest season and recreational creel limit

Harvest Season (2005) - The MFC adopted a rule in 1995 establishing a commercial harvest season January 1-April 14; it is unlawful to take hickory shad and American shad by any method except hook-and-line from April 15-December 31, recreational bag limits for hickory (and American) shad of 10 fish- aggregate (hickory and American combined) per person per day.

Size and Age at Maturity – Males: 11.5 inches FL/3 years-4 years; Females: 12.5 inches FL/ 4 years-5 years

Historical Maximum Age - 8 years

Juvenile Abundance Index Average (# of individuals per unit of effort) 1972-2004 - (unvalidated)-0.07, 2004- 0.02

Habits/Habitats--Hickory shad are anadromous, spending the majority of their life in the ocean, returning to fresh water to spawn. Spawning occurs from March - May in the coastal rivers and tributaries. It is thought juvenile hickory shad do not use the same nursery areas as river herring and American shad, but move quickly to more saline waters. Hickory shad will remain in the ocean until reaching sexual maturity, returning to fresh water to spawn.