Patterns of Hatchery‐Produced Returns of American Shad in the James River, Virginia

American Shad Alosa sapidissima is an anadromous clupeid that once supported a robust fishery but has declined drastically throughout its native range due to overfishing, dam proliferation, and poor water quality. A hatchery program on the James River in Virginia was introduced 1992 support recovery of stocks. Following moratorium enacted 1994, fisheries-independent survey initiated 1998 monitor population efforts status stocks Virginia. This paper examined 22 years monitoring data for determined effect inputs stock Shad. The spawning index increased from 2.57 peak 9.33 2003 generally been declining since at very low levels most recent years. prevalence female (i.e., percentage fish derived hatchery) ranged between 3.6% 60.5%. Years with higher values were significantly correlated percentages returning spawn. stock–recruitment relationship best explained by Ricker model, which had lowest residual standard error Akaike information criterion value. threshold level hatchery-released individuals (approximately 4 million larvae) necessary achieve highest numbers spawners, stocking above 7 larvae returns. Long-term allowed critical examination contribution yearly run relative success rate each year-class. From these data, we consider dependent upon inputs, ideal returns occurring during moderate stocking.