Type locality, New York (Ref. 79012). Introduced into Pacific coast drainages and freshwater impoundments far inland (Ref. 5723). Uncommon south of Monterey Bay (Ref. 11545) and north of Coos, Bay, Oregon (Ref. 6885). Most stocks on the east coast are reserved for recreational fishing; little interest for consumption on the west coast (Ref. 9988). Present inshore north of Cape Hatteras (East Coast) (Ref. 37512). A popular fish sold in live fish markets. Found in 2 out of 6 live fish markets near the Lakes Erie and Ontario (Ref. 53249). Fairly common, but less so than before due to pollution of major spawning grounds (Ref. 86798). Hybridized with Morone chrysops. The hybrids known as "wipers" are common where Morone saxatilis have been introduced (Ref. 86798). Also Ref. 1998, 6885, 10294, 37512.

Status of threat: 1). Gulf of Mexico populations: vulnerable. Criteria: 1,4; 2). Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence population: threatened. Criteria: 1; 3). St. Lawrence Estuary population: possibly extinct. Criteria: 1 (http://fisc.er.usgs.gov/afs/) (Ref. 81264).