Striper Wars: An American Fish Story

When commercial overfishing sent striped bass populations into free fall in the 1980s, Dick Russell emerged as a key spokesman in a long-shot crusade by dedicated fishermen to save them. “Striper Wars” is Russell’s vibrant account of their thrilling, yet tenuous victory, complete with heroes and villains. In one of nature’s great comebacks, groundbreaking moratoriums allowed the striper population to rebound more than tenfold. Yet today, the striper faces new threats, including a deadly bacterial disease. While perils persist, Dick Russell’s inspiring account offers fundamental lessons about the power of civic action and the necessity of a holistic approach to conservation.