scholarly journals Seascape connectivity of Gulf sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi population units across the northern Gulf of Mexico

2018 ◽  
Vol 37 ◽  
pp. 195-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
PE Vick ◽  
MS Peterson ◽  
WT Slack

Abstract.<em>—</em>Although most species of anadromous sturgeons worldwide are threatened with extinction, information on the estuarine and marine components of their life history is generally lacking. During March 1997 to July 1999, we used ultrasonic telemetry to examine estuarine and marine habitat use of adult Gulf sturgeon <em>Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi</em> from the Choctawhatchee Bay/River System, Florida. During winter and spring, telemetered Gulf sturgeon were distributed nonrandomly within Choctawhatchee Bay, with most relocations in nearshore areas 2–4 m deep. Within the bay, Gulf sturgeon occasionally moved long distances but usually remained in localized areas (<1 km<sup>2</sup>) for several weeks. Areas where Gulf sturgeon remained for prolonged periods were characterized by sandy substrate harboring a benthic community dominated by crustaceans and annelids. A majority of male Gulf sturgeon remained exclusively in Choctawhatchee Bay during the winter and spring. In contrast, a majority of females during this time were either relocated in the Gulf of Mexico or were absent at sampling locations, having last been detected at bay entrances. Declines in habitat quality in Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico may hinder recovery of this species, since adult Gulf sturgeon rely on these areas for nourishment during periods of gonadal growth.


2009 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 360-374 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen T. Ross ◽  
W. Todd Slack ◽  
Ryan J. Heise ◽  
Mark A. Dugo ◽  
Howard Rogillio ◽  
...  

2005 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 504-508 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert S. Bakal ◽  
Brian H. Hickson ◽  
Brian C. Gilger ◽  
Michael G. Levy ◽  
James R. Flowers ◽  
...  

<em>Abstract.</em>—A 19-year mark–recapture database was used to estimate yearly recruitment of Gulf sturgeon <em>Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi</em> in the Suwannee River, Florida, using a length–age equation derived from known-age fish. Yearly recruitment information was then transformed into a relative year-class strength index, which was analyzed against monthly river flow. Recruitment was positively correlated with high monthly mean flow in September and December. It is postulated that the correlation is the result of increased survival of late-winter estuarine-feeding age-0 juveniles during high-flow years.


2014 ◽  
Vol 71 (9) ◽  
pp. 1407-1417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Merrill B. Rudd ◽  
Robert N.M. Ahrens ◽  
William E. Pine ◽  
Stephania K. Bolden

Understanding mortality rates and movement patterns across a species’ distribution can provide key insight necessary for developing effective conservation, recovery, and management plans. We directly estimated site fidelity and natural mortality rates for the threatened Gulf sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi) across a large portion of their range in the northern Gulf of Mexico using acoustic telemetry methods and a simulation-tested, multistate mark–recapture model. Our results suggest that fidelity rates to riverine habitats used during spring and summer are high, but natural mortality rates vary widely. Our results are highly relevant for managing this species. The high fidelity rates, coupled with supporting genetic analyses, suggest that management of individual riverine populations of Gulf sturgeon should be considered. The need for individual river-based management is exacerbated by the variation in natural mortality rates among rivers. The reasons for these differences in mortality are unclear, but are an important area of future research because higher mortality rates may impede recovery of some Gulf sturgeon populations to stated management targets.


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