Critical Foraging Habitat of Atlantic Sturgeon Based on Feeding Habits, Prey Distribution, and Movement Patterns in the Saco River Estuary, Maine

2017 ◽  
Vol 146 (2) ◽  
pp. 308-317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashleigh J. Novak ◽  
Amy E. Carlson ◽  
Carolyn R. Wheeler ◽  
Gail S. Wippelhauser ◽  
James A. Sulikowski
2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 150-158
Author(s):  
Hee Chan Choi ◽  
Jeong Hyun Cho ◽  
Sung Hoi Huh ◽  
Joo Myun Park

The Sea ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-43
Author(s):  
JEONG BAE KIM ◽  
WON-CHAN LEE ◽  
HYUNG CHUL KIM ◽  
SOKJIN HONG ◽  
KYEONG DONG PARK

<em>Abstract.</em>—Understanding the diel activity of a species can shed light on potential interactions with other species and inform management practices. To understand the diel activity of Northern Snakehead <em>Channa argus</em>, feeding habits and movement patterns were observed. Two hundred seventy-three Northern Snakehead were captured by boat electrofishing during May and June of 2007 and 2008. Their gut contents were extracted and preserved. The level of digestion of each prey item was estimated from fresh (1) to >50% digested (4) or empty (5). Random forest models were used to predict feeding activity based on time of day, tide level, date, water temperature, fish total length, and sex. Diel movement patterns were assessed by implanting Northern Snakehead with radio transmitters and monitoring them every 1.5 h for 24 h in both March and July 2007. Movement rates were compared between March and July and among four daily time periods. Independent variables accounted for only 6% of the variation in feeding activity; however, temporal feeding patterns were apparent. No fresh items were observed in guts between 12:30 and 7:30 am, and the proportion of empty stomachs increased at the end of May coinciding with the onset of spawning. Overall, fish moved greater distances during the July tracking period compared to March. Fish showed a greater propensity to move during daylight hours than at night during the March tracking period. A similar but nonsignificant (<EM>P </EM>> 0.05) pattern was observed in July. Movement and feeding data both indicated greater activity during daylight hours than at night, suggesting that Northern Snakehead is a diurnal species. Based on our preliminary findings, we hypothesize that a) diurnal species are more susceptible than nocturnal species to predation by Northern Snakehead and b) Northern Snakehead are more likely to compete for food with diurnal than nocturnal predators.


2018 ◽  
Vol 75 (12) ◽  
pp. 2354-2363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret M. Whitmore ◽  
Matthew K. Litvak

Juvenile Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) movement and distribution varies seasonally within the lower Saint John River Basin. We use acoustic telemetry to track coarse-scale movement and a network-based approach to develop metrics describing distribution and movement patterns of juvenile Atlantic sturgeon tagged in two rivers, the Saint John and Kennebecasis rivers. We use principal component analysis to develop indices of movement and residency and test for differences among seasons and between fish from each river. Juvenile Atlantic sturgeon exhibit higher residency during summer months compared with winter and spring. Juveniles are primarily concentrated in the brackish waters of the lower river reaches but make movements as far upriver as rkm 88. There was high variation in distribution and movement patterns exhibited by fish tagged in the Kennebecasis River, ranging from single-location occupancy to wide distribution. Three fish left the system during the study, indicating juveniles embark on brief marine excursions. Identifying spatiotemporal distributions of juvenile Atlantic sturgeon in their natal river systems is a crucial step towards identifying critical habitat and informing management decisions for this species.


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