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TUESDAY, APRIL 4, 2006
Topic: Investigating sturgeon distribution, abundance and habitat in the Penobscot River
Authors: S. Fernandes1, M. Kinnison2, G. Zydlewski3, J. Zydlewski4
1Ecology and Environmental Science, University of Maine;
2Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maine;
3School of Marine Sciences, University of Maine;
4USGS, Maine Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Historically, both Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon occurred in the Penobscot River, Maine. The current status of both species’ populations in the Penobscot River is unknown yet is vital to determine since shortnose sturgeon were listed as endangered (under the Endangered Species Act - ESA) in 1967 and there is a petition to list Atlantic sturgeon. A significant component of the listing process under the ESA is to determine the current status of the species throughout their range, including regions where they may have existed historically or have the potential to be restored, e.g. the Penobscot River. The goal of this study is to assess the distribution, abundance and movements of adult and sub-adult Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon in the Penobscot River. Because there is little recent information on species presence our first step will be to construct a map of the substrate types in the lower Penobscot River (with help from Joseph Kelley of the University’s Department of Geological Sciences and School of Marine Sciences). Interpretations of side-scan sonar data will be used to classify substrate types and create a GIS map that may be used in conjunction with sturgeon Habitat Suitability Indices to determine our initial capture locations and later determine habitat use of relocated tagged fish. This spring we will conduct daily samples for sturgeon using multifilament nylon gillnets set on the bottom of the river in likely habitat. When fish are captured we will record their length, weight, mouth width, interorbital width, perform an endoscopic examination to assess their sex and reproductive maturity. We will also take a small piece of fin tissue for genetic analysis, implant them with an external numeric tag and internal 124 kHz PIT-tag, and take photographs of dorsal and ventral views. A small muscle or scute biopsy may be taken for future elemental or contaminant analysis. A subsample of individuals will be tagged with ultrasonic transmitters and movement patterns will be determined with active tracking and detection on the acoustic array managed by the NOAA Downeast Field Office, University of Maine, and USGS Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. Our results will provide management agencies with a better idea of the status of Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon in a portion of their known range that could make significant contributions to the larger population.
Speaker: Stephen J. Fernandes
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor of Science, Biology, University of Rhode Island, 2003
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
- Fisheries Technician at the Rhode Island Department of Fish and Wildlife (1 year).
- Scientific Technician at the University of Maine involved in fisheries-related research (2 years)
- Currently: Masters Graduate student in the University of Maine’s Ecology & Environmental Sciences Program.
Contact: Stephen Fernandes ph: 207-581-2591 fax: 207-581-2537 Email: stephen.fernandes@umit.maine.edu
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