Marine Distribution of Gulf of Mexico Sturgeon; Improved Understanding of NAVSEA Testing Through a Multi-Phase Passive Acoustic Biotelemetry Approach
Abstract
Gulf Sturgeon were ESA listed as threatened in 1991. From spring to fall adults undergo a prolonged period of fasting in river before transiting to marine foraging areas which are linked to reproductive success and key to the recovery of this species. Improving the limited understanding of marine habitat requirements is emphasized in the Gulf Sturgeon Recovery Plan which highlights the need for multi-year tracking studies. These limitations in our understanding of marine habitat use introduces uncertainty in the Biological Assessment required under Section 7 of the ESA. The NSWC Panama City Division Testing Range overlaps with Gulf Sturgeon critical habitat and adjacent areas where they are believed to occur, underscoring the need for information on the spatial temporal patterns of habitat use. This three-year proposal will provide needed information to the US Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) through the use of passive acoustic telemetry and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) allowing for the development of spatial-temporal mechanisms for mitigation. We will employ biotelemetry and oceanographic tools to develop an understanding of sturgeon marine habitat. Broad scale marine occupancy will be monitored via new and existing transmitters combined with an extensive receiver array between Cape San Blas and Santa Rosa Island, FL extending 40km offshore. Using these findings, we will target core habitats areas with telemetry and sonar sensors on UUVs and a finer scale array. This combination will provide a robust understanding of habitat requirements for sturgeon and other telemetered species. Delaware State University (DSU) will support one graduate student (MS) and two undergraduate students through this funding as well as other university sources. As an HBCU, DSU has a proven track record of producing STEM students from underrepresented groups and this expertise will help create an opportunity for a more diverse workforce at NAVSEA.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 02, 2021
- Source ID
- N001742110003
Entities
People
- Dewane Fox
Organizations
- Delaware State University
- United States Navy