Habitat Utilization and Biological Characteristics of Adult Atlantic Sturgeon in Two South Carolina Rivers

Abstract Thirty-nine adult Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus (136–234 cm total length) were caught in gill nets fished at historical sturgeon-fishing locations in the Combahee and Edisto rivers (South Carolina) during spring and fall 1998. All fish were tagged (with passive integrated transponders and darts), and radio and acoustic transmitters were surgically implanted in 29 fish. When possible, gonad biopsies were taken for sex and maturity-stage determination. Locations of telemetered fish were determined several times per week from airplanes (radio) and boats (radio and acoustic). Nominal ages, based on microscopic examination of pectoral spine cross-sections, ranged from 7 to 20 years. Of the 28 fish for which sex was definitively ascertained, 21 (aged 7–15) were male and 7 (aged 15–20) were female. All fish moved out of the rivers during the period extending from October to November. Twelve fish returned the following spring (most in March), and many took up residence at the same sit...