Movements of Atlantic Sturgeon of the Gulf of Maine Inside and Outside of the Geographically Defined Distinct Population Segment

AbstractIdentification of potential critical habitat, seasonal distributions, and movements within and between river systems is important for protecting the Gulf of Maine (GOM) distinct population segment of Atlantic Sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus. To accomplish these objectives, we captured Atlantic Sturgeon from four GOM rivers (Penobscot, Kennebec system, Saco, and Merrimack) and tagged 144 individuals (83.3–217.4 cm TL) internally with uniquely coded acoustic transmitters. Tagged fish were detected from 2006 to 2014 by primary receiver arrays that were deployed in the four GOM rivers or were detected opportunistically on a secondary group of receivers deployed within the GOM and along the continental shelf. Tagged Atlantic Sturgeon were documented at three spawning areas in the Kennebec system in June and July, including an area that became accessible in 1999 when Edwards Dam was removed. The majority (74%) of tagged fish were detected in the estuaries of the four GOM rivers, primarily in Ma...