A Bayesian multistate approach to evaluate movements of an invasive freshwater estuarine-opportunist

Coastal rivers and estuaries provide habitat migratory corridors for freshwater estuarine-opportunists. We evaluated movement patterns of 61 blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) in the tidal York Rappahannock Virginia, USA with acoustic telemetry from July 2015 to June 2016. To evaluate river-specific movements, we utilized a multistate Cormack–Jolly–Seber (CJS) model within Bayesian framework estimate probabilities detection transition (movement) among established salinity zones (i.e., tidal-fresh (0‰–0.5‰), oligohaline (>0.5‰–5‰), mesohaline (>5‰–18‰)). considered flow as an environmental covariate. Despite high site fidelity zones, some individuals displayed movements into habitats indicative partial migration. Once downstream occurred, probability staying new zone was higher than other zones. In River only, upstream associated below average flow. As increased, remaining increased. Our study shows can move areas elevated salinities that increased may allow them remain these extended durations.