Large- and small-scale movement and distribution of acoustically tagged lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) in eastern Lake Erie

Abstract Background Defining the spatial distribution, home range, and movement patterns of lake sturgeon ( Acipenser fulvescens ) is important to managers decision-makers given large migration potential potamodromous behavior exhibited by species. A remnant population remains in far eastern basin Lake Erie although recent efforts have estimated size, described age identified a primary spawning site no study date has examined distribution or movements individuals within this population. Between 2014 2018, we acoustically tagged 59 adult sturgeon, captured Buffalo Harbor area, monitored their large-scale throughout with Great Lakes Acoustic Telemetry System small-scale Vemco Positioning area. After dividing into seven sections, ran multi-state mark–recapture model examine rates out most section lake. Within heavily utilized section, ranges our for each season year using averaged Brownian bridge models. Results Although some demonstrated movements, traversing entirety Erie, majority spent time Home appeared vary among seasons, but were consistent across years selecting northeastern, rocky, shallow area array during pre-spawning seasons leaving array, trough running along northwestern portion comprising sand bedrock, summer fall seasons. Conclusions Documenting these aligns previous findings that on either end are genetically similar demonstrates exhibit strong philopatry. Our models provide reference points, form utilization distributions, indicating used areas Future studies should what parameters driving selection areas.