Movement patterns of juvenile green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris) in the San Francisco Bay Estuary

Abstract Little is known about the distribution and ecology of juvenile green sturgeon throughout their range specifically within California’s Central Valley San Francisco Bay Estuary. The objective our study was to identify rearing movement patterns interaction with Delta habitats. Acoustic biotelemetry used record movements residence different regions this highly modified watershed. We document a diversity exhibited by 31 acoustically tagged monitored over 9-month period. either (1) remained in or moved (2) into Carquinez Straits, (3) Pablo Bay, (4) but returned Delta, (5) through estuary likely left mouth bay, (6) only return later. Spatiotemporal habitat quality varies between Variation water year hydrologic connectivity are influence quantity, behaviors may be differentially optimized for fitness response environmental variation. Our results provide initial evidence supporting multiple behavioral broad use regional habitats California Valley. This apparent observed ensure long-term success all population segments time an extremely variable environment, ultimately overall stability (i.e., portfolio effect). Enhanced conservation efforts needed protect they rely upon.