Regional-scale variability in the movement ecology of marine fishes revealed by an integrative acoustic tracking network

Marine fish movement plays a critical role in ecosystem functioning and is increasingly studied with acoustic telemetry. Traditionally, this research has focused on single species small spatial scales. However, integrated tracking networks, such as the Integrated Tracking of Aquatic Animals Gulf Mexico (iTAG) network, are building capacity to monitor multiple over larger We conducted synthesis passive monitoring data for 29 (889 transmitters), ranging from large top predators consumers, monitored along west coast Florida, USA, 3 yr (2016-2018). Space use was highly variable, some groups using all areas others only area where they were tagged. The most extensive space found Atlantic tarpon Megalops atlanticus bull sharks Carcharhinus leucas . Individual detection patterns clustered into 4 groups, occasionally detected long-distance movers frequently juvenile or adult residents. Synchronized, alongshore, movements tarpon, cobia Rachycentron canadum , several elasmobranch species. These predominantly northbound spring southbound fall. Detections highest summer, except nearshore Tampa Bay detections occurred fall, coinciding red drum Sciaenops ocellatus spawning aggregations. discuss future collaborative telemetry research, including current limitations potential solutions maximize its impact understanding ecology, conducting monitoring, supporting fisheries management.