Satellite Derived Seascapes Predict Occurrence of an Endangered Species in the Coastal Ocean

Matthew Breece, University of Delaware, mwbreece@udel.edu
Dewayne Fox, Delaware State University, dfox@des.edu
Matthew Oliver, University of Delaware, moliver@udel.edu (Presenter)

Estimation and prediction of animal locations is key to reducing anthropogenic impacts and promoting the conservation and recovery of imperiled species. Terrestrial ecologists have relied on partitioning the environment into landscapes to capture complex biogeochemical processes that drive species distributions on land. Distribution models in the marine environment lag behind those derived for terrestrial species and have focused on static features at large spatial and temporal scales. Finer resolution models are needed to accurately estimate and predict migratory species in the heavily utilized coastal ocean. The recent listing of Atlantic Sturgeon as Endangered throughout much of their range in the U.S. has highlighted a need for better estimation and prediction of their occurrence to reduce interactions. Using dynamic seascapes derived from remote sensing reflectance at 443 nm, 555 nm, and sea surface temperature, we partitioned coastal waters of the mid-Atlantic on scales commensurate with the Atlantic Sturgeon spring migration. The seascapes were then matched with presence/absence records of 260-telemetered Atlantic Sturgeon on 156 passive acoustic receivers in the mid-Atlantic to determine seascape selectivity. We found that Atlantic Sturgeon exhibited preference for one particular seascape over other seascapes available in the coastal ocean. Utilizing real-time seascape maps to direct the sampling of a Slocum Electric Glider integrated with acoustic receivers, we resampled similar regions under varying environmental conditions to actively interrogate the seascapes, further establishing the link between a particular seascape and Atlantic Sturgeon locations. Relating individual occurrence, in coastal waters, to a daily updated ocean color product in a seascape type approach enabled us to capture the complex and dynamic processes to which Atlantic Sturgeon respond during their spring migration. Additionally, these seascapes are a readily available product that can be utilized by industry and managers to reduce interactions with this Endangered Species. The development of seascapes with spatial and temporal scales that can resolve marine species migration patterns will unlock many tools that have been available to terrestrial ecologists for decades to conserve and recover our protected species.

Presentation Type:  Poster

Session:  Theme 1: Tracking habitat change through new integrative approaches and products   (Mon 1:30 PM)

Associated Project(s): 

• Oliver, Matt: 3-D Mapping of Ocean Water Masses and Biomes ...details

Poster Location ID: 43