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Identifying
functional relationships between habitat characteristics and
suitability for fishes is necessary for proper management and
conservation. Habitat distribution models can make use of large scale
surveys, such as those conducted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department (TPWD) to examine species-habitat relationships. We use
generalized additive models, a flexible and nonparametric form of
regression, to relate the occurrence of estuarine fishes (including
southern flounder and red drum) to temporal, physicochemical, and
benthic habitat characteristics. Our results indicate that habitat
suitability of a species can be dynamic, with changes in
species-habitat relationships possible within the first year of life.
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In estuarine
seascapes, multiple habitat types are often distributed in close
proximity and the spatial composition and arrangement of habitat
patches combine complementary resources that may be beneficial
to resident species. The ability to characterize how habitat
types are functionally linked and identify processes influencing
patterns of habitat use and connectivity in estuarine fishes is
important to effectively prioritize and conserve the suite of
estuarine habitats most likely to influence the production of
adult fish. The goal of this project is to examine movement and
connectivity of sub-adult red drum and southern flounder at two
spatial scales within a model estuary (Christmas Bay, Texas). We
are utilizing an acoustic positioning system in conjunction with
high-resolution maps of seascapes to obtain information on
movement and habitat linkages at both the habitat scale (meters)
and bay/estuary scale (kilometers) within the Christmas Bay
estuary. Temporal changes (diel, tidal, seasonal) in habitat use
and movement are being examined to identify critical habitats
and the degree of connectivity among habitat patches within an
estuarine seascape.
Dr. Jay R. Rooker Department of Marine Biology
Texas A&M University @ Galveston
1001 Texas Clipper Rd, Galveston, Texas 77554
rookerj@tamug.edu
409-740-4744
Site by Third Coast
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