Short-term response of subadult white sturgeon to hopper dredge disposal operations

North American Journal of Fisheries Management
By: , and 

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Abstract

The effect of dredged-material disposal operations on the behavior of seven white sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus (50–101 cm fork length) was examined by analysis of the movements and depth use of these fish before, during, and after a series of hopper dredge disposal operations in the lower Columbia River. Analyses of fish locations showed that 12 flow-lane disposal operations within a 24-h period had minimal effect on subadult white sturgeon behavior; six of the seven fish showed slight attraction to the disposal area during disposals, and one fish increased its distance from the disposal area. The core area for all fish combined shifted toward the disposal area during disposals. In the 24 h after completion of the disposal operations the fish core areas shifted back toward those areas occupied before the disposals. The rates of movement, depths used, and diel movement patterns of the white sturgeon showed little change over all periods, suggesting that natural behaviors were not altered during and immediately after hopper dredge disposal operations.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Short-term response of subadult white sturgeon to hopper dredge disposal operations
Series title North American Journal of Fisheries Management
DOI 10.1080/02755947.2010.549033
Volume 31
Issue 1
Year Published 2011
Language English
Publisher Taylor & Francis
Publisher location Philadelphia, PA
Contributing office(s) Western Fisheries Research Center
Description 11 p.
First page 1
Last page 11
Country United States
State Oregon, Washington
Other Geospatial Columbia River
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