Atlantic Sturgeon Acipenser Oxyrinchus Research Articles

Effect of Feeding Frequency on Growth, Food Conversion Efficiency, and Meal Size of Juvenile Atlantic Sturgeon and Shortnose Sturgeon

We examined the importance of feeding frequency on the growth, conversion efficiency, and meal size of juvenile Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus and shortnose sturgeon A. brevirostrum. Trials by species were completed consecutively after the fish reached 8 months of age. For both trials, 12 tanks were each stocked with five fish. The feed ration was set at 3% of the tank biomass per day and was adjusted weekly according to increases in tank total biomass. Tanks were randomly chosen to be fed one, four, or eight times during each 24-h period. We found differences in specific growth rate (SGR), corrected food conversion efficiencies (CFCE), and meal size among species. Overall, Atlantic sturgeon grew better, ate more, and exhibited greater feeding efficiencies than shortnose sturgeon, regardless of feeding frequency. Atlantic sturgeon exhibited SGRs of 2.3%/d and conversion efficiencies of 100%. Shortnose sturgeon exhibited growth rates of 0.7–1.6%/d and conversion efficiencies of 42–93%. Only shortnose sturgeon fed four times per day (SGR, 1.6%/d; CFCE, 93%) exhibited results similar to those of Atlantic sturgeon. Atlantic sturgeon had similar growth and feeding efficiencies in all feeding frequency regimes. Shortnose sturgeon fed once per day had significantly lower growth rates (0.7%/d) and feeding efficiencies (42%) than those fed four and eight times per day.

Movements and Important Habitats of Subadult Atlantic Sturgeon in Connecticut Waters

From 1984 to 2000, 444 Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus were collected in the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound. Immature Atlantic sturgeon were collected every year from 1988 to 2000 in discrete, deep-water areas in the estuarine portion of the Connecticut River from May through September. These fish were probably Hudson River progeny, as the Connecticut River stock of Atlantic sturgeon is thought to be extirpated. Atlantic sturgeon were also usually found in a few selected areas in Long Island Sound. Most (85%) of the sturgeon collected in Long Island Sound were from mud and transitional bottom habitats in 27−37 m of water in the Central Basin area. Atlantic sturgeon collected in Long Island Sound were generally larger than those seen in the river. Reported recaptures of sturgeon tagged from both of these areas (seven from the Connecticut River, five from Long Island Sound) included fish at large from 1 month to more than 5 years, with coastal movements from New Hampshire to Maryland. We suspect that nonnatal riverine and estuarine habitats are important in the life history of Atlantic sturgeon.

Comparison of mitochondrial DNA control region sequence and microsatellite DNA analyses in estimating population structure and gene flow rates in Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus

Comparison of mitochondrial DNA control region sequence and microsatellite DNA analyses in estimating population structure and gene flow rates in Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus

Impacts of life history and biogeography on the genetic stock structure of Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus, Gulf sturgeon A. oxyrinchus desotoi, and shortnose sturgeon A. brevirostrum

Journal of Applied IchthyologyVolume 18, Issue 4-6 p. 509-518 Impacts of life history and biogeography on the genetic stock structure of Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus, Gulf sturgeon A. oxyrinchus desotoi, and shortnose sturgeon A. brevirostrum J. R. Waldman, J. R. Waldman Hudson River Foundation for Science and Environmental Research, New York, NY, USA; Nelson Institute of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine Tuxedo, NY, USA; Department of Biology, Iona College, New Rochelle, NY, USASearch for more papers by this authorC. Grunwald, C. Grunwald Hudson River Foundation for Science and Environmental Research, New York, NY, USA; Nelson Institute of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine Tuxedo, NY, USA; Department of Biology, Iona College, New Rochelle, NY, USASearch for more papers by this authorJ. Stabile, J. Stabile Hudson River Foundation for Science and Environmental Research, New York, NY, USA; Nelson Institute of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine Tuxedo, NY, USA; Department of Biology, Iona College, New Rochelle, NY, USASearch for more papers by this authorI. Wirgin, I. Wirgin Hudson River Foundation for Science and Environmental Research, New York, NY, USA; Nelson Institute of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine Tuxedo, NY, USA; Department of Biology, Iona College, New Rochelle, NY, USASearch for more papers by this author J. R. Waldman, J. R. Waldman Hudson River Foundation for Science and Environmental Research, New York, NY, USA; Nelson Institute of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine Tuxedo, NY, USA; Department of Biology, Iona College, New Rochelle, NY, USASearch for more papers by this authorC. Grunwald, C. Grunwald Hudson River Foundation for Science and Environmental Research, New York, NY, USA; Nelson Institute of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine Tuxedo, NY, USA; Department of Biology, Iona College, New Rochelle, NY, USASearch for more papers by this authorJ. Stabile, J. Stabile Hudson River Foundation for Science and Environmental Research, New York, NY, USA; Nelson Institute of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine Tuxedo, NY, USA; Department of Biology, Iona College, New Rochelle, NY, USASearch for more papers by this authorI. Wirgin, I. Wirgin Hudson River Foundation for Science and Environmental Research, New York, NY, USA; Nelson Institute of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine Tuxedo, NY, USA; Department of Biology, Iona College, New Rochelle, NY, USASearch for more papers by this author First published: 17 December 2002 https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1439-0426.2002.00361.xCitations: 44AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume18, Issue4-6December 2002Pages 509-518 RelatedInformation

Distribution and movement of shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) in the Chesapeake Bay

During a reward program for Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus), 40 federally endangered shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) were captured and reported by commercial fishers between January 1996 and January 2000 from the Chesapeake Bay. Since this is more than double the number of published records of shortnose sturgeon in the Chesapeake Bay between 1876 and 1995, little information has been available on distributions and movement. We used fishery dependent data collected during the reward program to determine the distribution of shortnose sturgeon in the Chesapeake Bay. Sonically-tagged shortnose sturgeon in the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware River were tracked to determine if individuals swim through the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. Shortnose sturgeon were primarily distributed within the upper Chesapeake Bay. The movements of one individual, tagged within the Chesapeake Bay and later relocated in the canal and Delaware River, indicated that individuals traverse the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal.

The Effect of Rearing Density on Growth, Survival, and Feed Conversion of Juvenile Atlantic Sturgeon

Abstract We investigated the effect of rearing density on the growth and survival of juvenile Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus using initial rearing densities ranging from 10 to 30 fish per tank or 3.6–10.9 kg/m2 of substrate. The mean weight of fish at the start of the trial was 368.7 g. After 7 weeks of rearing, density ranged from 6.5 to 16.3 kg/m2 (14.7–36.6 g/L). Fish reared at the lowest density had significantly higher mean weight and length at the end of the trial. Growth over the 7-week experiment was modeled as a function of time, and growth rate was inversely proportional to density. The mean increase in total biomass was 63.14%, and the mean daily length gain was 0.23%. Overall survival was 99.7%, and calculated feed conversion rates ranged from 1.93 to 2.65. However, feed conversion rates were likely not at maximum levels due to the selection of a relatively high experimental feeding rate (2.5% of body weight per day).

Sensitivity of Juvenile Atlantic Sturgeon to Three Therapeutic Chemicals Used in Aquaculture

Abstract Static tests were performed to determine the acute toxicities of formalin, chloramine-T, and sodium chloride on juvenile Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus (average weight, 2.1 g) in oxygen-saturated dilution water (total hardness, 86.5 mg/L) at 17°C. The concentrations that were lethal to 50% of the test fish over a 96-h period (the 96-h LC50 values) were 31.00 μL/L for formalin, 7.73 mg/L for chloramine-T, and 9.735 g/L for sodium chloride. These findings indicate that the therapeutic concentrations and exposure times that are commonly employed in aquaculture would not be acutely toxic to Atlantic sturgeon.

Habitat Utilization and Biological Characteristics of Adult Atlantic Sturgeon in Two South Carolina Rivers

Thirty-nine adult Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus (136–234 cm total length) were caught in gill nets fished at historical sturgeon-fishing locations in the Combahee and Edisto rivers (South Carolina) during spring and fall 1998. All fish were tagged (with passive integrated transponders and darts), and radio and acoustic transmitters were surgically implanted in 29 fish. When possible, gonad biopsies were taken for sex and maturity-stage determination. Locations of telemetered fish were determined several times per week from airplanes (radio) and boats (radio and acoustic). Nominal ages, based on microscopic examination of pectoral spine cross-sections, ranged from 7 to 20 years. Of the 28 fish for which sex was definitively ascertained, 21 (aged 7–15) were male and 7 (aged 15–20) were female. All fish moved out of the rivers during the period extending from October to November. Twelve fish returned the following spring (most in March), and many took up residence at the same sites utilized the previous year. Fall and spring spawnings were documented based on histological examination of gonad biopsies and directed upriver movements of fish during both seasons. Habitats used during summer were diverse and included the lower and upper estuaries, tidal freshwater, river, and perhaps even the ocean, as some fish left the system entirely. One male was captured in two successive springs and was in spawning condition (running ripe) both years.

Growth and Survival of First-Feeding and Fingerling Atlantic Sturgeon under Culture Conditions

Abstract We performed rearing studies with first-feeding fry and fingerling Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus produced from streamside spawning of wild Hudson River adults. In all, 20,000 larvae were reared in 54-L circular tanks at initial densities of 3.7–29.6 fish/L (0.06–0.52 g/L). At the onset of exogenous feeding, diet treatments included live brine shrimp Artemia sp., frozen brine shrimp, or commercially formulated Biokyowa B-250. At the end of the 26-d study, all treatments but two had survival greater than 93%. Mean specific growth rate (SGR) was inversely proportional to fish density. Fish fed frozen brine shrimp were smaller but had equivalent survival to those fed live brine shrimp. Atlantic sturgeon converted to formulated feed with less than 25% mortality at mean total length and weight of 34.5 mm and 0.18 g in 20–26 d at initial stocking densities of 7.4 fish/L or less. A subsequent study was performed with fingerlings at densities of 0.37–2.22 g/L. These fingerlings were of...

Genetic Structure of Atlantic Sturgeon Populations Based on Mitochondrial DNA Control Region Sequences

Abstract The Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus has a latitudinally broad distribution along the east coast of North America, with extant populations occurring from the Saint Lawrence River to rivers in southern Georgia. This species once supported intensive caviar-based fisheries that resulted in overharvest and sharply reduced population abundances; presently, directed commercial fishing for Atlantic sturgeon is banned in U.S. waters. We sequenced a 203-base-pair section of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region of 322 Atlantic sturgeon specimens from 11 river systems across their range to elucidate their stock structure. We found a pronounced latitudinal cline in the number of composite mtDNA haplotypes and in haplotypic diversity, which increased from north to south, from previously glaciated and subsequently recolonized systems to the portion of their range unglaciated during the Pleistocene. The observed number of haplotypes per population ranged from 1 haplotype in each of the ...

Evidence of Declining Recruitment of Atlantic Sturgeon in the Hudson River

The Hudson River supports one of the largest remaining populations of Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus; however, recent evidence of major declines in recruitment during the past decade suggests that the population may be in jeopardy. The scarcity of juveniles observed in recent years suggests that current levels of recruitment are too low to sustain the population. The primary goal of this study was to attain quantitative data on recruitment rates of juvenile Atlantic sturgeon in the Hudson River. From Jun through Oct 1995, hatchery-reared juveniles, marked and released in 1994, were collected with wild juveniles by randomized gill-net sampling distributed throughout the known distribution of age-1 juveniles. All stocked fish were double-marked with a clipped pelvic fin and an internal coded wire tag. During the sampling period we captured 15 marked and 14 unmarked age-1 Atlantic sturgeon. Using a Petersen mark–recapture population estimator, we calculated that there were 4,314 wild age-1 Atlantic sturgeon in the Hudson River in 1995, a decline of about 80% from the similarly conducted population estimate of 1977. This estimate, along with other current fisheries monitoring data, provides evidence of a substantial decline in recruitment during the past decade.

Effects of Ration and Temperature on Growth of Age-0 Atlantic Sturgeon

Abstract Our objective was to gain insight into the optimum temperature and ration for growth of age-0 Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus in culture. We conducted two trials, each for 8 weeks. Trial 1 started with 60-g fish, trial 2 started with 0.3-g fish. Water temperatures of 15, 17, and 19°C were used separately in each trial. Rations (dry food : wet weight of fish) for 60-g fish were 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% of biomass per day; for 0.3-g fish, rations were 3, 5, and 7% of biomass per day. We set up three tank replicates, of equal fish biomass, at each combination of temperature and ration. The highest growth rate in trial 1 (for 60-g fish) was 0.014/d at 15°C and the 1.5% ration, although this growth rate was not significantly different from the growth rate at 17°C and 1.5% ration or at 17°C and 1.0% ration. The highest growth rate in trial 2 (for 0.3-g fish) was 0.067/d at 19°C and the 7.0% ration. Instantaneous growth at these conditions was significantly different from all other combinations of temp...

A Gastric Lavage Technique for Characterizing Diets of Sturgeons

Abstract Sacrificing sturgeons for diet analyses is not a feasible option because many sturgeon species are protected by laws or management plans that prohibit direct taking. Consequently, basic food habits data are limited for many populations of Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus and shortnose sturgeon A. brevirostrum. A safe and effective method for removing stomach contents from live sturgeons is needed to address this data gap. I describe a method for safely flushing stomach contents from live sturgeons that addresses problems previously encountered with gastric lavage on these fishes. The system was used during the summer of 1996 to obtain stomach contents from shortnose sturgeon and juvenile Atlantic sturgeon in the Hudson River estuary. Identifiable prey items were retrieved from 91% (21 of 23) of juvenile Atlantic sturgeon and 81% (39 of 48) of shortnose sturgeon. More research is needed to test the efficiency of this procedure for removing prey items from sturgeons.

Renewal of Voluntary Feeding by Wild-Caught Atlantic Sturgeon Juveniles in Captivity

Abstract A modification of previously documented force-feeding procedures resulted in the renewal of appetite by several wild-caught juvenile Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus. Four of four fish under controlled laboratory conditions responded positively to this technique within 1 month. These fish exhibited negative mean growth rates of −2.71 g/d before force-feeding and gained an average of 2.61 g/d at 285 d after initiation of force-feeding. Mean lengths, weights, and coefficients of condition (K) also increased after force-feeding. This method may be useful in other situations in which the holding of juveniles or adults is necessary, such as in zoos and public aquaria.

Estimating the Probability That Historical Populations of Fish Species Are Extirpated

Abstract A dilemma fishery managers sometimes face is how to state with reasonable confidence that a rare fish species has been extirpated from a given system. Data on abundance and distribution are typically scarce for rare species and are mostly in the form of incidental observations, such as fisheries bycatch or museum collections. An objective and quantitative method of evaluating the status of a rare fish species in selected systems—one that is based on incidental observations and that could be used to provide a first warning to managers that a species may be extirpated—would be highly desirable. In this paper, we review two methods that use incidental observations for estimating the probability that a species is extirpated, and we demonstrate the methods with available data sets for Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus and Alabama sturgeon Scaphirhynchus suttkusi. Special considerations should be made when applying the methods to data sets for fish species. We recommend against using or combining ...

Food Habits of Atlantic Sturgeon off the Central New Jersey Coast

Abstract Limited information exists on the marine diet of the Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus. We examined the food habits of 275 Atlantic sturgeon (total length, 106–203 cm) caught in the commercial fishery off the coast of New Jersey. Stomachs were provided by fishermen. Significantly more stomachs were empty in the spring than in the fall. Sand and organic debris were a major component in the stomachs (26.3–75.4% by weight). Polycheates were the primary prey group consumed, although the isopod Politolana concharum was the most important individual prey eaten. Mollusks and fish contributed little to the diet. Some prey taxa (i.e., polychaetes, isopods, amphipods) exhibited seasonal variation in importance in the diet of Atlantic sturgeon. Identification of the offshore diet of Atlantic sturgeon is an important step in developing a better understanding of the life history requirements and marine ecology of this species.

Stock Composition of the New York Bight Atlantic Sturgeon Fishery Based on Analysis of Mitochondrial DNA

Abstract One of the few remaining fisheries for Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus takes place during spring and fall in the New York Bight, but no information on the stock composition of this fishery is available. We used data from mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis to estimate the relative contributions of source stocks of Atlantic sturgeon to a New York Bight fishery sample (N = 112) collected in 1993 and 1994. Composite mtDNA haplotype frequencies of source populations were first characterized with five informative restriction enzymes: Bgl I, Msp I, EcoR V, Hinf I, and Hinc II. All St. Lawrence River, Quebec, and St. John River, New Brunswick, specimens had an identical haplotype (genotypic diversity = 0.0); for the purposes of mixed-stock analysis, both populations were pooled as the “Canadian stock.” Genotypic diversity ranged between 0.483 and 0.750 among samples from the Hudson River in New York, the Edisto River in South Carolina, and the Ogeechee, Alt...