MATOS - Mid-Atlantic Acoustic Telemetry Observation System

Project Title: Developing a novel methodology to estimate shortnose sturgeon abundance utilizing acoustic telemetry and side-scan sonar imagery

MATOS Project Code: HRSNS

Data Type: Data

Project Duration: April 2021 - on-going

Project Description: The Hudson River presumably supports the largest population shortnose sturgeon as observed throughout its range based on three population estimates conducted in the 1970's and 1990's. Between these estimates, the population increased quickly, far exceeding ESA recovery criteria. All three estimates were calculated from traditional mark/recapture study designs which require a large amount of effort, are costly, are often biased and have large error associated due to the violation of assumptions. The goal of the study is to integrate high resolution side-scan sonar, acoustic telemetry, and targeted sampling of adults to develop multi-year quantitative population estimates for shortnose sturgeon in the Hudson River. The abundance estimates will be used to help set and track recovery objectives and criteria, a top priority identified by the National Marine Fisheries Service.

Objectives:

determine proportion of spawning adults that utilize the primary overwintering
determine rates immigration/emigration within the primary overwintering area
develop multi-year quantitative population estimates for shortnose sturgeon

Principal Investigator:	Pat Sullivan (Cornell University)
Email:	pjs31@cornell.edu

Point of Contact:	Rich Pendleton (NYSDEC/Cornell University)
Email:	richard.pendleton@dec.ny.gov

Collaborators:

Rich Pendleton (NYSDEC/Cornell)
Amanda Higgs (NYSDEC/Cornell)
Dewayne Fox (Delaware State University)
John Madsen (University of Delaware)
Dave Kazyak (USGS)
Pat Sullivan (Cornell)

Participating Organizations:

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Cornell University
Delaware State University
University of Delaware
USGS

Funding:

Hudson River Foundation
NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program

Hudson River Shortnose Population Estimate