Determining marine movement and behavior of the Gulf sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi) in the Gulf of Mexico Gulf sturgeon critical habitat near Eglin Air Force Base, Florida

As a federal agency, Eglin AFB must comply with certain regulations under the Endangered Species Act when testing or training activities, such as underwater explosives, have the potential to impact Gulf stugeon. Very little is known of the ocean movements of Gulf sturgeon. It is in the Air Force’s best interest to determine the presence or absence, general location, and behavior of Gulf sturgeon in the Gulf of Mexico. The objective of this project is to utilize acoustic tracking technology to elucidate Gulf sturgeon behavior in Northwest Florida. The movement of Gulf sturgeon is currently being detected by arrays of stationary data-logging hydrophones (Vemco® VR2Ws). Three arrays of 2 receivers are moored in the Gulf sturgeon critical habitat located in front of critical points of Eglin Air Force Base. This placement will allow the collection of data in areas that are highly utilized by Eglin and relocate impactive missions away from high sturgeon activity. Eighty Vemco® V16 coded transmitters have been implanted by USFWS into Gulf sturgeon in the Choctawhatchee, Escambia, Blackwater, and Yellow rivers.  Last year the Choctawhatchee river system was used to tag Gulf sturgeon. Sturgeons have been tracked from October 2008 till April 2010.