Coastal movements of Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) in the New York Bight

Atlantic sturgeon were plentiful along the Atlantic seaboard prior to their precipitous decline in the early 20^th century resulting from over harvest.  By utilizing new capture techniques and standardized telemetry equipment, we were able to implant acoustic transmitters into 51 Atlantic sturgeon off the Delaware coast and follow their marine movements in 2009.  Additionally we utilized Atlantic sturgeon (n=38) tagged from other regions (Hudson River, Long Island Sound and North Carolina coast).  Migratory Atlantic sturgeon arrived off the Delaware-Maryland coast in spring (April 4 to May 29) and slowly made their way northward exiting the array by early summer (April 9 to June 29). In the fall Atlantic sturgeon exhibited more directed southerly movements transiting the array in 2 or 3 days in early November.  A large aggregation of telemetered adult and juvenile Atlantic sturgeon was discovered occupying polyhaline marine waters near the mouth of Delaware Bay during the summer.  Atlantic sturgeon were detected much more frequently at receiver locations in state waters (< 3 miles offshore) when compared to waters under federal jurisdiction.  A better understanding of Atlantic sturgeon marine movements will aid managers in developing recovery strategies for Atlantic sturgeon.