Evaluating Spatially Explicit Bioenergetic Model Predictions of Striped Bass Habitat Use with Acoustic Telemetry

Conceptual and bioenergetic models predict seasonal reduction in quality and quantity of habitat for striped bass in Chesapeake Bay due to high temperature and hypoxia.  We tested these predictions using acoustic telemetry and 3-dimensional water quality modeling in the Patuxent River sub-estuary of the bay.  As predicted, striped bass avoided hypoxic (dissolved oxygen ≤3.5 mg/L) subpycnocline waters and high temperatures (>28°C).  Growth rate potential, calculated from bioenergetic models, also showed a decline in the warmest months when hypoxia was most severe.  Selection for habitats with the highest growth rate potential occurred in most instances, although several noteworthy exceptions were observed.  Heterogeneous distribution of prey likely explained these discrepancies, but individuals also showed site fidelity despite the presence of higher quality habitats nearby.  In light of long-term trends in water temperature and the severity of hypoxia, better knowledge of habitat selection behavior supports current efforts to develop useful ecosystem indicators for striped bass management in estuarine systems.