Along Sandy Beach Habitats in Pamlico River, North Carolina

The association of juvenile spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) and red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) with submerged aquatic vegetation is well documented; however, their association with other estuarine habitats including shallow sandy areas is not well understood.  The goal of this project is to evaluate habitat use of juvenile spotted seatrout and red drum along shallow sandy beaches in Pamlico Sound, North Carolina.  The specific objectives were to examine the spatio-temporal distribution of spotted seatrout and red drum.  In addition, to evaluate if there is any correlation in environmental factors that influence distribution patterns.  Juvenile spotted seatrout and red drum were collected with an 18-m beach seine bimonthly at 18 locations along a downstream gradient (Western-most upstream to Eastern-most downstream and closets to Pamlico Sound) in Pamlico River, North Carolina from August through November (2009-2010).  Fish ranged in size from 22 to 405 mm TL.  Spotted seatrout and red drum were most abundant in the central portion of the river, with the most abundant juvenile red drum accruing in October and September for spotted seatrout. Habitat types were characterized by sand, detritus or SAV substrates and with favorable water quality.  Red drum showed more of an association to detritus (66%), than to sand (12%) or SAV (22%) throughout both sampling seasons, while spotted seatrout should a better association to SAV (55%).  Salinity in the East portion of the river near Pamlico Sound was significantly higher (14.3ppt ± 3.1) than the west portion (8.8ppt ± 4.4) heading away from Pamlico Sound (p=.0001).  The results of this study show how a euryhaline environment and substrate could potentially influence fish distribution patterns within a watershed.  The study will also be used to support the development of a fishery management plan for spotted seatrout in North Carolina.