Using acoustic telemetry to assess patterns in the seasonal residency of the Atlantic stingray Dasyatis sabina

摘要: The Atlantic stingray Dasyatis sabina is found along the and Gulf coasts of United States. It consumes commercially important shrimp crabs, its diet overlaps with recreationally valuable red drum Sciaenops ocellatus pompano Trachinotus spp. Despite potential economic impact this species, it unclear whether present year-round or only seasonally in coastal habitats. objective study was to assess seasonal residency patterns stingrays two creek systems Savannah River estuary. Forty were tracked using acoustic telemetry, a residence index calculated for each individual. estuary, as 15 % (n = 6) tagged rays remained areas throughout year. This northernmost region where species has been documented be all Of 85 34) that migrated during winter, 38 13) those detected within estuary less than 20 km away. Had trawls mark-recapture used instead, few animals remaining and/or may not have collected. Acoustic telemetry more accurate means studying fishes periodic sampling requires capture, researchers should consider incorporating technology future studies about fish-environment interactions. Underestimating presence could result miscalculation ecological and, by extension, implementation ineffective even detrimental management strategies.