Discrete choice modeling of shovelnose sturgeon habitat selection in the Lower Missouri River

摘要: Summary Substantive changes to physical habitat in the Lower Missouri River, resulting from intensive management, have been implicated decline of pallid (Scaphirhynchus albus) and shovelnose (S. platorynchus) sturgeon. To aid rehabilitation efforts, we evaluated selection gravid, female sturgeon during spawning season two sections (lower upper) River 2005 upper section 2007. We fit discrete choice models within an information theoretic framework identify means variability three components habitat. Characterizing divisions around fish better explained than values at locations. In general, were negatively associated with mean velocity between them bank positively surrounding depths. For example, 2005, a 0.5 m s−1 decrease 10 m direction increased relative probability 70%. also selected sites structure depth (e.g., change relief). Differences years, which are reinforced by validation rates, suggest that due geomorphology, hydrology, their interactions over time need be addressed when evaluating selection. Because importance depths, these results support emphasis on restoring channel complexity as objective restoration for River.