Larval green and white sturgeon swimming performance in relation to water-diversion flows

摘要: Little is known of the swimming capacities larval sturgeons, despite global population declines in many species due part to fragmentation their spawning and rearing habitats by man-made water-diversion structures. Larval green (Acipenser medirostris) white sturgeon transmontanus) inhabit highly altered Sacramento–San Joaquin watershed, making them logical examine vulnerability entrainment water flows. The risk influenced ontogeny capacity dispersal timing interactions with structure operations. Therefore, aim this study was describe compare allometry until completion metamorphosis into juveniles. Despite faster growth rates eventual larger size sturgeon, critical velocities remained c onsistently, though modestly, greater than those throughout life stage. Although behavioural structures are also important considerations, regarding capacity, Sacramento– S an sturgeons most vulnerable February–May, when early larvae middle Sacramento River, April–May, upper river. Green migrating downstream estuary bays October–November susceptible movements combined seasonal capacity. An additional inter-species comparison allometric relationship between total length several found world suggests a similar growth. although behaviour differ among river sy stems species, recommendations applicable for managers seeking balance demands restoration conservation worldwide.