Spatial distribution and long-term movement patterns of cownose rays Rhinoptera bonasus within an estuarine river

Collins, Angela B., Heupel, Michelle R., and Simpfendorfer, Colin A. (2008) Spatial distribution and long-term movement patterns of cownose rays Rhinoptera bonasus within an estuarine river. Estuaries and Coasts, 31 (6). pp. 1174-1183.

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Abstract

Passive acoustic telemetry was used to monitor the movements of cownose rays (Rhinoptera bonasus) within the Caloosahatchee River estuary in Southwest Florida. Twelve rays were tracked within the river between January 2004 and May 2005 for periods up to 234 days. Linear home range was calculated for all individuals and ranged between 0 and 18.4 km (daily) and 1 and 22.3 km (overall). Ray position within the river was compared to changing water quality parameters throughout the study. Although home range size did not increase with increasing salinity, individuals did occur farther upriver with decreasing flow rates and increasing salinity. There were no differences detected between day and night distribution patterns. Movement and presence patterns demonstrated significant use of the estuarine river over all months, indicating that cownose rays in southwest Florida may not undertake long seasonal migrations as established for other parts of their range.

Item ID: 6288
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1559-2731
Keywords: cownose ray; Rhinoptera bonasus; movement patterns; salinity; acoustic telemetry
Date Deposited: 21 Jan 2010 04:08
FoR Codes: 06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0608 Zoology > 060801 Animal Behaviour @ 50%
06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0602 Ecology > 060205 Marine and Estuarine Ecology (incl Marine Ichthyology) @ 50%
SEO Codes: 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9605 Ecosystem Assessment and Management > 960506 Ecosystem Assessment and Management of Fresh, Ground and Surface Water Environments @ 100%
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