Distribution Patterns of Juvenile Spotted Seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) and Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) Along Shallow Beach Habitats in Pamlico River North Carolina

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

J. Phillip Powers (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Advisor

Anthony (Anthony S.) Overton

Abstract: The association of juvenile spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) and red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) with Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) is well documented. However their association with other estuarine habitats including shallow (non-vegetated) sandy areas is not well understood. The goal of this project was to evaluate habitat use and distribution of juvenile spotted seatrout and red drum along shallow habitats in Pamlico River North Carolina. The specific objectives were: 1) to evaluate the spatiotemporal patterns of juvenile spotted seatrout and red drum distribution; 2) to determine the effect of habitat type (SAV sand and detritus) on growth and mortality; 3) to determine the accuracy and precision in estimating fish age from otoliths with two methods: polishing and oil immersion; and 4) to distinguish how fish community structure (intraspecific and interspecific networks) may affect the presence of juvenile spotted seatrout and red drum distribution in the fish community. Pamlico River was divided into three 21.6-km strata from Fork Point Island westward to the mouth of the Pungo River. The three areas were identified as West Central and East and each contained six fixed stations. Juvenile spotted seatrout and red drum were collected twice a month with an 18-m beach seine from August through November 2009 and 2010. Three substrate samples at each site were also collected once during the second sampling season. All fish were weighed (nearest 0.01 mg) measured (TL SL in mm). Size (TL) ranged from 30 to 160 mm TL for spotted seatrout and from 15 to 65 mm TL for red drum. The West area of Pamlico River had the highest abundance of juvenile spotted seatrout and the Central had the highest abundance of juvenile red drum. Juvenile spotted seatrout hatch dates were most frequent in June while juvenile red drum were most frequent during August. Red drum were mostly associated with detritus (52%) compared to sand (20%) or SAV (28%) whereas spotted seatrout were primarily associated with SAV (57%). Furthermore instantaneous growth of spotted seatrout and red drum did not differ among habitats. Results of this study show how a euryhaline environment and habitat type could potentially influence fish distribution patterns. Results herein will support the development and updating of a fishery management plan for spotted seatrout and red drum in North Carolina. 

Additional Information

Publication

Thesis

Date: 2013

Keywords

Biology, Habitats, North Carolina, Pamlico River (N.C.)

Subjects

Spotted seatrout--Habitat--North Carolina--Pamlico River

Red drum--Habitat--North Carolina--Pamlico River

Fishes--Dispersal--North Carolina--Pamlico River

Aquatic habitats--North Carolina--Pamlico River

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