Growth of Age-0 Atlantic menhaden (BREVOORTIA TYRANNUS) in Two Tidal Freshwater Tributaries of Chesapeake Bay

Few studies have described growth rates of age-0 Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus). Growth rates from tidal freshwater habitats of the Mattaponi and James Rivers, Virginia in 2009 were described and compared using otolith microstructural analyses. Larval tidal freshwater growth rates were significantly faster in the culturally eutrophic James River when compared to those collected from the Mattaponi River (p-value < 0.001). Elevated primary production within tidal freshwater habitats promotes favorable conditions for larval Atlantic menhaden growth. No differences between river habitats for juvenile growth rates were evident. Comparisons of age-0 growth rates to higher salinity habitats indicate that tidal freshwater habitats should be considered essential habitat for age-0 Atlantic menhaden.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Environmental Studies

Year dc:date.available

2011

Author dc:creator

• Sturke, Peter M.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Gregory C. Garman

• Growth rate
• tidal freshwater
• Atlantic menhaden
• primary productivity
• Brevoortia tyrannus
• Environmental Sciences
• Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Statement dc:rights

• © The Author

Identifier

https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/247

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarscompass.vcu.edu:etd-1246