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Biology and Conservation of the European SturgeonAcipenser sturioL. 1758 pp 153–163Cite as

Habitat, Movements and Feeding of Juvenile European Sturgeon (Acipenser sturio) in Gironde Estuary

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Abstract

This work identifies and characterizes the zones of essential habitats for juveniles of Acipenser sturio in the Gironde estuary. It is also attempts to identify the reasons for sturgeons’ preferential habitat utilization. For this purpose, results from monthly surveys in the Gironde estuary carried out between 1995 and 2000, as well as telemetric surveys of 16 sturgeons in 1999, are used. Additionally, results from investigations on the diet of juvenile sturgeons, as well as biotic and abiotic characterization of habitat, are utilized. Three zones where sturgeon concentrate are distributed along a salinity gradient. They show common denominators in the subtidal area as far as depth, muddy or sandy sediment are concerned, and similar current velocity. These habitats constitute an important feeding ground rich in tube-dwelling polychaetes (Polydora sp. and Heteromastus filiformis), which have been identified as the dominant prey items of European sturgeon juveniles.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Aqua-Logiq, 527 rue Zac Petite Camargue, 34400, Lunel, France

    Laurent Brosse

  2. Cemagref, Estuarine Ecosystems and Diadromous Fish Research Unit, 50 Avenue de Verdun, 33612, Cestas Cedex, France

    Catherine Taverny & Mario Lepage

Authors
  1. Laurent Brosse
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  2. Catherine Taverny
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  3. Mario Lepage
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Laurent Brosse .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. rue du Pas de Madame 4, Audenge, 33980, France

    Patrick Williot

  2. UR Ecosystemes Estuariens et Poissons Mi, Cemagref, Avenue de Verdun 50, Cestas cedex, 33612, France

    Eric Rochard

  3. CÉPAM, Labo. Archéologie, CNRS Valbonne, avenue Albert-Einstein 250, Valbonne, 06560, France

    Nathalie Desse-Berset

  4. Abt. Biologie und Ökologie der Fische, Humboldt-Universität Berlin, Philippstr. 13, Berlin, 10115, Germany

    Frank Kirschbaum

  5. Gewässerökologie und Binnenfischerei, Leibniz-Institut für, Müggelseedamm 310, Berlin, 12587, Berlin, Germany

    Jörn Gessner

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Brosse, L., Taverny, C., Lepage, M. (2011). Habitat, Movements and Feeding of Juvenile European Sturgeon (Acipenser sturio) in Gironde Estuary. In: Williot, P., Rochard, E., Desse-Berset, N., Kirschbaum, F., Gessner, J. (eds) Biology and Conservation of the European SturgeonAcipenser sturioL. 1758. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-20611-5_11

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