Data for Gulf Sturgeon Bayesian Network Model

This USGS Data Release represents tabular and geospatial data for the Gulf Sturgeon Bayesian Network Model. The Gulf Sturgeon is a federally listed, anadromous species, inhabiting Gulf Coast rivers, estuaries, and coastal waters from Louisiana to Florida. The data release was produced in compliance with the new 'open data' requirements as way to make the scientific products associated with USGS research efforts and publications available to the public. The dataset consists of 2 separate items: 1. Bayesian network model that predicts the probability of total days per winter month that age-0 juvenile Gulf sturgeon are present at a 30-m2 scale in Apalachicola Bay, FL (Tabular datasets) 2. Bayesian network model outputs of the probability of total days per winter month that age-0 juvenile Gulf sturgeon are present at a 30-m2 scale in Apalachicola Bay, FL for 37 physiological and habitat scenarios (Raster datasets) This USGS Data Release represents 37 geospatial datasets that were the Gulf Sturgeon Bayesian network model's outputs. The U.S. Geological Survey partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, University of Georgia, and their conservation partners to support adaptive management of Gulf sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi) by developing a quantitative, spatial model. The model is a Bayesian network that predicts the probability of the total number of days per winter month that age-0 juveniles are present at a local (30-m2) scale in estuarine critical habitat (hereafter, total days present). The model predicts total days present for 75 alternative physiological and habitat scenarios, which were the unique combination of river discharge, winter month, and month of age-0 juvenile arrival to the estuary. The probability of total days present is predicted from habitat characteristics that could be influenced by management actions. The model's structure was defined by empirical data, expert elicitation, and simplifying assumptions.