The Cranberry Bend Chute on the Missouri River.
Aaron DeLonay
Aaron is an Ecologist at the Columbia Environmental Research Center.
Science and Products
The Cranberry Bend Chute on the Missouri River.
CSRP Biologist Sabrina Davenport holding reproductive feamle pallid sturgeon, PLS11-020.
CSRP Biologist Sabrina Davenport holding reproductive feamle pallid sturgeon, PLS11-020.
Ring-billed gulls line a sand bar along the Missouri River to watch USGS boats fish for sturgeon.
Ring-billed gulls line a sand bar along the Missouri River to watch USGS boats fish for sturgeon.
A wild turkey perches on a rock dike in the Missouri River to get a closer look at USGS boats fishing for sturgeon.
A wild turkey perches on a rock dike in the Missouri River to get a closer look at USGS boats fishing for sturgeon.
CRSP biologists travelled along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers in search of usable boat ramps. Pictured is a ramp located near Cape Girardeau, MO.
CRSP biologists travelled along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers in search of usable boat ramps. Pictured is a ramp located near Cape Girardeau, MO.
CRSP biologists travelled along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers in search of usable boat ramps. Pictured is a ramp Grand Tower, IL.
CRSP biologists travelled along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers in search of usable boat ramps. Pictured is a ramp Grand Tower, IL.
A free-drifting sturgeon embryo was captured in the Lower Missouri River in late August. Most sturgeon in the lower Missouri River spawn in the springtime.
A free-drifting sturgeon embryo was captured in the Lower Missouri River in late August. Most sturgeon in the lower Missouri River spawn in the springtime.
USGS Fishery Biologist, Pat Braaten, and biologists from USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center and the Fort Peck Field Office release a telemetry-tagged, female pallid sturgeon after recapturing her to check her reproductive status. She was still full of ripe, black eggs, and had not yet spawned when she was netted.
USGS Fishery Biologist, Pat Braaten, and biologists from USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center and the Fort Peck Field Office release a telemetry-tagged, female pallid sturgeon after recapturing her to check her reproductive status. She was still full of ripe, black eggs, and had not yet spawned when she was netted.
Biologist, Dave Combs prepares a tracking boat (foreground) and a DIDSON survey boat (background) to search the Yellowstone River for tagged pallid sturgeon, Near Fairview, Montana. Pallid sturgeon in Montana are tagged with radio telemetry transmitters that are detected with large antennas mounted the boats.
Biologist, Dave Combs prepares a tracking boat (foreground) and a DIDSON survey boat (background) to search the Yellowstone River for tagged pallid sturgeon, Near Fairview, Montana. Pallid sturgeon in Montana are tagged with radio telemetry transmitters that are detected with large antennas mounted the boats.
Biologists prepare to perform ultrasound and an egg biopsy on female pallid sturgeon, radio code 30, to determine how close to spawning she is or whether spawning may already have occurred. Biologists from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks determined that code 30 eventually spawned in the Yellowstone River on July 19-20, 2012.
Biologists prepare to perform ultrasound and an egg biopsy on female pallid sturgeon, radio code 30, to determine how close to spawning she is or whether spawning may already have occurred. Biologists from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks determined that code 30 eventually spawned in the Yellowstone River on July 19-20, 2012.
USGS biologists drift trammel nets on the Yellowstone River, near Fairview, Montana to capture male pallid sturgeon.
USGS biologists drift trammel nets on the Yellowstone River, near Fairview, Montana to capture male pallid sturgeon.
A large male pallid sturgeon captured by the USGS on the Yellowstone River is scanned with a portable ultrasound device to determine if it is “ripe” and ready to reproduce.
A large male pallid sturgeon captured by the USGS on the Yellowstone River is scanned with a portable ultrasound device to determine if it is “ripe” and ready to reproduce.
The sun sets below the horizon as USGS telemetry-tracking crews follow the upstream migration of male pallid sturgeon, code 52, below Intake Diversion Dam, Montana on June 9, 2012.
The sun sets below the horizon as USGS telemetry-tracking crews follow the upstream migration of male pallid sturgeon, code 52, below Intake Diversion Dam, Montana on June 9, 2012.
Following surgery and transmitter implantation, pallid sturgeon PLS11-002 was released at her capture location in the Lower Missouri River.
Following surgery and transmitter implantation, pallid sturgeon PLS11-002 was released at her capture location in the Lower Missouri River.
The sharp scutes along the back of the pallid sturgeon can be seen above the murky water it lives in.
The sharp scutes along the back of the pallid sturgeon can be seen above the murky water it lives in.
An incision just big enough to fit the transmitter is made in the belly of the sturgeon and a few stitches close it up. The stitches eventually dissolve but a small scar remains visible.
An incision just big enough to fit the transmitter is made in the belly of the sturgeon and a few stitches close it up. The stitches eventually dissolve but a small scar remains visible.
Following surgery and transmitter implantation, pallid sturgeon PLS11-002 was released at her capture location in the Lower Missouri River.
Following surgery and transmitter implantation, pallid sturgeon PLS11-002 was released at her capture location in the Lower Missouri River.
USGS scientist retrieves the sampling net from the Missouri River.
USGS scientist retrieves the sampling net from the Missouri River.
USGS scientist records data from the flowmeter measuring the volume of water sampled by the ichthyoplankton sampling net.
USGS scientist records data from the flowmeter measuring the volume of water sampled by the ichthyoplankton sampling net.
Hallie Ladd, Beau Griffith and Jeff Beasley, Five Rivers Services, LLC biologists sorting through larvae samples collected from the Missouri River.
Hallie Ladd, Beau Griffith and Jeff Beasley, Five Rivers Services, LLC biologists sorting through larvae samples collected from the Missouri River.
An ichthyoplankton sampling net being deployed in the Missouri River.
An ichthyoplankton sampling net being deployed in the Missouri River.
Ecological requirements for pallid sturgeon reproduction and recruitment in the Missouri River—Annual report 2014
Ecological requirements for pallid sturgeon reproduction and recruitment in the Missouri River—Annual report 2013
Ecological requirements for pallid sturgeon reproduction and recruitment in the Missouri River—A synthesis of science, 2005 to 2012
Ecological requirements for pallid sturgeon reproduction and recruitment in the Missouri River: annual report 2011
Gonadosomatic index and fecundity of Lower Missouri and Middle Mississippi River endangered pallid sturgeon estimated using minimally invasive techniques
Optimum swimming pathways of fish spawning migrations in rivers
Ecological requirements for pallid sturgeon reproduction and recruitment in the Lower Missouri River: Annual report 2010
Identifying structural elements needed for development of a predictive life-history model for pallid and shovelnose sturgeons
Discrete choice modeling of shovelnose sturgeon habitat selection in the Lower Missouri River
Characterization of environmental cues for initiation of reproductive cycling and spawning in shovelnose sturgeon Scaphirhynchus platorynchus in the Lower Missouri River, USA
Evaluating spawning migration patterns and predicting spawning success of shovelnose sturgeon in the Lower Missouri River
Ecological requirements for pallid sturgeon reproduction and recruitment in the Lower Missouri River: Annual report 2009
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Filter Total Items: 42Cranberry Chute
The Cranberry Bend Chute on the Missouri River.
The Cranberry Bend Chute on the Missouri River.
Female Pallid SturgeonCSRP Biologist Sabrina Davenport holding reproductive feamle pallid sturgeon, PLS11-020.
CSRP Biologist Sabrina Davenport holding reproductive feamle pallid sturgeon, PLS11-020.
Ring-billed GullsRing-billed gulls line a sand bar along the Missouri River to watch USGS boats fish for sturgeon.
Ring-billed gulls line a sand bar along the Missouri River to watch USGS boats fish for sturgeon.
Wild TurkeyA wild turkey perches on a rock dike in the Missouri River to get a closer look at USGS boats fishing for sturgeon.
A wild turkey perches on a rock dike in the Missouri River to get a closer look at USGS boats fishing for sturgeon.
Mississippi River near Cape Girardeau, MOCRSP biologists travelled along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers in search of usable boat ramps. Pictured is a ramp located near Cape Girardeau, MO.
CRSP biologists travelled along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers in search of usable boat ramps. Pictured is a ramp located near Cape Girardeau, MO.
Mississippi River boat ramp near Grand Tower, ILCRSP biologists travelled along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers in search of usable boat ramps. Pictured is a ramp Grand Tower, IL.
CRSP biologists travelled along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers in search of usable boat ramps. Pictured is a ramp Grand Tower, IL.
Sturgeon EmbryoA free-drifting sturgeon embryo was captured in the Lower Missouri River in late August. Most sturgeon in the lower Missouri River spawn in the springtime.
A free-drifting sturgeon embryo was captured in the Lower Missouri River in late August. Most sturgeon in the lower Missouri River spawn in the springtime.
Pallid Sturgeon ReleaseUSGS Fishery Biologist, Pat Braaten, and biologists from USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center and the Fort Peck Field Office release a telemetry-tagged, female pallid sturgeon after recapturing her to check her reproductive status. She was still full of ripe, black eggs, and had not yet spawned when she was netted.
USGS Fishery Biologist, Pat Braaten, and biologists from USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center and the Fort Peck Field Office release a telemetry-tagged, female pallid sturgeon after recapturing her to check her reproductive status. She was still full of ripe, black eggs, and had not yet spawned when she was netted.
Preparing Research Boats to Track Tagged Pallid SturgeonPreparing Research Boats to Track Tagged Pallid SturgeonBiologist, Dave Combs prepares a tracking boat (foreground) and a DIDSON survey boat (background) to search the Yellowstone River for tagged pallid sturgeon, Near Fairview, Montana. Pallid sturgeon in Montana are tagged with radio telemetry transmitters that are detected with large antennas mounted the boats.
Biologist, Dave Combs prepares a tracking boat (foreground) and a DIDSON survey boat (background) to search the Yellowstone River for tagged pallid sturgeon, Near Fairview, Montana. Pallid sturgeon in Montana are tagged with radio telemetry transmitters that are detected with large antennas mounted the boats.
Female Pallid SturgeonBiologists prepare to perform ultrasound and an egg biopsy on female pallid sturgeon, radio code 30, to determine how close to spawning she is or whether spawning may already have occurred. Biologists from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks determined that code 30 eventually spawned in the Yellowstone River on July 19-20, 2012.
Biologists prepare to perform ultrasound and an egg biopsy on female pallid sturgeon, radio code 30, to determine how close to spawning she is or whether spawning may already have occurred. Biologists from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks determined that code 30 eventually spawned in the Yellowstone River on July 19-20, 2012.
Net DriftUSGS biologists drift trammel nets on the Yellowstone River, near Fairview, Montana to capture male pallid sturgeon.
USGS biologists drift trammel nets on the Yellowstone River, near Fairview, Montana to capture male pallid sturgeon.
Montana UltrasoundA large male pallid sturgeon captured by the USGS on the Yellowstone River is scanned with a portable ultrasound device to determine if it is “ripe” and ready to reproduce.
A large male pallid sturgeon captured by the USGS on the Yellowstone River is scanned with a portable ultrasound device to determine if it is “ripe” and ready to reproduce.
Sunset at IntakeThe sun sets below the horizon as USGS telemetry-tracking crews follow the upstream migration of male pallid sturgeon, code 52, below Intake Diversion Dam, Montana on June 9, 2012.
The sun sets below the horizon as USGS telemetry-tracking crews follow the upstream migration of male pallid sturgeon, code 52, below Intake Diversion Dam, Montana on June 9, 2012.
Pallid Sturgeon ReleaseFollowing surgery and transmitter implantation, pallid sturgeon PLS11-002 was released at her capture location in the Lower Missouri River.
Following surgery and transmitter implantation, pallid sturgeon PLS11-002 was released at her capture location in the Lower Missouri River.
Pallid Sturgeon In WaterThe sharp scutes along the back of the pallid sturgeon can be seen above the murky water it lives in.
The sharp scutes along the back of the pallid sturgeon can be seen above the murky water it lives in.
Pallid Sturgeon SurgeryAn incision just big enough to fit the transmitter is made in the belly of the sturgeon and a few stitches close it up. The stitches eventually dissolve but a small scar remains visible.
An incision just big enough to fit the transmitter is made in the belly of the sturgeon and a few stitches close it up. The stitches eventually dissolve but a small scar remains visible.
Pallid Sturgeon ReleaseFollowing surgery and transmitter implantation, pallid sturgeon PLS11-002 was released at her capture location in the Lower Missouri River.
Following surgery and transmitter implantation, pallid sturgeon PLS11-002 was released at her capture location in the Lower Missouri River.
Sampling for AcipenseriformesUSGS scientist retrieves the sampling net from the Missouri River.
USGS scientist retrieves the sampling net from the Missouri River.
Sampling for AcipenseriformesUSGS scientist records data from the flowmeter measuring the volume of water sampled by the ichthyoplankton sampling net.
USGS scientist records data from the flowmeter measuring the volume of water sampled by the ichthyoplankton sampling net.
Sorting Larvae SamplesHallie Ladd, Beau Griffith and Jeff Beasley, Five Rivers Services, LLC biologists sorting through larvae samples collected from the Missouri River.
Hallie Ladd, Beau Griffith and Jeff Beasley, Five Rivers Services, LLC biologists sorting through larvae samples collected from the Missouri River.
Larvae Sampling NetAn ichthyoplankton sampling net being deployed in the Missouri River.
An ichthyoplankton sampling net being deployed in the Missouri River.
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 50
Ecological requirements for pallid sturgeon reproduction and recruitment in the Missouri River—Annual report 2014
The Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project is a multiyear, multiagency collaborative research framework developed to provide information to support pallid sturgeon recovery and Missouri River management decisions. The project strategy integrates field and laboratory studies of sturgeon reproductive ecology, early life history, habitat requirements, and physiology. The project scope of work is devAuthorsAaron J. Delonay, Kimberly A. Chojnacki, Robert B. Jacobson, Patrick J. Braaten, Kevin J. Buhl, Caroline M. Elliott, Susannah O. Erwin, Jacob D.A. Faulkner, James S. Candrl, David B. Fuller, Kenneth M. Backes, Tyler M. Haddix, Matthew L. Rugg, Christopher J. Wesolek, Brandon L. Eder, Gerald E. MestlEcological requirements for pallid sturgeon reproduction and recruitment in the Missouri River—Annual report 2013
The Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project is a multiyear, multiagency collaborative research framework developed to provide information to support pallid sturgeon recovery and Missouri River management decisions. The project strategy integrates field and laboratory studies of pallid sturgeon reproductive ecology, early life history, habitat requirements, and physiology. The project scope of workAuthorsAaron J. Delonay, Robert B. Jacobson, Kimberly A. Chojnacki, Patrick J. Braaten, Kevin J. Buhl, Brandon L Eder, Caroline M. Elliott, Susannah O. Erwin, David B. Fuller, Tyler M. Haddix, Hallie L.A. Ladd, Gerald E. Mestl, Diana M. Papoulias, Jason C. Rhoten, Christopher J. Wesolek, Mark L. WildhaberEcological requirements for pallid sturgeon reproduction and recruitment in the Missouri River—A synthesis of science, 2005 to 2012
This report is intended to synthesize the state of the scientific understanding of pallid sturgeon ecological requirements to provide recommendations for future science directions and context for Missouri River restoration and management decisions. Recruitment of pallid sturgeon has been low to non-existent throughout its range. Emerging understanding of the genetic structure of pallid sturgeon poAuthorsAaron J. Delonay, Kimberly A. Chojnacki, Robert B. Jacobson, Janice L. Albers, Patrick J. Braaten, Edward A. Bulliner, Caroline M. Elliott, Susannah O. Erwin, David B Fuller, Justin D. Haas, Hallie L.A. Ladd, Gerald E. Mestl, Diana M. Papoulias, Mark L. WildhaberEcological requirements for pallid sturgeon reproduction and recruitment in the Missouri River: annual report 2011
The Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project is a multiyear, multiagency collaborative research framework developed to provide information to support pallid sturgeon recovery and Missouri River management decisions. The project strategy integrates field and laboratory studies of sturgeon reproductive ecology, early life history, habitat requirements, and physiology. The project scope of work is devAuthorsAaron J. DeLonay, Robert B. Jacobson, Kimberly A. Chojnacki, Mandy L. Annis, P. J. Braaten, Caroline M. Elliott, D. B. Fuller, Justin D. Haas, Tyler M. Haddix, Hallie L.A. Ladd, Brandon J. McElroy, Gerald E. Mestl, Diana M. Papoulias, Jason C. Rhoten, Mark L. WildhaberGonadosomatic index and fecundity of Lower Missouri and Middle Mississippi River endangered pallid sturgeon estimated using minimally invasive techniques
Minimally invasive, non-lethal methods of ultrasonography were used to assess sex, egg diameter, fecundity, gonad volume, and gonadosomatic index, as well as endoscopy to visually assess the reproductive stage of Scaphirhynchus albus. Estimated mean egg diameters of 2.202 ± 0.187 mm and mean fecundity of 44 531 ± 23 940 eggs were similar to previous studies using invasive techniques. Mean S. albusAuthorsJ.L. Albers, M. L. Wildhaber, A. J. DeLonayOptimum swimming pathways of fish spawning migrations in rivers
Fishes that swim upstream in rivers to spawn must navigate complex fluvial velocity fields to arrive at their ultimate locations. One hypothesis with substantial implications is that fish traverse pathways that minimize their energy expenditure during migration. Here we present the methodological and theoretical developments necessary to test this and similar hypotheses. First, a cost function isAuthorsBrandon McElroy, Aaron DeLonay, Robert JacobsonEcological requirements for pallid sturgeon reproduction and recruitment in the Lower Missouri River: Annual report 2010
The Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project is a multiyear, multiagency collaborative research framework developed to provide information to support pallid sturgeon recovery and Missouri River management decisions. The project strategy integrates field and laboratory studies of sturgeon reproductive ecology, early life history, habitat requirements, and physiology. The project scope of work is devAuthorsAaron J. DeLonay, Robert B. Jacobson, Diana M. Papoulias, Mark L. Wildhaber, Kimberly A. Chojnacki, Emily K. Pherigo, Justin D. Haas, Gerald E. MestlIdentifying structural elements needed for development of a predictive life-history model for pallid and shovelnose sturgeons
Intensive management of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers has resulted in dramatic changes to the river systems and their biota. These changes have been implicated in the decline of the pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus), which has been listed as a United States federal endangered species. The sympatric shovelnose sturgeon (S. platorynchus) is more common and widespread but has also been inAuthorsMark L. Wildhaber, A. J. DeLonay, D. M. Papoulias, D.L. Galat, R. B. Jacobson, D.G. Simpkins, P.J. Braaten, C. E. Korschgen, M. J. MacDiscrete choice modeling of shovelnose sturgeon habitat selection in the Lower Missouri River
Substantive changes to physical habitat in the Lower Missouri River, resulting from intensive management, have been implicated in the decline of pallid (Scaphirhynchus albus) and shovelnose (S. platorynchus) sturgeon. To aid in habitat rehabilitation efforts, we evaluated habitat selection of gravid, female shovelnose sturgeon during the spawning season in two sections (lower and upper) of the LowAuthorsT.W. Bonnot, Mark L. Wildhaber, J.J. Millspaugh, Aaron J. Delonay, Robert B. Jacobson, J.L. BryanCharacterization of environmental cues for initiation of reproductive cycling and spawning in shovelnose sturgeon Scaphirhynchus platorynchus in the Lower Missouri River, USA
We presume that the shovelnose sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus) has evolved to spawn in the springtime when environmental conditions are at some optimum, but this state has not yet been defined. In this study physiological readiness to spawn in shovelnose sturgeon was examined to define more closely when spawning could occur and thus identify and evaluate prevailing environmental conditionsAuthorsD. M. Papoulias, A. J. DeLonay, M.L. Annis, M. L. Wildhaber, D. E. TillittEvaluating spawning migration patterns and predicting spawning success of shovelnose sturgeon in the Lower Missouri River
Approaches using telemetry, precise reproductive assessments, and surgically implanted data storage tags (DSTs) were used in combination with novel applications of analytical techniques for fish movement studies to describe patterns in migratory behavior and predict spawning success of gravid shovelnose sturgeon. From 2004 to 2007, over 300 gravid female shovelnose sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platoryAuthorsM. L. Wildhaber, S. H. Holan, G. M. Davis, D. W. Gladish, A. J. DeLonay, D. M. Papoulias, D. K. SommerhauserEcological requirements for pallid sturgeon reproduction and recruitment in the Lower Missouri River: Annual report 2009
The Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project is a multiyear, multiagency collaborative research framework developed to provide information to support pallid sturgeon recovery and Missouri River management decisions. The general Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project strategy is to integrate field and laboratory studies of sturgeon reproductive ecology, habitat requirements, and physiology to produAuthorsAaron J. DeLonay, Robert B. Jacobson, Diana M. Papoulias, Mark L. Wildhaber, Kimberly A. Chojnacki, Emily K. Pherigo, Casey L. Bergthold, Gerald E. Mestl - News