@article{krause_hightower_poland_buckel_2020, title={An integrated tagging and catch-curve model reveals high and seasonally-varying natural mortality for a fish population at low stock biomass}, volume={232}, ISSN={0165-7836}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2020.105725}, DOI={10.1016/j.fishres.2020.105725}, abstractNote={Rebuilding of exploited fish stocks at low biomass requires accurate mortality estimates. Weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) abundance is at historical lows caused by an increasing instantaneous total mortality (Z) in recent years, but uncertainty exists regarding the relative importance of instantaneous fishing mortality (F) and natural mortality (M) to Z. Data from a tag-return study and catch-curve of weakfish in North Carolina were analyzed jointly using a Bayesian statistical framework to estimate seasonal and annual mortality (i.e., F, M, and Z). We accounted for key auxiliary parameters in the tag-return portion of the model (i.e., tag-reporting rate and tag loss) through field studies and an experimental design, including use of high-reward tags and double tagging. Estimates of Z from the joint model were similar in magnitude to the weakfish stock assessment. From mid-2014 to 2017, we estimated a constant annual instantaneous mortality rate of 0.05 yr−1 (95 % credible interval [CrI]: 0.04, 0.07) for F and 2.33 yr−1 (CrI: 2.10, 2.6) for M. In the most recent stock assessment, estimates of M had an upper bound of 1.0; thus, our findings suggest that these estimates of M are biased low and F biased high. Our seasonal analyses showed that a large portion of mortality occurred from fall to spring, coinciding with weakfish migration and overwintering periods on the continental shelf. Through an integrated modeling approach, our study provides insights into the magnitude, timing, and sources of weakfish mortality, and enhances understanding of weakfish population dynamics to guide management strategies.}, journal={Fisheries Research}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Krause, Jacob R. and Hightower, Joseph E. and Poland, Stephen J. and Buckel, Jeffrey A.}, year={2020}, month={Dec}, pages={105725} }
 @article{scheffel_hightower_buckel_krause_scharf_2020, title={Coupling acoustic tracking with conventional tag returns to estimate mortality for a coastal flatfish with high rates of emigration}, volume={77}, ISSN={0706-652X 1205-7533}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/cjfas-2018-0174}, DOI={10.1139/cjfas-2018-0174}, abstractNote={ The addition of acoustic telemetry to conventional tagging studies can generate direct estimates of mortality and movement rates to inform fisheries management. We applied a combined telemetry and tag-return design to southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma), a coastal flatfish that demonstrates limited movements within estuarine habitats coupled with extensive ontogenetic migrations that present unique challenges for estimating mortality rates. The fates of acoustically and conventionally tagged fish were followed during 2014–2016 to estimate annual rates of fishing mortality (F), natural mortality (M), and estuarine emigration (E). Multistate models estimated southern flounder annual F for each of the 3 years at two spatial scales (New River estuary F = 0.49–1.61; North Carolina coast F = 0.36–0.72). Annual rates of emigration were high (E = 1.06–1.67), and direct estimation of this source of loss considerably improved mortality estimates. The model estimated natural mortality as a constant annual rate (M = 0.84), which was similar in magnitude to life-history-based estimates for similar age groups. By accounting for unique behavioral attributes in the study design, the application of multistate tagging models provided robust estimates of mortality and emigration rates for a valuable coastal fishery resource that will inform future efforts to achieve yield and conservation goals. }, number={1}, journal={Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences}, publisher={Canadian Science Publishing}, author={Scheffel, Trevor K. and Hightower, Joseph E. and Buckel, Jeffrey A. and Krause, Jacob R. and Scharf, Frederick S.}, year={2020}, month={Jan}, pages={1–22} }
 @article{krause_hightower_buckel_turnure_grothues_manderson_rosendale_pessutti_2020, title={Using Acoustic Telemetry to Estimate Weakfish Survival Rates along the U.S. East Coast}, volume={12}, ISSN={1942-5120 1942-5120}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mcf2.10095}, DOI={10.1002/mcf2.10095}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={5}, journal={Marine and Coastal Fisheries}, publisher={Wiley}, author={Krause, Jacob R. and Hightower, Joseph E. and Buckel, Jeffrey A. and Turnure, Jason T. and Grothues, Thomas M. and Manderson, John P. and Rosendale, John E. and Pessutti, Jeffrey P.}, year={2020}, month={Sep}, pages={241–257} }
 @article{raabe_hightower_ellis_facendola_2019, title={Evaluation of Fish Passage at a Nature-Like Rock Ramp Fishway on a Large Coastal River}, volume={148}, ISSN={["1548-8659"]}, DOI={10.1002/tafs.10173}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={4}, journal={TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY}, author={Raabe, Joshua K. and Hightower, Joseph E. and Ellis, Timothy A. and Facendola, Joseph J.}, year={2019}, month={Jul}, pages={798–816} }
 @article{rudershausen_hightower_buckel_o’donnell_dubreuil_letcher_2019, title={Survival and Density of a Dominant Fish Species Across a Gradient of Urbanization in North Carolina Tidal Creeks}, volume={42}, ISSN={1559-2723 1559-2731}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12237-019-00575-5}, DOI={10.1007/s12237-019-00575-5}, number={6}, journal={Estuaries and Coasts}, publisher={Springer Science and Business Media LLC}, author={Rudershausen, P. J. and Hightower, J. E. and Buckel, J. A. and O’Donnell, M. J. and Dubreuil, T. and Letcher, B. H.}, year={2019}, month={Jun}, pages={1632–1653} }
 @article{hughes_bentz_hightower_2018, title={A non-invasive approach to enumerating White Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus Richardson, 1863) using side-scan sonar}, volume={34}, ISSN={["1439-0426"]}, DOI={10.1111/jai.13559}, abstractNote={Correspondence Jacob B. Hughes, Idaho Power Company, ID, USA. Email: jhughes@idahopower.com Summary Markrecapture (M/R) surveys are a standard approach for monitoring White Sturgeon (WS) Acipenser transmontanus populations; however, they can be resourceintensive, may affect fish health, and often lack enough precision to detect population change reliably. Hydroacoustics surveys provide a nonintrusive method that is wellestablished in fisheries research, but have been applied relatively seldom to sturgeon populations. During 2016, an alternative method was tested for estimating WS abundance by using sidescan sonar within a 58km reach in the middle Snake River, Idaho, USA, and comparing the results to a standard M/R estimate. Using replicate count data within a NMixture model, the sonar method estimated a lower abundance with higher precision (153, 101–213 95% Bayesian credible interval) than that of M/R (219, 138–398 95% confidence interval). Relative to M/R, sidescan sonar took 75% fewer sampledays, exhibited overlapping abundance estimates, and provided similar sturgeon length distributions. These results suggest that sidescan sonar can provide a rapid and precise alternative to M/R for estimating sturgeon abundance.}, number={2}, journal={JOURNAL OF APPLIED ICHTHYOLOGY}, author={Hughes, J. B. and Bentz, B. and Hightower, J. E.}, year={2018}, month={Apr}, pages={398–404} }
 @article{bradley_rice_aday_hightower_rock_lincoln_2018, title={Juvenile and Adult Striped Bass Mortality and Distribution in an Unrecovered Coastal Population}, volume={38}, ISSN={["1548-8675"]}, DOI={10.1002/nafm.10036}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={1}, journal={NORTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES MANAGEMENT}, author={Bradley, Caitlin E. and Rice, James A. and Aday, D. Derek and Hightower, Joseph E. and Rock, Jason and Lincoln, Kelsey L.}, year={2018}, month={Feb}, pages={104–119} }
 @article{ellis_hightower_buckel_2018, title={Relative importance of fishing and natural mortality for spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) estimated from a tag-return model and corroborated with survey data}, volume={199}, ISSN={["1872-6763"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.fishres.2017.11.004}, abstractNote={The spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) is one of the most economically important sportfish in the U.S. South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, including at its northern distributional extent in North Carolina and Virginia. The recent stock assessment for this region used an assumed fixed rate of natural mortality (M), obtained from a general life-history relationship based on weight. However, biased estimates of fishing mortality (F) could result if the life-history proxy failed to capture either the magnitude or temporal variation in M. Data from the first comprehensive tag-return study of spotted seatrout in this region were used in a Bayesian statistical modeling framework to estimate F and M. Both laboratory and field studies, including high-reward and double tagging, were conducted to obtain estimates of auxiliary parameters (i.e., tag-reporting rate, tag loss, and tagging mortality) necessary for the tag-return model. There was no measured mortality associated with tagging, but reporting rate and loss of internal anchor tags limited returns in this study. From 2008 to 2012, tag-return model estimates of bimonthly instantaneous mortality rates ranged from 0.003 to 0.067 2-mo−1 for F and from 0.002 to 2.850 2-mo−1 for M. Annual estimates of F were much lower than M for the three years studied, and annual M-estimates were higher than those used for spotted seatrout in this region’s recent stock assessment. Bimonthly estimates of total mortality rate (Z) from tag-return data were similar to bimonthly estimates of Z from an independent analysis of concurrent gill net survey data, which corroborates the variability and magnitude of mortality estimates determined from tagging. A strong seasonal influence (i.e., winter severity) on annual loss of spotted seatrout was observed, suggesting that future assessments and management measures for this stock would be improved by explicitly accounting for temporal variation in M in models of fishery population dynamics.}, journal={FISHERIES RESEARCH}, author={Ellis, Timothy A. and Hightower, Joseph E. and Buckel, Jeffrey A.}, year={2018}, month={Mar}, pages={81–93} }
 @article{harris_hightower_2017, title={An integrated tagging model to estimate mortality rates of Albemarle Sound - Roanoke River striped bass}, volume={74}, ISSN={["1205-7533"]}, DOI={10.1139/cjfas-2016-0141}, abstractNote={ We developed an integrated tagging model to estimate mortality rates and run sizes of Albemarle Sound – Roanoke River striped bass (Morone saxatilis), including (i) a multistate component for telemetered fish with a high reward external tag; (ii) tag return components for fish with a low reward external or PIT tag; and (iii) catch-at-age data. Total annual instantaneous mortality was 1.08 for resident (458–899 mm total length, TL) and 0.45 for anadromous (≥900 mm TL) individuals. Annual instantaneous natural mortality was higher for resident (0.70) than for anadromous (0.21) fish due to high summer mortality in Albemarle Sound. Natural mortality for residents was substantially higher than currently assumed for stock assessment. Monthly fishing mortality from multiple sectors (including catch-and-release) corresponded to seasonal periods of legal harvest. Run size estimates were 499 000–715 000. Results and simulation suggest increasing sample size for the multistate component increases accuracy and precision of annual estimates and low reward tags are valuable for estimating monthly fishing mortality rates among sectors. Our results suggest that integrated tagging models can produce seasonal and annual mortality estimates needed for stock assessment and management. }, number={7}, journal={CANADIAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC SCIENCES}, author={Harris, Julianne E. and Hightower, Joseph E.}, year={2017}, month={Jul}, pages={1061–1076} }
 @article{hightower_harris_2017, title={Estimating Fish Mortality Rates Using Telemetry and Multistate Models}, volume={42}, ISSN={["1548-8446"]}, DOI={10.1080/03632415.2017.1276347}, abstractNote={We simulated and evaluated multistate capture–recapture models to estimate mortality rates using telemetry data. Four field designs were considered: (A) fixed receivers to estimate total instantaneous mortality (Z), (B) manual searches to estimate instantaneous fishing (F) and natural (M) mortality, (C) fixed receivers combined with external high‐reward tags to estimate F and M, and (D) manual searches combined with external high‐reward tags to estimate M and fishing mortality rates associated with harvest (Fh) and catch‐and‐release death (Fcr) as well as the probability of death due to catch and release (α). Estimates generally appeared to be unbiased for a simulated study with five periods and releases of telemetered fish at the start of periods 1–4. Compared to estimating Z, larger sample sizes are needed to achieve reliable estimates of component rates (F and M). Estimates of component rates were more precise when that source of mortality was directly observed (M in design B, F in design C). The field design using fixed receivers and high‐reward tags should be especially useful in practice, because manual searches are not required to estimate F and M. Multistate models are useful for clarifying the connection between field observations and ecological processes. Reliable estimates of mortality rates, coupled with information on behavior, habitat use, and movement, make telemetry a highly valuable tool for improving fisheries management and stock assessment.}, number={4}, journal={FISHERIES}, author={Hightower, Joseph E. and Harris, Julianne E.}, year={2017}, month={Apr}, pages={210–219} }
 @article{ellis_buckel_hightower_poland_2017, title={Relating cold tolerance to winterkill for spotted seatrout at its northern latitudinal limits}, volume={490}, ISSN={["1879-1697"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.jembe.2017.01.010}, abstractNote={In the absence of winter thermal refugia, acute cold stress can lead to episodic mass mortality (winterkill) in fishes. Populations existing near the northern extent of a species' latitudinal range, such as spotted seatrout, Cynoscion nebulosus (Cuvier, 1830), in North Carolina, USA, are particularly vulnerable to winterkill. Information on cold tolerance for spotted seatrout is incomplete, which limits understanding of a likely important source of natural mortality for this species. In this study, two laboratory experiments for controlled exposure of spotted seatrout to dynamic decreases in water temperature were conducted in order to determine cold tolerance as affected by either rapid or prolonged exposure to low-temperature extremes across upper- (10) and lower-estuarine (30) salinities. Under rapid exposure, spotted seatrout were unable to maintain equilibrium at temperatures ≤ 4°C, with a small but measured mitigating effect of high salinity on the onset of observed physiological stress. No fish survived prolonged exposure (2 d) to 3 °C but spotted seatrout were tolerant of exposures to 5 °C for approximately 5 d, after which survival precipitously declined. Survival after 10-d exposure to 7 °C was high but not absolute. Salinity had no measured effect on mortality rates in the prolonged exposure trials. These empirical estimates of low-temperature thresholds, along with previously determined field estimates of instantaneous winter natural mortality rate (M), were used to develop models for predicting M. Historic daily water temperatures were used to estimate winter M of spotted seatrout from 1994 to 2015. Predictions of M suggest winterkill (≥ 50% population loss) in eight of the last 22 years; these years correspond to anecdotal and fishery-independent observations of winterkill events in North Carolina. The results of this study provide strong evidence for thermally-limited overwinter survival of spotted seatrout at its northern latitudinal limits, where winterkill events can have population-level impacts.}, journal={JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MARINE BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY}, author={Ellis, Timothy A. and Buckel, Jeffrey A. and Hightower, Joseph E. and Poland, Stephen J.}, year={2017}, month={May}, pages={42–51} }
 @article{ellis_buckel_hightower_2017, title={Winter severity influences spotted seatrout mortality in a southeast US estuarine system}, volume={564}, ISSN={["1616-1599"]}, DOI={10.3354/meps11985}, abstractNote={MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 564:145-161 (2017) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps11985 Winter severity influences spotted seatrout mortality in a southeast US estuarine system Timothy A. Ellis1,*, Jeffrey A. Buckel1, Joseph E. Hightower2 1Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, 303 College Circle, Morehead City, NC 28557, USA 2Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7617, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA *Corresponding author: taellis@ncsu.edu ABSTRACT: Winterkill in spotted seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus is associated with extreme cold conditions throughout much of the species' geographic range. However, rigorous study is needed to confirm longstanding but largely untested assumptions that acute cold stress drives overwinter loss. We provide the first direct field-based estimates of spotted seatrout survival relative to the severity of cold temperatures. Spotted seatrout overwintering in North Carolina, USA, estuaries were tagged with ultrasonic transmitters and monitored during 3 consecutive and variable winters from 2009 to 2012. Fates of telemetered fish were inferred from daily movements and used in a multistate capture-recapture model to estimate instantaneous rates of natural mortality (M), fishing mortality, and emigration. Natural death was inferred for 7 fish in 2009/2010 (n = 34 telemetered spotted seatrout at risk), 6 fish in 2010/2011 (n = 9 fish at risk), and 1 fish in 2011/2012 (n = 65 fish at risk), and when estimable, weekly M ranged from 0.001 to 0.187. Daily estimates of natural mortality increased quickly with declining water temperatures (T), M = 1/[1 + e-(-0.714-0.756T)], and indicated that cold-stun deaths occurred when water temperatures were below ~7°C. Our results provide direct evidence that winterkill in spotted seatrout at its northern limits of distribution is related to the severity of low water temperatures and demonstrate that the simultaneous monitoring of telemetry-tagged animals and abiotic conditions is an effective approach to determine lethal environmental limits. KEY WORDS: Cynoscion nebulosus · Telemetry · Multistate · Capture-recapture · Survival · Winterkill · Cold tolerance · Temperature-dependent mortality · Mortality rate Full text in pdf format Supplementary material PreviousNextCite this article as: Ellis TA, Buckel JA, Hightower JE (2017) Winter severity influences spotted seatrout mortality in a southeast US estuarine system. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 564:145-161. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps11985Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 564. Online publication date: February 03, 2017 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2017 Inter-Research.}, journal={MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES}, author={Ellis, Timothy A. and Buckel, Jeffrey A. and Hightower, Joseph E.}, year={2017}, month={Feb}, pages={145–161} }
 @article{rudershausen_hightower_buckel_2016, title={Can optimal trap mesh size be predicted from body depth in a laterally-compressed fish species?}, volume={179}, ISSN={["1872-6763"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.fishres.2016.03.007}, abstractNote={We used fish body depth to predict trap center-to-center mesh sizes that would optimize size selection of black sea bass Centropristis striata for both current and proposed minimum size limits for this species. We fished trap types of five different square mesh sizes/configurations: (1) 38.1 mm mesh, (2) 38.1 mm mesh on five sides and 50.8 mm mesh on one side (back panel trap), (3) 50.8 mm mesh, (4) 57.2 mm mesh, and (5) 63.5 mm mesh. The 38.1 mm mesh trap was the control trap type. Back panel traps are the minimally legal mesh configuration in this region while 50.8 mm mesh traps are commonly used in this fishery to further reduce culling of sub-legal black sea bass by fishers. Two previously untested mesh sizes, 57.2 and 63.5 mm, were evaluated because a previously published morphometric relationship between black sea bass body depth and total length (TL) predicted that the diagonal openings of these two respective mesh sizes would retain black sea bass close to the current (279 mm) and proposed minimum TL limits (305 mm). We estimated size selection of each experimental trap type by comparing catches of control and experimental traps. All but the back panel trap displayed relatively steep selection around the fish length at which 50% of individuals were selected (l50). Initial size at retention (l10) by the 57.2 and 63.5 mm trap types were nearly identical to current and proposed minimum fish sizes, respectively. Predictions from the body depth: TL relationship were very similar to estimates of l10 and l50, based on uncompressed body depth and compression to 93%. The 57.2 mm mesh and 63.5 mm mesh trap types maintained catches of legal fish but reduced catches of sub-legal fish compared to the back panel and 50.8 mm mesh trap types. Relative to back panel and 50.8 mm mesh traps, use of 57.2 mm mesh traps would reduce rates of discard and discard mortality given current size limits in this fishery.}, journal={FISHERIES RESEARCH}, author={Rudershausen, P. J. and Hightower, J. E. and Buckel, J. A.}, year={2016}, month={Jul}, pages={259–270} }
 @article{kerns_allen_hightower_2016, title={Components of Mortality within a Black Bass High-Release Recreational Fishery}, volume={145}, ISSN={["1548-8659"]}, DOI={10.1080/00028487.2015.1131742}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={3}, journal={TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY}, author={Kerns, Janice A. and Allen, Micheal S. and Hightower, Joseph E.}, year={2016}, pages={578–588} }
 @article{rudershausen_hightower_2016, title={Retention Probability Varies with Cull Ring Size in Traps Fished for Blue Crab}, volume={36}, ISSN={["1548-8675"]}, DOI={10.1080/02755947.2015.1114539}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={1}, journal={NORTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES MANAGEMENT}, author={Rudershausen, P. J. and Hightower, Joseph E.}, year={2016}, pages={122–130} }
 @article{callihan_harris_hightower_2015, title={Coastal Migration and Homing of Roanoke River Striped Bass}, volume={7}, ISSN={["1942-5120"]}, DOI={10.1080/19425120.2015.1057309}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={1}, journal={MARINE AND COASTAL FISHERIES}, author={Callihan, Jody L. and Harris, Julianne E. and Hightower, Joseph E.}, year={2015}, pages={301–315} }
 @article{hughes_hightower_2015, title={Combining Split-Beam and Dual-Frequency Identification Sonars to Estimate Abundance of Anadromous Fishes in the Roanoke River, North Carolina}, volume={35}, ISSN={["1548-8675"]}, DOI={10.1080/02755947.2014.992558}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={2}, journal={NORTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES MANAGEMENT}, author={Hughes, Jacob B. and Hightower, Joseph E.}, year={2015}, pages={229–240} }
 @article{hightower_loeffler_post_peterson_2015, title={Estimated survival of subadult and adult Atlantic sturgeon in four river basins in the Southeastern United States}, volume={7}, DOI={10.1080/19425120.2015.1088491}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={1}, journal={Marine and Coastal Fisheries (Online)}, author={Hightower, J. E. and Loeffler, M. and Post, W. C. and Peterson, D. L.}, year={2015}, pages={514–522} }
 @article{kerns_allen_dotson_hightower_2015, title={Estimating Regional Fishing Mortality for Freshwater Systems: a Florida Largemouth Bass Example}, volume={35}, ISSN={["1548-8675"]}, DOI={10.1080/02755947.2015.1040561}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={4}, journal={NORTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES MANAGEMENT}, author={Kerns, Janice A. and Allen, Micheal S. and Dotson, Jason R. and Hightower, Joseph E.}, year={2015}, pages={681–689} }
 @article{flowers_hightower_2015, title={Estimating Sturgeon Abundance in the Carolinas Using Side-Scan Sonar}, volume={7}, ISSN={["1942-5120"]}, DOI={10.1080/19425120.2014.982334}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={1}, journal={MARINE AND COASTAL FISHERIES}, author={Flowers, H. Jared and Hightower, Joseph E.}, year={2015}, pages={1–9} }
 @article{smith_flowers_hightower_2015, title={Fall Spawning of Atlantic Sturgeon in the Roanoke River, North Carolina}, volume={144}, ISSN={["1548-8659"]}, DOI={10.1080/00028487.2014.965344}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={1}, journal={TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY}, author={Smith, Joseph A. and Flowers, H. Jared and Hightower, Joseph E.}, year={2015}, pages={48–54} }
 @article{raabe_gardner_hightower_2014, title={A spatial capture-recapture model to estimate fish survival and location from linear continuous monitoring arrays}, volume={71}, ISSN={["1205-7533"]}, DOI={10.1139/cjfas-2013-0198}, abstractNote={ We developed a spatial capture–recapture model to evaluate survival and activity centres (i.e., mean locations) of tagged individuals detected along a linear array. Our spatially explicit version of the Cormack–Jolly–Seber model, analyzed using a Bayesian framework, correlates movement between periods and can incorporate environmental or other covariates. We demonstrate the model using 2010 data for anadromous American shad (Alosa sapidissima) tagged with passive integrated transponders (PIT) at a weir near the mouth of a North Carolina river and passively monitored with an upstream array of PIT antennas. The river channel constrained migrations, resulting in linear, one-dimensional encounter histories that included both weir captures and antenna detections. Individual activity centres in a given time period were a function of the individual’s previous estimated location and the river conditions (i.e., gage height). Model results indicate high within-river spawning mortality (mean weekly survival = 0.80) and more extensive movements during elevated river conditions. This model is applicable for any linear array (e.g., rivers, shorelines, and corridors), opening new opportunities to study demographic parameters, movement or migration, and habitat use. }, number={1}, journal={CANADIAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC SCIENCES}, author={Raabe, Joshua K. and Gardner, Beth and Hightower, Joseph E.}, year={2014}, month={Jan}, pages={120–130} }
 @article{raabe_hightower_2014, title={American Shad Migratory Behavior, Weight Loss, Survival, and Abundance in a North Carolina River following Dam Removals}, volume={143}, ISSN={["1548-8659"]}, DOI={10.1080/00028487.2014.882410}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={3}, journal={TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY}, author={Raabe, Joshua K. and Hightower, Joseph E.}, year={2014}, month={May}, pages={673–688} }
 @article{raabe_hightower_2014, title={Assessing Distribution of Migratory Fishes and Connectivity following Complete and Partial Dam Removals in a North Carolina River}, volume={34}, ISSN={["1548-8675"]}, DOI={10.1080/02755947.2014.938140}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={5}, journal={NORTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES MANAGEMENT}, author={Raabe, Joshua K. and Hightower, Joseph E.}, year={2014}, pages={955–969} }
 @article{rudershausen_buckel_dubreuil_o'donnell_hightower_poland_letcher_2014, title={Estimating movement and survival rates of a small saltwater fish using autonomous antenna receiver arrays and passive integrated transponder tags}, volume={499}, DOI={10.3354/meps10656}, abstractNote={We evaluated the performance of small (12.5 mm long) passive integrated transpon- der (PIT) tags and custom detection antennas for obtaining fine-scale movement and demographic data of mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus in a salt marsh creek. Apparent survival and detection probability were estimated using a Cormack Jolly Seber (CJS) model fitted to detection data col- lected by an array of 3 vertical antennas from November 2010 to March 2011 and by a single hor- izontal antenna from April to August 2011. Movement of mummichogs was monitored during the period when the array of vertical antennas was used. Antenna performance was examined in situ using tags placed in wooden dowels (drones) and in live mummichogs. Of the 44 tagged fish, 42 were resighted over the 9 mo monitoring period. The in situ detection probabilities of the drone and live mummichogs were high (~80�100%) when the ambient water depth was less than ~0.8 m. Upstream and downstream movement of mummichogs was related to hourly water depth and direction of tidal current in a way that maximized time periods over which mummichogs uti- lized the intertidal vegetated marsh. Apparent survival was lower during periods of colder water temperatures in December 2010 and early January 2011 (median estimate of daily apparent sur- vival = 0.979) than during other periods of the study (median estimate of daily apparent survival = 0.992). During late fall and winter, temperature had a positive effect on the CJS detection proba- bility of a tagged mummichog, likely due to greater fish activity over warmer periods. During the spring and summer, this pattern reversed possibly due to mummichogs having reduced activity during the hottest periods. This study demonstrates the utility of PIT tags and continuously oper- ating autonomous detection systems for tracking fish at fine temporal scales, and improving esti- mates of demographic parameters in salt marsh creeks that are difficult or impractical to sample with active fishing gear.}, journal={Marine Ecology Progress Series}, author={Rudershausen, P. J. and Buckel, J. A. and Dubreuil, T. and O'Donnell, M. J. and Hightower, J. E. and Poland, S. J. and Letcher, B. H.}, year={2014}, pages={177–192} }
 @article{rudershausen_buckel_hightower_2014, title={Estimating reef fish discard mortality using surface and bottom tagging: effects of hook injury and barotrauma}, volume={71}, ISSN={0706-652X 1205-7533}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/cjfas-2013-0337}, DOI={10.1139/cjfas-2013-0337}, abstractNote={ We estimated survival rates of discarded black sea bass (Centropristis striata) in various release conditions using tag–recapture data. Fish were captured with traps and hook and line from waters 29–34 m deep off coastal North Carolina, USA, marked with internal anchor tags, and observed for release condition. Fish tagged on the bottom using SCUBA served as a control group. Relative return rates for trap-caught fish released at the surface versus bottom provided an estimated survival rate of 0.87 (95% credible interval 0.67–1.18) for surface-released fish. Adjusted for results from the underwater tagging experiment, fish with evidence of external barotrauma had a median survival rate of 0.91 (0.69–1.26) compared with 0.36 (0.17–0.67) for fish with hook trauma and 0.16 (0.08–0.30) for floating or presumably dead fish. Applying these condition-specific estimates of survival to non-tagging fishery data, we estimated a discard survival rate of 0.81 (0.62–1.11) for 11 hook and line data sets from waters 20–35 m deep and 0.86 (0.67–1.17) for 10 trap data sets from waters 11–29 m deep. The tag-return approach using a control group with no fishery-associated trauma represents a method to accurately estimate absolute discard survival of physoclistous reef species. }, number={4}, journal={Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences}, publisher={Canadian Science Publishing}, author={Rudershausen, P.J. and Buckel, J.A. and Hightower, J.E.}, editor={Jech, Josef MichaelEditor}, year={2014}, month={Apr}, pages={514–520} }
 @article{flowers_hightower_2013, title={A Novel Approach to Surveying Sturgeon Using Side-Scan Sonar and Occupancy Modeling}, volume={5}, ISSN={["1942-5120"]}, DOI={10.1080/19425120.2013.816396}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={1}, journal={MARINE AND COASTAL FISHERIES}, author={Flowers, H. Jared and Hightower, Joseph E.}, year={2013}, month={Jan}, pages={211–223} }
 @inproceedings{hightower_taylor_degan_2013, title={Estimating abundance of adult striped bass in reservoirs using mobile hydroacoustics}, volume={80}, booktitle={American Fisheries Society symposium}, author={Hightower, J. and Taylor, J. C. and Degan, D.}, year={2013}, pages={279–290} }
 @article{hightower_magowan_brown_fox_2013, title={Reliability of Fish Size Estimates Obtained From Multibeam Imaging Sonar}, volume={4}, ISSN={["1944-687X"]}, DOI={10.3996/102011-jfwm-061}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={1}, journal={JOURNAL OF FISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT}, author={Hightower, Joseph E. and Magowan, Kevin J. and Brown, Lori M. and Fox, Dewayne A.}, year={2013}, month={Jun}, pages={86–96} }
 @article{nelson_doukakis_lindley_schreier_j._l._r._webb_2013, title={Research tools to investigate movements, migrations, and life history of sturgeons (Acipenseridae), with an emphasis on marine-oriented populations}, volume={8}, number={8}, journal={PLoS One}, author={Nelson, T. and Doukakis, P. and Lindley, S. and Schreier, A. Hightower and J., Hildebrand and L., Whitlock and R. and Webb, M.}, year={2013}, pages={e71552} }
 @inproceedings{hightower_pollock_2013, title={Tagging methods for estimating population size and mortality rates of inland striped bass populations}, volume={80}, booktitle={American Fisheries Society symposium}, author={Hightower, J. and Pollock, K.}, year={2013}, pages={249–262} }
 @article{friedl_buckel_hightower_scharf_pollock_2013, title={Telemetry-Based Mortality Estimates of Juvenile Spot in Two North Carolina Estuarine Creeks}, volume={142}, ISSN={["1548-8659"]}, DOI={10.1080/00028487.2012.730108}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={2}, journal={TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY}, author={Friedl, Sarah E. and Buckel, Jeffrey A. and Hightower, Joseph E. and Scharf, Fred S. and Pollock, Kenneth H.}, year={2013}, month={Mar}, pages={399–415} }
 @article{hightower_harris_raabe_brownell_drew_2012, title={A Bayesian Spawning Habitat Suitability Model for American Shad in Southeastern United States Rivers}, volume={3}, ISSN={["1944-687X"]}, DOI={10.3996/082011-jfwm-047}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={2}, journal={JOURNAL OF FISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT}, author={Hightower, Joseph E. and Harris, Julianne E. and Raabe, Joshua K. and Brownell, Prescott and Drew, C. Ashton}, year={2012}, month={Dec}, pages={184–198} }
 @article{harris_hightower_2012, title={Demographic Population Model for American Shad: Will Access to Additional Habitat Upstream of Dams Increase Population Sizes?}, volume={4}, ISSN={["1942-5120"]}, DOI={10.1080/19425120.2012.675969}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={1}, journal={MARINE AND COASTAL FISHERIES}, author={Harris, Julianne E. and Hightower, Joseph E.}, year={2012}, pages={262–283} }
 @inbook{pine_hightower_coggins_lauretta_pollock_2012, title={Design and analysis of tagging studies}, ISBN={9781934874295}, booktitle={Fisheries techniques (3rd ed.)}, publisher={Bethesda, Md.: American Fisheries Society}, author={Pine, W. and Hightower, J. and Coggins, L. and Lauretta, M. and Pollock, K.}, editor={A. V. Zale, D. L. Parrish and Sutton, T. M.Editors}, year={2012}, pages={521–572} }
 @article{smith_hightower_2012, title={Effect of Low-Head Lock-and-Dam Structures on Migration and Spawning of American Shad and Striped Bass in the Cape Fear River, North Carolina}, volume={141}, ISSN={["1548-8659"]}, DOI={10.1080/00028487.2012.667043}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={2}, journal={TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY}, author={Smith, Joseph A. and Hightower, Joseph E.}, year={2012}, month={Mar}, pages={402–413} }
 @article{harris_hightower_2011, title={Identification of American Shad Spawning Sites and Habitat Use in the Pee Dee River, North Carolina and South Carolina}, volume={31}, ISSN={["0275-5947"]}, DOI={10.1080/02755947.2011.633686}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={6}, journal={NORTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES MANAGEMENT}, author={Harris, Julianne E. and Hightower, Joseph E.}, year={2011}, pages={1019–1033} }
 @article{harris_hightower_2011, title={Movement Patterns of American Shad Transported Upstream of Dams on the Roanoke River, North Carolina and Virginia}, volume={31}, ISSN={["1548-8675"]}, DOI={10.1080/02755947.2011.572806}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={2}, journal={NORTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES MANAGEMENT}, author={Harris, Julianne E. and Hightower, Joseph E.}, year={2011}, pages={240–256} }
 @article{harris_hightower_2011, title={Spawning Habitat Selection of Hickory Shad}, volume={31}, ISSN={["1548-8675"]}, DOI={10.1080/02755947.2011.591263}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={3}, journal={NORTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES MANAGEMENT}, author={Harris, Julianne E. and Hightower, Joseph E.}, year={2011}, pages={495–505} }
 @article{harris_hightower_2010, title={Evaluation of Methods for Identifying Spawning Sites and Habitat Selection for Alosines}, volume={30}, ISSN={["0275-5947"]}, DOI={10.1577/m09-096.1}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={2}, journal={NORTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES MANAGEMENT}, author={Harris, Julianne E. and Hightower, Joseph E.}, year={2010}, month={Apr}, pages={386–399} }
 @article{bacheler_hightower_burdick_paramore_buckel_pollock_2010, title={Using generalized linear models to estimate selectivity from short-term recoveries of tagged red drum Sciaenops ocellatus: Effects of gear, fate, and regulation period}, volume={102}, ISSN={["1872-6763"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.fishres.2009.12.007}, abstractNote={Estimating the selectivity patterns of various fishing gears is a critical component of fisheries stock assessment due to the difficulty in obtaining representative samples from most gears. We used short-term recoveries (n = 3587) of tagged red drum Sciaenops ocellatus to directly estimate age- and length-based selectivity patterns using generalized linear models. The most parsimonious models were selected using AIC, and standard deviations were estimated using simulations. Selectivity of red drum was dependent upon the regulation period in which the fish was caught, the gear used to catch the fish (i.e., hook-and-line, gill nets, pound nets), and the fate of the fish upon recovery (i.e., harvested or released); models including all first-order interactions between main effects outperformed models without interactions. Selectivity of harvested fish was generally dome-shaped and shifted toward larger, older fish in response to regulation changes. Selectivity of caught-and-released red drum was highest on the youngest and smallest fish in the early and middle regulation periods, but increased on larger, legal-sized fish in the late regulation period. These results suggest that catch-and-release mortality has consistently been high for small, young red drum, but has recently become more common in larger, older fish. This method of estimating selectivity from short-term tag recoveries is valuable because it is simpler than full tag-return models, and may be more robust because yearly fishing and natural mortality rates do not need to be modeled and estimated.}, number={3}, journal={FISHERIES RESEARCH}, author={Bacheler, Nathan M. and Hightower, Joseph E. and Burdick, Summer M. and Paramore, Lee M. and Buckel, Jeffrey A. and Pollock, Kenneth H.}, year={2010}, month={Mar}, pages={266–275} }
 @article{bacheler_buckel_hightower_paramore_pollock_2009, title={A combined telemetry - tag return approach to estimate fishing and natural mortality rates of an estuarine fish}, volume={66}, ISSN={["1205-7533"]}, DOI={10.1139/F09-076}, abstractNote={A joint analysis of tag return and telemetry data should improve estimates of mortality rates for exploited fishes; however, the combined approach has thus far only been tested in terrestrial systems. We tagged subadult red drum ( Sciaenops ocellatus ) with conventional tags and ultrasonic transmitters over 3 years in coastal North Carolina, USA, to test the efficacy of the combined telemetry – tag return approach. There was a strong seasonal pattern to monthly fishing mortality rate (F) estimates from both conventional and telemetry tags; highest F values occurred in fall months and lowest levels occurred during winter. Although monthly F values were similar in pattern and magnitude between conventional tagging and telemetry, information on F in the combined model came primarily from conventional tags. The estimated natural mortality rate (M) in the combined model was low (estimated annual rate ± standard error: 0.04 ± 0.04) and was based primarily upon the telemetry approach. Using high-reward tagging, we estimated different tag reporting rates for state agency and university tagging programs. The combined telemetry – tag return approach can be an effective approach for estimating F and M as long as several key assumptions of the model are met.}, number={8}, journal={CANADIAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC SCIENCES}, author={Bacheler, Nathan M. and Buckel, Jeffrey A. and Hightower, Joseph E. and Paramore, Lee M. and Pollock, Kenneth H.}, year={2009}, month={Aug}, pages={1230–1244} }
 @article{bacheler_paramore_buckel_hightower_2009, title={Abiotic and biotic factors influence the habitat use of an estuarine fish}, volume={377}, ISSN={["0171-8630"]}, DOI={10.3354/meps07805}, abstractNote={For migratory fishes that occupy multiple habitats, surveys conducted at different scales may be required to assess habitat use. We used generalized additive models (GAMs) to relate water quality, microhabitat, geographic, and temporal factors to catches of 2 age classes of subadult red drum Sciaenops ocellatus from a 6 yr fishery-independent gill net survey in North Carolina, USA. Age-1 and age-2 red drum were most often caught in shallow, nearshore waters; in some regions, both showed a preference for seagrass. Age-1 red drum were primarily captured at 2 different salin- ity ranges (0 to 5 and 20 to 30 psu), while age-2 red drum abundance was not related to salinity. A smaller-scale analysis of 36 telemetered age-2 red drum in a small tributary of the Neuse River showed a negative response to salinity, a positive response to dissolved oxygen, a dome-shaped response to prey evenness, and a positive response to total prey. Although subadult red drum can tol- erate a wide variety of environmental conditions, our research suggests that they associate with both abiotic and biotic factors in very specific ways. Habitat use patterns of subadult red drum were age-, scale-, and sometimes region-dependent, highlighting the need for examining habitat use patterns of estuarine organisms at multiple life history stages and scales if generalities about how species respond to abiotic and biotic factors are sought.}, journal={MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES}, author={Bacheler, Nathan M. and Paramore, Lee M. and Buckel, Jeffrey A. and Hightower, Joseph E.}, year={2009}, pages={263–277} }
 @article{bacheler_paramore_burdick_buckel_hightower_2009, title={Variation in movement patterns of red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) inferred from conventional tagging and ultrasonic telemetry}, volume={107}, number={4}, journal={Fishery Bulletin (Washington, D.C.)}, author={Bacheler, N. M. and Paramore, L. M. and Burdick, S. M. and Buckel, J. A. and Hightower, J. E.}, year={2009}, pages={405–419} }
 @article{bacheler_hightower_paramore_buckel_pollock_2008, title={An Age-Dependent Tag Return Model for Estimating Mortality and Selectivity of an Estuarine-Dependent Fish with High Rates of Catch and Release}, volume={137}, ISSN={["1548-8659"]}, DOI={10.1577/T07-146.1}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={5}, journal={TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY}, author={Bacheler, Nathan M. and Hightower, Joseph E. and Paramore, Lee M. and Buckel, Jeffrey A. and Pollock, Kenneth H.}, year={2008}, month={Sep}, pages={1422–1432} }
 @article{tuomikoski_rudershausen_buckel_hightower_2008, title={Effects of age-1 striped bass predation on juvenile fish in western Albemarle Sound}, volume={137}, ISSN={["1548-8659"]}, DOI={10.1577/T05-239.1}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={1}, journal={TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY}, author={Tuomikoski, Jack E. and Rudershausen, Paul J. and Buckel, Jeffrey A. and Hightower, Joseph E.}, year={2008}, month={Jan}, pages={324–339} }
 @article{jiang_pollock_brownie_hightower_hoenig_hearn_2007, title={Age-dependent tag return models for estimating fishing mortality, natural mortality, and selectivity}, volume={12}, ISSN={["1537-2693"]}, DOI={10.1198/108571107x197382}, abstractNote={Tag return studies play an important role in providing estimates of mortality rates needed for management of many fisheries, but current methods of estimation do not allow age dependence of instantaneous mortality rates. We present models that allow age-dependent fishing and natural mortality rates, an important advance, because there is often substantial variation in age (and size) of fish at tagging. Age dependence of fishing mortality is modeled by assuming that availability to the fishery, that is, selectivity, depends on age but is constant over years. We assume that all age classes are tagged each year, and allow for incomplete mixing of newly tagged fish and for fisheries that are year-long or limited to a fishing season. We investigate parameter redundancy and estimator performance using analytic and simulation methods, and show that estimator properties are poor if the tag reporting rate is estimated (without auxiliary data such as planted tags). We analyzed multiple age class tag return data from a 13-year study on striped bass (Morone saxatilis) and saw clear evidence that selectivity increases with age. Assuming that the tag reporting rate is constant and known, results also demonstrate age dependence of natural mortality rates, and an increase in natural mortality rates from about 1999 coinciding with observation of a bacterial disease in the fish.}, number={2}, journal={JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL BIOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL STATISTICS}, author={Jiang, Honghua and Pollock, Kenneth H. and Brownie, Cavell and Hightower, Joseph E. and Hoenig, John M. and Hearn, William S.}, year={2007}, month={Jun}, pages={177–194} }
 @inbook{distribution, habitat use, and size of atlantic sturgeon captured during cooperative winter tagging cruises, 1988-2006_2007, ISBN={9781888569919}, booktitle={Anadromous sturgeons: Habitats, threats, and management}, publisher={Bethesda, MD: American Fisheries Society}, year={2007}, pages={167–182} }
 @inproceedings{hightower_2007, title={Effect of water quality on hatching success of blueback herring eggs in the Chowan River basin, North Carolina}, booktitle={Proceedings of the ... Annual Conference, Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies}, author={Hightower, J. E.}, year={2007}, pages={23–28} }
 @article{jiang_brownie_hightower_pollock_2007, title={Estimating fishing mortality, natural mortality, and selectivity using recoveries from tagging young fish}, volume={27}, ISSN={["0275-5947"]}, DOI={10.1577/M06-127.1}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={3}, journal={NORTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES MANAGEMENT}, author={Jiang, Honghua and Brownie, Cavell and Hightower, Joseph E. and Pollock, Kenneth H.}, year={2007}, month={Aug}, pages={773–781} }
 @inbook{erickson_hightower_2007, title={Oceanic distribution and behavior of green sturgeon}, ISBN={9781888569919}, booktitle={Anadromous sturgeons: Habitats, threats, and management}, publisher={Bethesda, MD: American Fisheries Society}, author={Erickson, D. L. and Hightower, J. E.}, year={2007}, pages={197–211} }
 @article{thompson_waters_rice_hightower_2007, title={Seasonal natural and fishing mortality of striped bass in a southeastern reservoir}, volume={27}, ISSN={["0275-5947"]}, DOI={10.1577/M06-088.1}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={2}, journal={NORTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES MANAGEMENT}, author={Thompson, Jessica S. and Waters, D. Scott and Rice, James A. and Hightower, Joseph E.}, year={2007}, month={May}, pages={681–694} }
 @article{jiang_pollock_brownie_hoenig_latour_wells_hightower_2007, title={Tag return models allowing for harvest and catch and release: Evidence of environmental and management impacts on striped bass fishing and natural mortality rates}, volume={27}, ISSN={["0275-5947"]}, DOI={10.1577/M06-089.1}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={2}, journal={NORTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES MANAGEMENT}, author={Jiang, Honghua and Pollock, Kenneth H. and Brownie, Cavell and Hoenig, John M. and Latour, Robert J. and Wells, Brian K. and Hightower, Joseph E.}, year={2007}, month={May}, pages={387–396} }
 @article{hightower_nesnow_2006, title={Distribution and abundance of American eels in the White Oak River estuary, North Carolina}, volume={5}, ISSN={["1938-5412"]}, DOI={10.1656/1528-7092(2006)5[693:DAAOAE]2.0.CO;2}, abstractNote={Abstract Apparent widespread declines in abundance of Anguilla rostrata (American eel) have reinforced the need for information regarding its life history and status. We used commercial eel pots and crab (peeler) pots to examine the distribution, condition, and abundance of American eels within the White Oak River estuary, NC, during summers of 2002–2003. Catch of American eels per overnight set was 0.35 (SE = 0.045) in 2002 and 0.49 (SE = 0.044) in 2003. There was not a significant linear relationship between catch per set and depth in 2002 (P = 0.31, depth range 0.9–3.4 m) or 2003 (P = 0.18, depth range 0.6–3.4 m). American eels from the White Oak River were in good condition, based on the slope of a length-weight relationship (3.41) compared to the median slope (3.15) from other systems. Estimates of population density from grid sampling in 2003 (300 mm and larger: 4.0–13.8 per ha) were similar to estimates for the Hudson River estuary, but substantially less than estimates from other (smaller) systems including tidal creeks within estuaries. Density estimates from coastal waters can be used with harvest records to examine whether overfishing has contributed to the recent apparent declines in American eel abundance.}, number={4}, journal={SOUTHEASTERN NATURALIST}, author={Hightower, Joseph E. and Nesnow, Cynthia}, year={2006}, pages={693–710} }
 @article{burdick_hightower_2006, title={Distribution of spawning activity by anadromous fishes in an Atlantic slope drainage after removal of a low-head dam}, volume={135}, ISSN={["1548-8659"]}, DOI={10.1577/T05-190.1}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={5}, journal={TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY}, author={Burdick, Summer M. and Hightower, Joseph E.}, year={2006}, month={Sep}, pages={1290–1300} }
 @article{cope_bartsch_hightower_2006, title={Population dynamics of zebra mussels Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas, 1771) during the initial invasion of the Upper Mississippi River, USA}, volume={72}, ISSN={["1464-3766"]}, DOI={10.1093/mollus/eyi063}, abstractNote={The aim of this study was to document and model the population dynamics of zebra mussels Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas, 1771) in Pool 8 of the Upper Mississippi River (UMR), USA, for five consecutive years (1992–1996) following their initial discovery in September 1991. Artificial substrates (concrete blocks, 0.49 m 2 surface area) were deployed on or around the first of May at two sites within each of two habitat types (main channel border and contiguous backwater). Blocks were removed monthly (30 + 10 d) from the end of May to the end of October to obtain density and growth information. Some blocks deployed in May 1995 were retrieved in April 1996 to obtain information about overwinter growth and survival. The annual density of zebra mussels in Pool 8 of the UMR increased from 3.5/m 2 in 1992 to 14,956/m 2 in 1996. The average May – October growth rate of newly recruited individuals, based on a von Bertalanffy growth model fitted to monthly shell-length composition data, was 0.11 mm/d. Model estimates of the average survival rate varied from 21 to 100% per month. Estimated recruitment varied substantially among months, with highest levels occurring in September – October of 1994 and 1996, and in July of 1995. Recruitment and density in both habitat types increased by two orders of magnitude in 1996. Follow-up studies will be necessary to assess the long-term stability of zebra mussel populations in the UMR; this study provides the critical baseline information needed for those future comparisons.}, journal={JOURNAL OF MOLLUSCAN STUDIES}, author={Cope, WG and Bartsch, MR and Hightower, JE}, year={2006}, month={May}, pages={179–188} }
 @article{waters_noble_hightower_2005, title={Fishing and natural mortality of adult largemouth bass in a tropical reservoir}, volume={134}, ISSN={["1548-8659"]}, DOI={10.1577/T03-198.1}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={3}, journal={TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY}, author={Waters, DS and Noble, RL and Hightower, JE}, year={2005}, month={May}, pages={563–571} }
 @article{rudershausen_tuomikoski_buckel_hightower_2005, title={Prey selectivity and diet of striped bass in western Albemarle Sound, North Carolina}, volume={134}, ISSN={["1548-8659"]}, DOI={10.1577/T04-115.1}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={5}, journal={TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY}, author={Rudershausen, PJ and Tuomikoski, JE and Buckel, JA and Hightower, JE}, year={2005}, month={Sep}, pages={1059–1074} }
 @article{pollock_jiang_hightower_2004, title={Combining telemetry and fisheries tagging models to estimate fishing and natural mortality rates}, volume={133}, ISSN={["1548-8659"]}, DOI={10.1577/T03-029.1}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={3}, journal={TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY}, author={Pollock, KH and Jiang, HH and Hightower, JE}, year={2004}, month={May}, pages={639–648} }
 @inproceedings{ricks_hightower_wicker_2004, title={Preliminary assessment of an Alaska Steeppass fishway on a North Carolina Blackwater Creek}, volume={58}, booktitle={Proceedings of the Annual Conference, Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies}, publisher={Frankfurt, KY: Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies}, author={Ricks, B. R. and Hightower, J. E. and Wicker, A. M.}, year={2004}, pages={92–99} }
 @misc{pine_pollock_hightower_kwak_rice_2003, title={A review of tagging methods for estimating fish population size and components of mortality}, volume={28}, ISSN={["1548-8446"]}, DOI={10.1577/1548-8446(2003)28[10:AROTMF]2.0.CO;2}, abstractNote={Abstract Techniques to improve estimation of animal population size and mortality from tagging studies have received substantial attention from terrestrial biologists and statisticians during the last 20 years. However, these techniques have received little notice from fisheries biologists, despite the widespread applicability to fisheries research, the wide variety of tag types used in fisheries research (from traditional fin clips to telemetry tags), and the development of new computer software to assist with analyses. We present a brief review of population models based on recaptures, returns, or telemetry relocations of tagged fish that can be used to estimate population size, total mortality, and components of mortality (i.e., fishing and natural) that are frequently of interest to fisheries biologists. Recommended strategies include (1) use closed population models (e.g., Lincoln-Peterson) to estimate population size for short term studies where closure assumption can be met, (2) use the robust desi...}, number={10}, journal={FISHERIES}, author={Pine, WE and Pollock, KH and Hightower, JE and Kwak, TJ and Rice, JA}, year={2003}, month={Oct}, pages={10–23} }
 @inbook{hightower_sparks_2003, title={Migration and spawning habitat of American shad in the Roanoke River, North Carolina.}, volume={35}, booktitle={Biodiversity, status, and conservation of the world's shads (American Fisheries Society symposium ; 35)}, publisher={Bethesda, Md.: American Fisheries Society}, author={Hightower, J. E. and Sparks, K. L.}, editor={Limburg, K. E. and Waldman, J. R.Editors}, year={2003}, pages={193–199} }
 @inproceedings{schmidt_jessop_hightower_2003, title={Status of river herring stocks in large rivers}, ISBN={1888569514}, booktitle={Biodiversity, status, and conservation of the world's shads}, publisher={Bethesda, MD: American Fisheries Society}, author={Schmidt, R. E. and Jessop, B. M. and Hightower, J. E.}, editor={Limburg, K. E. and Waldman, J. R.Editors}, year={2003}, pages={171–182} }
 @inbook{fox_hightower_parauka_2002, title={Estuarine and nearshore marine habitat use by Gulf sturgeon from the Choctawhatchee River system, Florida.}, volume={28}, booktitle={Biology, management, and protection of North American sturgeon (American Fisheries Society Symposium ; 28)}, publisher={Bethesda, MD: American Fisheries Society}, author={Fox, D. A. and Hightower, J. E. and Parauka, F. M.}, year={2002}, pages={111–125} }
 @article{erickson_north_hightower_weber_lauck_2002, title={Movement and habitat use of green sturgeon Acipenser medirostris in the Rogue River, Oregon, USA}, volume={18}, ISSN={["0175-8659"]}, DOI={10.1046/j.1439-0426.2002.00403.x}, abstractNote={Journal of Applied IchthyologyVolume 18, Issue 4-6 p. 565-569 Movement and habitat use of green sturgeon Acipenser medirostris in the Rogue River, Oregon, USA D. L. Erickson, D. L. Erickson Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Conservation Program, Dexter, OR, USA; Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Clackamas, OR, USA; North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit, U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, Department of Zoology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Gold Beach, OR, USA; Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Conservation Program, Bronx Zoo, Bronx, NY, USASearch for more papers by this authorJ. A. North, J. A. North Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Conservation Program, Dexter, OR, USA; Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Clackamas, OR, USA; North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit, U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, Department of Zoology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Gold Beach, OR, USA; Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Conservation Program, Bronx Zoo, Bronx, NY, USASearch for more papers by this authorJ. E. Hightower, J. E. Hightower Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Conservation Program, Dexter, OR, USA; Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Clackamas, OR, USA; North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit, U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, Department of Zoology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Gold Beach, OR, USA; Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Conservation Program, Bronx Zoo, Bronx, NY, USASearch for more papers by this authorJ. Weber, J. Weber Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Conservation Program, Dexter, OR, USA; Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Clackamas, OR, USA; North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit, U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, Department of Zoology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Gold Beach, OR, USA; Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Conservation Program, Bronx Zoo, Bronx, NY, USASearch for more papers by this authorL. Lauck, L. Lauck Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Conservation Program, Dexter, OR, USA; Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Clackamas, OR, USA; North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit, U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, Department of Zoology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Gold Beach, OR, USA; Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Conservation Program, Bronx Zoo, Bronx, NY, USASearch for more papers by this author D. L. Erickson, D. L. Erickson Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Conservation Program, Dexter, OR, USA; Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Clackamas, OR, USA; North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit, U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, Department of Zoology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Gold Beach, OR, USA; Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Conservation Program, Bronx Zoo, Bronx, NY, USASearch for more papers by this authorJ. A. North, J. A. North Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Conservation Program, Dexter, OR, USA; Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Clackamas, OR, USA; North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit, U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, Department of Zoology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Gold Beach, OR, USA; Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Conservation Program, Bronx Zoo, Bronx, NY, USASearch for more papers by this authorJ. E. Hightower, J. E. Hightower Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Conservation Program, Dexter, OR, USA; Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Clackamas, OR, USA; North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit, U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, Department of Zoology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Gold Beach, OR, USA; Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Conservation Program, Bronx Zoo, Bronx, NY, USASearch for more papers by this authorJ. Weber, J. Weber Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Conservation Program, Dexter, OR, USA; Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Clackamas, OR, USA; North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit, U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, Department of Zoology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Gold Beach, OR, USA; Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Conservation Program, Bronx Zoo, Bronx, NY, USASearch for more papers by this authorL. Lauck, L. Lauck Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Conservation Program, Dexter, OR, USA; Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Clackamas, OR, USA; North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit, U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, Department of Zoology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Gold Beach, OR, USA; Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Conservation Program, Bronx Zoo, Bronx, NY, USASearch for more papers by this author First published: 17 December 2002 https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1439-0426.2002.00403.xCitations: 55AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Citing Literature Volume18, Issue4-6December 2002Pages 565-569 RelatedInformation}, number={4-6}, journal={JOURNAL OF APPLIED ICHTHYOLOGY}, author={Erickson, DL and North, JA and Hightower, JE and Weber, J and Lauck, L}, year={2002}, month={Dec}, pages={565–569} }
 @article{armstrong_hightower_2002, title={Potential for restoration of the Roanoke River population of Atlantic sturgeon}, volume={18}, ISSN={["0175-8659"]}, DOI={10.1046/j.1439-0426.2002.00389.x}, abstractNote={Journal of Applied IchthyologyVolume 18, Issue 4-6 p. 475-480 Potential for restoration of the Roanoke River population of Atlantic sturgeon J. L. Armstrong, J. L. Armstrong North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, Morehead City, NC, USA; United States Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, North Carolina, Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USASearch for more papers by this authorJ. E. Hightower, J. E. Hightower North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, Morehead City, NC, USA; United States Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, North Carolina, Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USASearch for more papers by this author J. L. Armstrong, J. L. Armstrong North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, Morehead City, NC, USA; United States Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, North Carolina, Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USASearch for more papers by this authorJ. E. Hightower, J. E. Hightower North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, Morehead City, NC, USA; United States Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, North Carolina, Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USASearch for more papers by this author First published: 17 December 2002 https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1439-0426.2002.00389.xCitations: 20AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume18, Issue4-6December 2002Pages 475-480 RelatedInformation}, number={4-6}, journal={JOURNAL OF APPLIED ICHTHYOLOGY}, author={Armstrong, JL and Hightower, JE}, year={2002}, month={Dec}, pages={475–480} }
 @article{hightower_zehfuss_fox_parauka_2002, title={Summer habitat use by Gulf sturgeon in the Choctawhatchee River, Florida}, volume={18}, ISSN={["0175-8659"]}, DOI={10.1046/j.1439-0426.2002.00402.x}, abstractNote={Journal of Applied IchthyologyVolume 18, Issue 4-6 p. 595-600 Summer habitat use by Gulf sturgeon in the Choctawhatchee River, Florida J. E. Hightower, J. E. Hightower United States Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Panama City, FL, USASearch for more papers by this authorK. P. Zehfuss, K. P. Zehfuss United States Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Panama City, FL, USASearch for more papers by this authorD. A. Fox, D. A. Fox United States Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Panama City, FL, USASearch for more papers by this authorF. M. Parauka, F. M. Parauka United States Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Panama City, FL, USASearch for more papers by this author J. E. Hightower, J. E. Hightower United States Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Panama City, FL, USASearch for more papers by this authorK. P. Zehfuss, K. P. Zehfuss United States Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Panama City, FL, USASearch for more papers by this authorD. A. Fox, D. A. Fox United States Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Panama City, FL, USASearch for more papers by this authorF. M. Parauka, F. M. Parauka United States Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Panama City, FL, USASearch for more papers by this author First published: 17 December 2002 https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1439-0426.2002.00402.xCitations: 12AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume18, Issue4-6December 2002Pages 595-600 RelatedInformation}, number={4-6}, journal={JOURNAL OF APPLIED ICHTHYOLOGY}, author={Hightower, JE and Zehfuss, KP and Fox, DA and Parauka, FM}, year={2002}, month={Dec}, pages={595–600} }
 @article{jackson_hightower_2001, title={Reservoir striped bass movements and site fidelity in relation to seasonal patterns in habitat quality}, volume={21}, ISSN={["1548-8675"]}, DOI={10.1577/1548-8675(2001)021<0034:RSBMAS>2.0.CO;2}, abstractNote={Abstract Adult striped bass Morone saxatilis perform best when water temperatures are below 26°C and dissolved oxygen levels are above 2 mg/L and will begin to exhibit stress responses at higher temperatures or lower oxygen levels. In southern U.S. reservoirs, summer conditions may result in a reduction of suitable habitat for adult striped bass and therefore influence population dynamics and distribution. We tracked 51 adult striped bass that had been implanted with individually coded sonic transmitters for 2 years in Lake Gaston, Virginia−North Carolina, to determine the impact of habitat availability on seasonal trends in movement and distribution. Monthly movement rates of individual fish averaged 7,340 m (SE = 544 m) over the course of the study, and no significant differences in movement rates were detected among seasons or between sexes. Striped bass were relocated throughout the reservoir in all seasons despite evidence of spatial variability in the availability of suitable habitat during the summ...}, number={1}, journal={NORTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES MANAGEMENT}, author={Jackson, JR and Hightower, JE}, year={2001}, month={Feb}, pages={34–45} }
 @article{hightower_jackson_pollock_2001, title={Use of telemetry methods to estimate natural and fishing mortality of striped bass in Lake Gaston, North Carolina}, volume={130}, ISSN={["1548-8659"]}, DOI={10.1577/1548-8659(2001)130<0557:UOTMTE>2.0.CO;2}, abstractNote={Abstract Natural mortality can substantially affect fish population dynamics, but the rate is difficult to estimate because natural deaths are rarely observed and it is difficult to separate the effects of natural and fishing mortality on abundance. We developed a new telemetry approach for estimating natural and fishing mortality rates and applied it to the population of striped bass Morone saxatilis in Lake Gaston, North Carolina and Virginia. Our analyses were based on a sample size of 51 telemetered striped bass that were known to be alive and in Lake Gaston at least 1 month after capture and surgery. Relocations of live fish and fish that died of natural causes were used to estimate natural and fishing mortality rates and the probability of relocating telemetered fish. Fishing mortality rates varied seasonally, but few natural deaths were observed, so the best model incorporated a constant annual instantaneous natural mortality rate (M; ±SE) of 0.14 ± 0.02. With the uncertainty in model selection acc...}, number={4}, journal={TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY}, author={Hightower, JE and Jackson, JR and Pollock, KH}, year={2001}, month={Jul}, pages={557–567} }
 @article{beasley_hightower_2000, title={Effects of a low-head dam on the distribution and characteristics of spawning habitat used by striped bass and American shad}, volume={129}, ISSN={["0002-8487"]}, DOI={10.1577/1548-8659(2000)129<1316:EOALHD>2.0.CO;2}, abstractNote={Abstract Striped bass Morone saxatilis and American shad Alosa sapidissima in the Neuse River, North Carolina, historically migrated up to 435 km upriver to spawn. However, migration was impeded in 1952 by the construction of Quaker Neck Dam at river kilometer 225 (measured from the point where the Neuse River enters Pamlico Sound). To determine the fraction of tagged fish that migrated upstream of this low-head dam and the characteristics of selected spawning habitat, we implanted sonic transmitters in 25 striped bass and 25 American shad during 1996 and 1997. We determined preferred depth, water velocity, and substrate composition by measuring those characteristics at both randomly selected sites and sites where spawning was observed. Of 13 striped bass and 8 American shad with transmitters that migrated to the base of Quaker Neck Dam, only 3 striped bass passed the structure, indicating that the dam was an impediment to migration. Striped bass spawning was observed only in the area directly below (with...}, number={6}, journal={TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY}, author={Beasley, CA and Hightower, JE}, year={2000}, month={Nov}, pages={1316–1330} }
 @article{fox_hightower_paruka_2000, title={Gulf sturgeon spawning migration and habitat in the Choctawhatchee River system, Alabama-Florida}, volume={129}, ISSN={["0002-8487"]}, DOI={10.1577/1548-8659(2000)129<0811:GSSMAH>2.3.CO;2}, abstractNote={Abstract Information about spawning migration and spawning habitat is essential to maintain and ultimately restore populations of endangered and threatened species of anadromous fish. We used ultrasonic and radiotelemetry to monitor the movements of 35 adult Gulf sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi (a subspecies of the Atlantic sturgeon A. oxyrinchus) as they moved between Choctawhatchee Bay and the Choctawhatchee River system during the spring of 1996 and 1997. Histological analysis of gonadal biopsies was used to determine the sex and reproductive status of individuals. Telemetry results and egg sampling were used to identify Gulf sturgeon spawning sites and to examine the roles that sex and reproductive status play in migratory behavior. Fertilized Gulf sturgeon eggs were collected in six locations in both the upper Choctawhatchee and Pea rivers. Hard bottom substrate, steep banks, and relatively high flows characterized collection sites. Ripe Gulf sturgeon occupied these spawning areas from late Mar...}, number={3}, journal={TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY}, author={Fox, DA and Hightower, JE and Paruka, FM}, year={2000}, month={May}, pages={811–826} }
 @article{zehfuss_hightower_pollock_1999, title={Abundance of Gulf sturgeon in the Apalachicola River, Florida}, volume={128}, ISSN={["1548-8659"]}, DOI={10.1577/1548-8659(1999)128<0130:AOGSIT>2.0.CO;2}, abstractNote={Abstract Gulf sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi a subspecies of Atlantic sturgeon A. oxyrinchus were once abundant in coastal rivers of the eastern Gulf of Mexico but have declined substantially due to habitat loss and overexploitation. Because relatively little is known about their population status in the Apalachicola River, Florida, we used capture–recapture data collected during 1982–1991 to assess the population of Gulf sturgeon at the Jim Woodruff Lock and Dam, which limits upstream migration. We estimated that about 100 fish greater than 45 cm total length were present below the dam, although the estimates were biased to an unknown degree because of violations of capture–recapture model assumptions. To obtain a less biased estimate, we conducted an intensive 10-week capture–recapture experiment in 1993 that accounted for most of the assumption violations. We also used radiotelemetry to test the assumption that the population remained closed to immigration and emigration during sampling. The 199...}, number={1}, journal={TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY}, author={Zehfuss, KP and Hightower, JE and Pollock, KH}, year={1999}, month={Jan}, pages={130–143} }
 @inproceedings{hightower_fleming_hayman_1999, title={Effects of contaminated sediments on brown bullhead age structure, growth, and condition in a North Carolina tidal creek}, booktitle={Catfish 2000: Proceedings of the International Ictalurid Symposium}, publisher={Bethesda, MD: American Fisheries Society}, author={Hightower, J. E. and Fleming, W. J. and Hayman, M. A.}, year={1999}, pages={161–172} }
 @article{carmichael_haeseker_hightower_1998, title={Spawning migration of telemetered striped bass in the Roanoke River, North Carolina}, volume={127}, ISSN={["0002-8487"]}, DOI={10.1577/1548-8659(1998)127<0286:SMOTSB>2.0.CO;2}, abstractNote={Abstract The spring spawning migration is a key period for effective management of anadromous populations of striped bass Morone saxatilis. Information on migratory behavior is needed in order to develop appropriate harvest regulations and to conduct effective surveys while fish are on the spawning grounds. We used ultrasonic telemetry to estimate the timing and duration of the upriver spawning migration for the Roanoke River, North Carolina, population and to evaluate whether a short-term fluctuation in temperature or flow would alter the distribution of telemetered fish on the spawning grounds. Seventy-eight fish implanted with transmitters were released during 1993 and 1994. Twenty-nine telemetered fish migrated upriver in 1994, and 14 telemetered fish entered the river in 1995. Migration of telemetered fish began in mid- to late April when water temperatures in the lower river reached 17–18°C. Males began their spawning migration significantly earlier than females in 1994; the difference was not signi...}, number={2}, journal={TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY}, author={Carmichael, JT and Haeseker, SL and Hightower, JE}, year={1998}, month={Mar}, pages={286–297} }