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Abstract
The federally endangered Shortnose Sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) inhabits Atlantic coastal rivers of North America. Overharvesting and habitat alteration resulted in population declines across the species range. Critical knowledge gaps persist on river-specific demographics and the influences of river modifications on southern populations. Prior studies indicate that age information from sturgeon fin spines is erroneous and can produce inaccurate population parameters. We used mark-recapture data to estimate dynamic rate functions in Georgia coastal rivers and estimate abundance through time in relation to dredging in the Savannah River. Mark-recapture revealed that the Shortnose Sturgeon grew slowly in Georgia coastal rivers and attained maximum ages that exceeded previously reported life spans from fin spine derived age data. Juvenile abundance significantly declined following a major dredging project. Comparative assessments of abundance in a control river were similar over the same time, emphasizing the influence that habitat alterations may have on Shortnose Sturgeon populations.