Sounds of Atlantic sturgeon spawning: first description and opportunities for riverine endangered species conservation with passive acoustic monitoring

Cohen R, Baker PJ, Bowser C, Breece MW, Flecker A, Fox D, Henne J, Higgs A, Niemistö M, Pendleton R, Sethi SA, White SL, Rice A

Key Words: Bioacoustics • Anadromous fish • Spawning aggregation • Fisheries management • Acipenser oxyrinchus

The study, published in Endangered Species Research and co‑authored by Environmental Science Program faculty member Dr. Patrick Baker, provides the first confirmed description of Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus) spawning sounds in the Hudson River. Researchers identified a distinctive 44 Hz low‑frequency signal that reliably aligned with telemetry‑tagged adults during spawning periods, with captive recordings validating the same acoustic cue. These findings highlight passive acoustic monitoring as a powerful, non‑invasive tool for detecting spawning aggregations, tracking habitat use, and improving conservation strategies for this endangered species. By establishing a new biological indicator, the study expands the role of bioacoustics in freshwater fisheries management and endangered species recovery.

Cohen R, Baker PJ, Bowser C, Breece MW, Flecker A, Fox D, Henne J, Higgs A, Niemistö M, Pendleton R, Sethi SA, White SL, Rice A. 2025. Sounds of Atlantic sturgeon spawning: first description and opportunities for riverine endangered species conservation with passive acoustic monitoring. Endanger Species Res. 14(2):127–135. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01429

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