Abstract

Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) are popular gamefish targeted in coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean (Luo et al., 2019). Tarpon are capable of long-distance migrations (hundreds of kilometers) but have also been observed exhibiting resident behaviors in estuarine and coastal habitats (Luo et al., 2020). Well documented seasonal patterns have been reported with northern movements to higher latitudes in the late spring and early summer and southern movements in the late summer and early fall (Spotte, 2016). Recent studies have indicated the potential of migratory contingents or stocks within Gulf of Mexico (Luo et al., 2020). The aim of this study was to identify essential habitats of juvenile tarpon along the Texas coast and quantify environmental drivers of tarpon occurrence in this region. In addition, acoustic telemetry was used to assess movements of adult tarpon tagged in Texas and Louisiana for characterizing population connectivity and migration patterns.

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