Predictive Spatial Modeling of Stingray Movements in the Indian River Lagoon
Location
OC Auditorium
Start
4-3-2026 2:10 PM
End
4-3-2026 2:15 PM
Type of Presentation
Oral Presentation
Abstract
Spatial distribution patterns of estuarine elasmobranchs are important for identifying how organisms respond to environmental variability and changing ecosystem conditions. Mesopredatory batoids such as the Atlantic stingray (Hypanus sabina) and the bluntnose stingray (H. say) are two benthic species commonly found in coastal and estuarine waters in the western Atlantic Ocean. As mesopredators, these two species play important ecological roles within estuarine food webs, yet their spatial and temporal ecology within the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) in eastern Florida remains poorly understood. Spatial distributions of both species will be mapped using QGIS to visualize regional patterns of occurrence, with statistical analysis conducted in RStudio. Additional analyses will investigate seasonal patterns and potential sex-based differences in distribution. This project will provide new insight into the spatial ecology of these two infrequently studied species to better understand how environmental changes shape their movement dynamics and provide information necessary to increase conservation efforts.
Predictive Spatial Modeling of Stingray Movements in the Indian River Lagoon
OC Auditorium
Spatial distribution patterns of estuarine elasmobranchs are important for identifying how organisms respond to environmental variability and changing ecosystem conditions. Mesopredatory batoids such as the Atlantic stingray (Hypanus sabina) and the bluntnose stingray (H. say) are two benthic species commonly found in coastal and estuarine waters in the western Atlantic Ocean. As mesopredators, these two species play important ecological roles within estuarine food webs, yet their spatial and temporal ecology within the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) in eastern Florida remains poorly understood. Spatial distributions of both species will be mapped using QGIS to visualize regional patterns of occurrence, with statistical analysis conducted in RStudio. Additional analyses will investigate seasonal patterns and potential sex-based differences in distribution. This project will provide new insight into the spatial ecology of these two infrequently studied species to better understand how environmental changes shape their movement dynamics and provide information necessary to increase conservation efforts.