Defense Date
5-1-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
Master of Science
Degree Name
Marine Science
First Advisor
David W. Kerstetter
Second Advisor
Susana J. Caballero Gaitan
Third Advisor
Jeffrey M. Hoch
Keywords
Elasmobranch, Acoustic Telemetry, movement, Hypanus say, Indian River Lagoon, Stingray
Abstract
Behavioral changes of organisms are often the first sign of effects of environmental shifts and can be revealed by studying movement ecology. There are many methods for studying movement, including passive acoustic telemetry (PAT). Using PAT allows for cost-effective, long-term tracking of several individuals simultaneously. Mesopredatory fishes like the Bluntnose Stingray (Hypanus say) fill crucial functional roles, and their behavior can be indicative of ecosystem health. The goal of this project was to utilize PAT to describe the movements of H. say individuals in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) system. Ten stingrays were tagged with acoustic transmitters between July 2025 and December 2025, and movements of H. say were compared to water quality and weather parameters. Analyses determined the preferences and the impacts of these abiotic factors on the movement behavior of this species. Supplemental fisheries independent monitoring (FIM) data was used to investigate the impact of seasonality and lunar phase on H. say presence in the IRL. As of January 2026, eight of the ten stingrays were detected across nine receivers in the southern IRL. Detected stingrays displayed an average residency index of 26% and the ability to execute movements greater than 10 Km. Water quality and weather parameters were found to significantly impact movement, presence, and detection density in this species. Additional factors that significantly influenced historical presence included both seasons and lunar phases. This study is the first known description of H. say movement, and the environmental factors that drive movement in this species.
NSUWorks Citation
Mary E. Gardella. 2026. Environmental Drivers of Stingray Movement: Insights from Hypanus say in the Indian River Lagoon. Master's thesis. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, . (236)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hcas_etd_all/236.