Spatiotemporal abundance and habitat use of the whitespotted eagle ray, Aetobatus narinari, in the Florida Keys

We are studying the spatiotemporal abundance, migratory patterns, and habitat use of the endangered whitespotted eagle ray, Aetobatus narinari, using a combination of techniques, including aerial surveys, drone footage, and passive acoustic telemetry. Aetobatus narinari is distributed throughout the Atlantic and is commonly found in nearshore waters off the coasts of Florida, where it is listed as a protected species. Previous studies show potential subpopulation structuring in Florida, where populations in the Gulf of Mexico exhibit migratory behavior whereas those in the western Atlantic appear to be resident. Information on the spatiotemporal distribution and habitat use of A. narinari is limited to the east and west coasts of the state and is lacking within the Florida Keys. Therefore, the goal of this study is to determine the abundance, distribution, migratory patterns, and habitat use of A. narinari in the upper and middle Florida Keys. It is important to understand population abundance, habitat use, and migratory patterns of endangered species for effective management throughout their range, especially for a species capable of long-distance migrations through multiple exclusive economic zones (EEZ). Aerial surveys are conducted biweekly from Government Cut, Miami to Old Bahia Honda Bridge (185km). Preliminary results show rays are present in the Florida Keys during all months, but a peak in abundance occurs during March-April. Distribution varies along the transect, with high concentrations of rays found near Key Biscayne and Tavernier Key during certain times of the year. These preliminary results suggest a potential seasonal increase in abundance of A. narinari in the Keys with some areas of higher concentrations. The continuation of aerial surveys and the addition of drone filming and acoustic tagging will provide further data on the spatiotemporal distribution and habitat use of rays in the Florida Keys, which will contribute important information for the effective management of this species.