Habitats used by juvenile southern flounder change rapidly in first year of life (with ontogeny)

What is it about?

Southern flounder is a popular sportfish all along the Gulf of Mexico coast, but has exhibited declines, particularly in Texas waters. Using a long-term dataset, we assess-species habitat associations for juvenile s. flounder during the critical first year of life in Galveston Bay, Texas. Suitable habitat for newly settled flounder are near seagrass beds with environmentally stable conditions, but as the first year progresses, the most suitable areas shift to habitats near freshwater inlets.

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Why is it important?

Our research identified habitat types and characteristics important to southern flounder during the important juvenile life stage. This information can help guide future stock enhancement and habitat restoration for a species that has exhibited recent declines. More broadly, our work demonstrates how quickly species-habitat relationships can change, as we document several shifts within the first year of life. Thus, when assigning "nursery" habitats, we need to keep these dynamics in mind.