ABS 2023
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Using Optimal Foraging Theory to Gauge Predation Pressure in a Declining Tribal Fishery �
Abigail Skena1, Maria E. Abate1,2, Andrew Jacobs2, Marcella Andrews2, Bret Stearns2. 1Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; 2Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), Aquinnah, MA, United States

As the annual inshore spawning migration of river herring (Alosa pseudoharengus�and�A. aestivalis) continues to plummet�all along the northeastern US due to�anthropogenic stressors, the detrimental effect of�predation pressure from local striped bass�(Morone saxatalis) on the viability of the herring breeding population�may intensify.�To better understand the bass’s�potential impact on a Tribal managed herring fishery in Herring Creek within Aquinnah, MA, we investigate whether striped bass movements correlate with river herring abundance, guided by optimal foraging theory. Optimal foraging theory states that an animal can maximize nutritional benefits while minimizing overall energetic costs by leaving a diminished foraging patch in search of a richer energy source. Therefore, optimal foraging theory predicts that when herring presence declines, bass movements up and down the Creek should become closer to 1:1. Results from the analysis of bass passbys obtained from HerringCam video will be presented to test this hypothesis. Our study illustrates the potential of integrating classical foraging theory and non-invasive Tribal resource monitoring to inform on managing fisheries.