Spatial and temporal distribution of juvenile Cyclopterus lumpus (lumpfish) in a New England estuary

Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) is a semi-pelagic species that is broadly distributed in the temperate regions of the North Atlantic. Little is known about the distribution of juveniles, therefore this study was the first attempt to determine juvenile lumpfish distribution in near-coastal and estuarine locations, as represented by the Great Bay Estuary, NH. Sampling took place in 2015 and 2016 from June through September at four different locations along the Piscataqua River and Great Bay. Juveniles were caught using dipnets, from macroalgae growing on floating docks in all four months and all locations, except for the site furthest (∼25 km) up the estuary (Great Bay site (JEL). Water temperatures ranged from 8.6 -22.3 °C and salinities ranged from 21.9 -33.95 where lumpfish were found. Juvenile lumpfish were never captured at the Great Bay sampling site, therefore it is still unclear whether or not they are using the upper portions of the Bay as a nursery ground. With the changing climate, it is important to fully investigate the abiotic factors that influence the temporal and spatial distribution of juvenile lumpfish.