Developing sampling strategies to assess the Penobscot River estuary (2010-2013)

In 2010, we initiated this survey with an overall goal of examining broad patterns of the spatial and temporal distribution and relative abundance of fish populations, their predators, and environment within the Penobscot River estuary as restoration efforts proceed. To address this goal, we first needed to determine the feasibility of monitoring this dynamic ecosystem, particularly in light of the challenging environmental conditions. The following sections of this paper describe the methods, results, and outcomes of initial feasibility testing and sampling in the Penobscot River estuary from 2010 to 2013.