This project identifies Atlantic sturgeon aggregation areas and delineate movement patterns along the eastern US coastline. We employ mark-recapture techniques combined with growth, mortality, diet and genetic analyses. Large acoustic arrays link fish movements local and regional oceanographic patterns, allowing us to recommend a network of protected areas that are attuned to the periodic movements of sturgeon, but that place the least burden on fisheries. These protected areas will incorporate precautionary ecosystem principles to protect other species of concern as well as areas of high biodiversity.