Data related to: The recurring role of storm disturbance on black sea bass (Centropristis striata) movement behaviors in the Mid-Atlantic Bight (Q7058)

Summer storm events are a significant source of disturbance in the Middle Atlantic Bight (MAB) that cause rapid destratification of the water column.  Storm-driven mixing can be considered as a summertime disturbance regime to demersal communities, characterized by the recurrence of large changes in bottom water temperatures.  Black sea bass are a model ubiquitous demersal species in the MAB, as their sedentary behavior exposes them to summer storm disturbances and the physiological stresses associated with thermal destratification.  To better understand the responsiveness of black sea bass to storm impacts, we coupled biotelemetry with a high resolution Finite Volume Community Ocean Model (FVCOM).  During the summers of 2016-2018, 8-15 black sea bass were released with acoustic transponders at each of three reef sites, which were surrounded by data-logging receivers.  Data were analyzed for activity levels, reef departures, and fluctuations in temperature, current velocity, and turbulent kinetic energy.  Movement rates were depressed with each consecutive passing storm, and late-season storms were associated with permanent evacuations. Consecutive, compounding increases in bottom temperature associated with repeated storm events were identified as the primary depressor of local movement. Storm-driven increases in turbulent kinetic energy and current velocity had comparatively smaller, albeit significant, effect. The need to better understand the effect of storms on fish populations in the MAB is relevant in understanding both coincident anthropogenic impacts as well as future fisheries management.