Partnered efforts have led to over 4,000 sturgeon released in the last four years.
Courtesy of Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative NetworkThe Saginaw Bay region has seen massive increases in the sturgeon population due to partnered efforts since 2017.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources in conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network, Michigan State University and others, have stocked 4,055 fish in the Cass, Tittabawassee, Flint and Shiawassee rivers since 2017 as well as 728 this fall alone.
“Stocking Lake Sturgeon (and efforts at their restoration in general) is like planting a tree. They are so long lived, it’s really a gift we are giving to future generations of anglers and citizens. We may not be around to see the full fruits of our efforts,” said David Fielder, DNR Fisheries research biologist.
Male Lake Sturgeon can live an average of 55 years while females can live anywhere from 80-150 years. Lake Sturgeon numbers initially dwindled due to habitat loss, pollution and over harvesting leaving them with a nonspawning “remnant” population.
“While this is a very long-term effort, the sturgeon reintroduction is already successful because it was preceded by strong community support to improve the overall habitat and health of the river,” said Randy Claramunt, DNR Fisheries Division, Lake Huron Basin coordinator.
To learn more about the sturgeon and the restoration effort, visit SaginawBaySturgeon.org.
