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AUTHORS: Jessica Sherman*, Jonathan Bossenbroek, Todd Crail, Christine Mayer - University of Toledo; James Boase, Justin Chiotti - U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; Christopher Vandergoot, U.S. Geological Survey
ABSTRACT: Lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) were once a very common species throughout the Great Lakes with a historical abundance estimated between 671,000 – 2.3 million fish. Anthropogenic influences like overfishing and habitat degradation have eliminated lake sturgeon from many areas and their populations have been reduced to less than 1% of historic abundance. Rehabilitation and restoration efforts are being implemented throughout their native range to increase population numbers and reintroduce extirpated populations. Lake sturgeon are a candidate for reintroduction in the Maumee River, Ohio, where they were historically abundant, but are now functionally extirpated. A reintroduction plan has been developed through collaborative efforts to address strategies for rearing and reintroducing lake sturgeon to the Maumee River and to outline the objectives and considerations needed for long-term success and the establishment of a self-sustaining population. The reintroduction plan is a multi-faceted approach integrating habitat characteristics, juvenile rearing efforts, population assessments, success rates, public education, enforcement of laws, and incorporation of long-term management strategies to provide a comprehensive strategy for successful reintroduction and species restoration. The reintroduction of lake sturgeon into the Maumee River is a multi-agency, international effort that will provide a basis for continued research and strategies to restore lake sturgeon populations in Lake Erie and throughout their native range.
