The goal of this project is to improve fundamental understanding of reproductive ecology of the endangered pallid sturgeon, with the intent that improved understanding will inform river and species management decisions. The project blog is found at: https://www2.usgs.gov/blogs/csrp/ The objectives of this study are to: 1. Determine the direction, magnitude, and habitat used during spawning migrations for shovelnose sturgeon and pallid sturgeon at using geographically and hydrologically distinct reaches of the Missouri River. 2. Examine patterns of seasonal habitat use outside of the reproductive period to determine important habitats for feeding and overwintering, and to describe long-term patterns necessary to evaluate the degree [...]
Summary
The goal of this project is to improve fundamental understanding of reproductive ecology of the endangered pallid sturgeon, with the intent that improved understanding will inform river and species management decisions. The project blog is found at: https://www2.usgs.gov/blogs/csrp/
The objectives of this study are to:
1. Determine the direction, magnitude, and habitat used during spawning migrations for shovelnose sturgeon and pallid sturgeon at using geographically and hydrologically distinct reaches of the Missouri River.
2. Examine patterns of seasonal habitat use outside of the reproductive period to determine important habitats for feeding and overwintering, and to describe long-term patterns necessary to evaluate the degree of habitat affinity and fidelity.
3. Describe the reproductive physiology of shovelnose sturgeon and pallid sturgeon prior to and after successful and unsuccessful spawning. Develop a physiological understanding of the reproductive cycle in relation to environmental factors.
4. Identify and rank proximate cues necessary for successful spawning by Missouri River sturgeon.
5. Evaluate the effect that a semi-natural increase in flow has on the reproductive status, movements, and habitat use of pallid sturgeon shovelnose sturgeon.
6. Examine the dispersal, development, surival and habitat use of larval and young of year shovelnose and pallid sturgeons.
7. Develop conceptual and quantitative models to advance the understanding of Missouri River sturgeons and provide a framework for quantifying the response of sturgeon populations to demographic changes, environmental factors, and management actions on populations.
These objectives are strongly supportive of the Fisheries: Aquatic and Endangered Resources program goal (FAER): (3) Quantify and describe functional relationships among aquatic species and habitats to provide information to conserve or restore aquatic community structure and function and (4) Provide science support for natural resource managers by investigating factors that contribute to the conservation and reocovery of aquatic species at risk. In addition, the project supports the Terrestrial, Freshwater, and Marine Ecosystems Program goal (ECO): Devise restoration and adaptive management frameworks for impaired ecosystems.
The task objectives are also supportive of USGS Science Strategy Themes. This research contributes directly to the USGS Ecosystems science theme as it provides fundamental understanding of the ecological requirements of an endangered large river umbrella species. The needs of this species are directly tied to the physical, chemical, and biological controls on river ecosystem structure and functions. This understanding is critical to informed river restoration and managment. The project also relates to the USGS Water Census theme as it addresses large rivers can be restored and managed to provide for a critically endangered speices as well as ecosystem services and human needs. Similarly, understanding of the fundamental ecology of a widely ranging large river species that requires 100's of river kilometers to complete its life history will be critical in mitigating effects of climate and/or associated land-use change (Climate Theme).
The research is conducted in cooperation and collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Missouri Depratment of Conservation, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, and the National Parks Service. The research also involves partners from numerous universities and academic institutions.
CERC Lines of Work (LOWs): Advanced Tools Development (Modeling & Quantitative Analysis); Ecosystem Structure & Function (Riverine Ecology); Imperiled Species (Sturgeon); Species of Management Concern (Fish Ecology & Management); Landscape Science (Missouri/Platte Rivers); Restoration Science (Aquatic Species)
