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​Habitat Trouble for Gulf Sturgeon in Eastern Gulf of Mexico States

from the National Fish Habitat Partnership's 2015 Through a Fish's Eye Report

Summary

The Gulf Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus ssp. desotoi) as the name implies lives in the estuaries of the Gulf of Mexico but migrates up coastal rivers to spawn (anadromous). It is found in rivers from spring until fall and in the Gulf during the winter. It feeds heavily while in the Gulf, but adults eat very little (or not at all) while in the rivers. The species declined dramatically after the late 1800s. It fell victim to overharvest for its meat and roe, dam construction, and dredging activities. The largest population is currently in the Suwannee River in Florida.

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Purpose

The U.S Geological Survey (USGS) is partnering with the National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP) to produce the 2015 report entitled, "Through a Fish's Eye: The Status of Fish Habitats in the United States 2015". The information contained within this item is a product of NFHP. The Bureau is neither responsible nor liable for the accuracy or the use of the scientific content within this item. This content is considered preliminary pending subsequent review and approval.

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