Yes - proposal title abstract and contact information only
Secondary Program or EcoTeam
Ecological Services
Abstract
Lake Sturgeon reintroduction efforts in the Coosa River began 20 years ago. Research conducted 3-5 years after the first stocking occurred indicated that recruits from each year class were surviving and growing. However, total survival of initial stockings was low, and few Lake Sturgeon have been collected by Georgia DNR in subsequent years. Only 88 Lake Sturgeon have been captured since 2008 from over 313,000 fry that have been collectively stocked into the system. This project will inform fisheries managers on the overall success of the reintroduction program by estimating the total population size, determining survival rates, characterizing the age structure, quantifying growth and condition, determining habitat use, and determining life history traits. This information will be important for increased effectiveness of management activities for this species in the Coosa River system and throughout the Southeastern United States where Lake Sturgeon reintroduction efforts have occurred. Collectively, this project will provide critical information for identifying the conservation status of this species and factors – such as global climate change – that may contribute to population bottlenecks that may hinder population growth or lead to widespread declines.
Project Type
SSP
FWS Project Officer: Office Name
Georgia Ecological Services Field Office
Primary Proposal Theme
Life history, status, and trends information with direct relevance for management decisions for focus species