Biological characteristics of adult Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus) in the St Lawrence River estuary and the effectiveness of management rules

• Published in: Journal of applied ichthyology Vol. 18; no. 4-6; pp. 580 - 585
• Main Authors: Caron, F., Hatin, D., Fortin, R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Science Ltd 01.12.2002
• Subjects: Acipenser; Brackish; Freshwater; Marine; ANW, Canada, Quebec, St. Lawrence Estuary
• ISSN: 0175-8659; 1439-0426
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1439-0426.2002.00416.x

Intensive commercial fishing has depleted stocks of Atlantic sturgeon in the St. Lawrence River system, leading to a moratorium on sturgeon fisheries in 1998. More effective management requires better knowledge of sturgeon ecology. A 5 yr research project to fill this gap was conducted, focusing on adults and habitats, using ultrasonic telemetry. Size classes, particularly of reproductive and maturing males and females, spawning intervals, survival rates after handling, and other features as determined by recaptured fish are reported. This population is characterized by slow growth, first spawning at old age, and a long spawning interval. Thus fish are exposed to the fishery for many years before and after first spawning. Management regulations regarding season, quota, and gear are not sufficient to protect spawners from fishing exploitation. Release of all captured sturgeon over 150 cm, in combination with other regulations, would more effectively protect adult sturgeon.