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Life history characteristics and distribution of lake sturgeon in an unfragmented section of a northern river

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Abstract

Lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens), a potamodromous species, have been impacted by habitat fragmentation. Understanding the variation in population structure and spatial distribution in regulated and unimpeded rivers is valuable for recovery or rehabilitation purposes. The objectives of this study were to assess the relative abundance and spatial distribution of lake sturgeon in Rainy River and ascertain demographics of inhabitant juveniles. A standardized, index-netting study was conducted in the Rainy River to target juvenile and adult lake sturgeon. A total of 472 juvenile and 56 adult lake sturgeon were sampled. Juvenile and adult lake sturgeon were found throughout the river; however, juvenile relative abundance was greatest in the lowest river section close to the confluence with Lake of the Woods. Spatial clustering of juveniles and to lesser extent adults was also evident but adults were not necessarily segregated from juveniles. Juvenile annual survival rates were estimated to be approximately 75% and recruitment within this population was detected in all years but was variable in size. There were strong and weak year classes produced; however, they could not be explained by any of the environmental variables assessed.

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Data Availability

Data is available from the authors upon reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Layken Melnik and Sheilagh Brenegan (NW Biodiversity and Monitoring Section) who carried out the field component of this document; Evelyn Sim for data entry; and the State of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife (Section of Fisheries) for issuing permits to work in US waters.

Funding

Funding for this project was provided by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources’ Fish and Wildlife Special Purpose Account.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biodiversity and Monitoring Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, 173–25th Side Road, Rosslyn, ON, P7K 0B9, Canada

    Mike Friday

  2. Aquatic Research and Monitoring Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON, K9J 7B8, Canada

    Tim Haxton

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  1. Mike Friday
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  2. Tim Haxton
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Both authors made substantial contributions to the conception and design of the work and the acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data.

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Correspondence to Tim Haxton.

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Ethics approval

This study adhered to the Fisheries Animal Care Protocol GN-NL established by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Fisheries Animal Care Committee.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Friday, M., Haxton, T. Life history characteristics and distribution of lake sturgeon in an unfragmented section of a northern river. Environ Biol Fish (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-024-01539-w

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