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Species Description
Shortnose sturgeon are an anadromous bony fish that are distinguishable from other fish by five rows of bony scutes along the length of their body, a protrusible mouth, and heterocercal tail. They are slow growing and late maturing and have been recorded to reach ages up to 67 years. The shortnose sturgeon is the smallest of the three sturgeon species occurring in eastern North America, and typically do not exceed lengths of 4.7 feet. Shortnose sturgeon can be found in major rivers, estuaries, bays and coastal waters along the eastern seaboard of the United States.
Some ESA Protections for the Endangered Shortnose Sturgeon Include:
- Fishing for, catching or keeping shortnose sturgeon as well as other forms of
are illegal.
- Federal agencies that conduct, fund or authorize activities that may adversely affect shortnose sturgeon must consult with NOAA pursuant to section 7 of the ESA
- NOAA must periodically conduct status reviews for shortnose sturgeon
- NOAA must develop a Recovery Plan for shortnose sturgeon
What’s New
- NOAA is presently conducting a status review for shortnose sturgeon to ensure that the original classification of the species as endangered remains appropriate. For more information see: Shortnose sturgeon status review Q & A.
Recovery
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