Shortnose Sturgeon Recovery Program

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Shortnose sturgeon are listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as an endangered species throughout their range in the United States.

 


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

  • Biological Assessment of Shortnose Sturgeon (Acipenser breviorstrum) is now available. This document represents a comprehensive scientific review of the life history, population structure, threats, and riverine assessments, for shortnose sturgeon throughout the species' entire range. NMFS convened a team of experts on shortnose sturgeon biology, genetics, and life history to compile information for this Assessment. This Assessment reflects the best available scientific information through 2010. NMFS will initiate a 5 year review of the species in 2014. If you should have questions about this document or shortnose sturgeon conservation and management in general please contact Jessica Pruden (Shortnose Sturgeon Recovery Coordinator for the Northeast Region), Jessica.Pruden@noaa.gov or 978-282-8482.

Recovery

Shortnose Sturgeon

 

Shortnose Sturgeon

 


ESA Listing History

International Protection

  • CITES protects shortnose sturgeon and other endangered sturgeons by regulating international trade in listed species of plants and animals.
  • The IUCN classifies shortnose sturgeon as “vulnerable” on their Red List of taxa threatened with extinction.

Scientific Research

NOAA Fisheries Funding Opportunities

Shortnose Sturgeon Salvage Network

Maine Section 7 Guidance Map

2011 Sturgeon Workshop

Outreach

Links

For more information on the Shortnose Sturgeon Recovery Program, please contact Jessica Pruden at (978) 282-8482 or Jessica.Pruden@noaa.gov

Last Updated: April 12, 2013

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