 |
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
|
|
