Nessie Needs Wingmen: Saving Spawning Sturgeon

Sexy, sexy sturgeon.

Who needs Plesiosaurs, when we have sturgeon?

The animal that many scientists believe is responsible for “lake monster” sightings is actually the sturgeon. These amazing fish can survive in both salt- and freshwater, and some subspecies are capable of growing to 24 feet (yes, 24 feet!) in length. Lake sturgeon can weigh up to 200 pounds and live to be 100 years old. The trouble is, due to their size, they’re very popular targets for poachers, especially when they are spawning. As in, right now.

Sport fishing for the species is closely regulated. Lake sturgeon rehabilitation has seen ongoing efforts at federal, state, tribal and local levels since the late 1900s, when the species dramatically declined due to overharvesting and habitat loss. Today, a group called Sturgeon For Tomorrow is looking for volunteers to wingman for these threatened “monsters.” Even if you don’t live in Michigan, you’ll probably agree that the Sturgeon For Tomorrow program would be an excellent blueprint for conservationists to follow anywhere these animals are threatened.

Sgt. Mike Mshar, who leads DNR Law Enforcement Division’s efforts on the river, said, “This program, which protects this iconic species when they are most vulnerable, is a model of how agencies and the public can cooperate to get needed work accomplished.”

Volunteers are assigned shifts along the river to stand watch and report suspicious activity to the DNR conservation officers patrolling the area. The program also uses aerial surveillance for additional monitoring. While volunteers will be assigned sites to stand guard, there will be on-site coordinators at the river to assist and answer questions. Additionally, volunteers are asked to assist in recording the number of fish active in the area.

Image courtesy Sturgeon for Tomorrow

“For over 20 years, the annual Sturgeon Guarding Program has proven that people serving as sturgeon guards watching over the river have virtually eliminated poaching, while helping to ensure the protection and reproductive success of the species,” said Mary Paulson, the program’s volunteer coordinator. “It’s a unique and rewarding experience to witness these majestic fish swimming up the Black River, and to be a key player in safeguarding one of Michigan’s most valuable natural resources.”

“The experience of watching researchers capture, tag and release these amazing fish is, in itself, worth the effort of becoming involved,” said Jay Woiderski, president of Sturgeon For Tomorrow’s sturgeon recovery effort in the Black River/Cheboygan River watershed. “We also encourage those who enjoy mountain biking, mushrooming, hiking, kayaking, canoeing and camping in beautiful wild areas to partner with the sturgeon guarding effort.”

The monitoring activity, designed to protect the fish, is also an opportunity to get involved in natural resource management and has drawn a range of volunteers, including families, church groups, scouting groups, students and photographers. Individuals or groups interested in volunteering can register online or visit sturgeonfortomorrow.org.