Missouri River Pallid Sturgeon Status: Endangered

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Missouri River Pallid Sturgeon Status: Endangered Pallid sturgeon evolved within the diverse environments of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers at a time when flood plains, backwaters, chutes, sloughs, islands, sandbars, and main channel waters formed the large-river ecosystem. They were well adapted to living in large rivers where fluctuating environmental conditions, such as river flows, exist. Those same characteristics that enabled the pallid to survive for thousands of Photo by Ken Bouc, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission years have also made them vulnerable to changes in the river that diminished spawning and nursery habitat. reproductive trigger for native nutrients. Under present fish - including the pallid conditions, the Missouri River is In the biological opinion on sturgeon. simply too fast and deep Missouri River operations, the throughout much of the lower U.S. Fish and Wildlife A modest increase of flows from basin to provide the shallow and recommends returning the river Gavins Point dam in the spring slack water habitat where young to more natural flows. Here is will also provide biological cues to fish can rest, feed, and grow until how the Service’s encourage pallid sturgeon to they are capable of negotiating recommendations will benefit spawn. main channel currents. pallid sturgeon: Lower summer flows are Flow modifications in conjunction The Service has recommended an expected to benefit pallid with habitat restoration are increase of warm spring flows sturgeon in the lower 800 miles of critical to ensure the continued from Fort Peck Dam spillway to the river by providing additional existence of this Missouri River maximize the amount of warm slow, shallow water to allow resident. water habitat available below the young-of-the-year fish to grow dam. Reproduction by warm large enough to survive through water species such as the pallid the first winter. sturgeon has been limited due to Larval and fingerling pallids need U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service cold water coming from the dam. P.O. Box 25486, DFC Warm water intentionally spilled to remain in shallow water areas Denver, Colorado 80225-0486 over the spillway will act as a containing high concentrations of http://www.r6.fws.gov November 2000.

Copy Link

Recommended publications

Pallid Sturgeon Recovery Plan (Recovery Plan)
PALLID STURGEON coRE VERYPMN Recovery Plan for the Pallid Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus a/bus) Prepared by the Pallid Sturgeon Recovery Team Principal Authors Mark P. Dryer, Leader U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ecological Services 1500 Capitol Avenue Bismarck, ND 58501 and Alan J. Sandvol U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Fisheries and Federal Aid 1500 Capitol Avenue Bismarck, ND 58501 for Region 6 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Denver, Colorado / Approved: Re~5l i rector Date TABLE OF CONTENTS TITLE PAGE RECOVERY BACKGROUND AND STRATEGY iii PALLID STURGEON RECOVERY TEAM iv DISCLAIMER V ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS vi EXECUTIVE SUMMARY vii Part I INTRODUCTION 1 History 1 General Description 1 Historical Distribution and Abundance 3 Present Distribution and Abundance 5 Habitat Preference 5 Current Velocity 7 Turbidity 8 Water Depth 8 Substrate 8 Temperature 8 Life History 8 Reproductive Biology 8 Food and Feeding Habits 9 Age and Growth 10 Reasons for Decline 10 Habitat Loss 10 Commercial Harvest 13 Pall uti on/Contami nants 14 Hybridization 14 Part II RECOVERY 16 Recovery Objectives and Criteria 16 Recovery—Priority Management Areas 16 Recovery Outline 19 24 Recovery Outline Narrative . LITERATURE CITED 42 Part III IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE 46 FIGURES NO. PAGE 1. Comparative Diagrams of the Ventral Surface of the Head of Shovelnose Sturgeon and Pallid Sturgeon, Showing Several Measurement Ratios of Value for Identification 2 2. Historic Range of Pallid Sturgeon 4 3. Recent Occurrence of Pallid Sturgeon 6 4. Recovery—Priority Management Areas 18 RECOVERY BACKGROUND AND STRATEGY The pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus Forbes and Richardson) was listed as an endangered species on September 6, 1990 (55 FR 36641) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973 (16 U.S.C.
[Show full text]
Habitat Use of Juvenile Pallid Sturgeon and Shovelnose Sturgeon with Implications for Water-Level Management in a Downstream Reservoir
North American Journal of Fisheries Management 28:832–843, 2008 [Article] Ó Copyright by the American Fisheries Society 2008 DOI: 10.1577/M07-061.1 Habitat Use of Juvenile Pallid Sturgeon and Shovelnose Sturgeon with Implications for Water-Level Management in a Downstream Reservoir 1 PAUL C. GERRITY* AND CHRISTOPHER S. GUY U.S. Geological Survey, Montana Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, 301 Lewis Hall, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana 59717, USA WILLIAM M. GARDNER Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Post Office Box 938, 215 Aztec Drive, Lewistown, Montana 59457, USA Abstract.—Natural recruitment of pallid sturgeon Scaphirhynchus albus has not been observed in the Missouri River above Fort Peck Reservoir, Montana, for at least 20 years. To augment the population, age-1 hatchery-reared juvenile pallid sturgeon were released in 1998. The objective of this study was to evaluate the habitat use of these fish and compare it with that of indigenous shovelnose sturgeon S. platorynchus. Twenty- nine juvenile pallid sturgeon and 21 indigenous shovelnose sturgeon were implanted with radio transmitters in 2003 and 2004. The two species showed no differences in habitat use in terms of mean depth, cross-sectional relative depth, longitudinal relative depth, column velocity, bottom velocity, and channel width. However, there were seasonal differences within both species for cross-sectional relative depth, column velocity, and channel width. Both shovelnose sturgeon and juvenile pallid sturgeon were primarily associated with silt and sand substrate. However, shovelnose sturgeon were associated with gravel and cobble substrate more than juvenile pallid sturgeon. Shovelnose sturgeon and juvenile pallid sturgeon both selected reaches without islands and avoided reaches with islands; the two species also selected main-channel habitat and avoided secondary channels.
[Show full text]
Pallid Sturgeon Has Been Greatly Altered, Thus Mend That These Procedures Be Altered to Include a Affecting Both Growth and Reproduction
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service because successful reproduction has not been docu- spawning and growing season in order to serve the mented. It is also likely that the forage base once used needs of commercial navigation. Biologists recom- by pallid sturgeon has been greatly altered, thus mend that these procedures be altered to include a affecting both growth and reproduction. The largest Spring water level Pallid Sturgeon remaining populations of pallid sturgeon appear to be rise, followed by a in the upper Missouri River above Ft. Peck Reservoir mid-Summer Scaphirhynchus albus in Montana; in the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers reduction in flows above Garrison Reservoir in North Dakota and and water levels in Montana, respectively; in the Mississippi River below order to simulate St. Louis, Missouri to the Old River Control Structure characteristics of in Louisiana; and below the Old River Control the natural river Structure in the Atchafalaya and Red rivers of Louisi- hydrograph that ana. the pallid sturgeon evolved under. Lisbon Bottoms Habitat Restora- Artificial Propagation: Pallid sturgeon were first The Spring rise tion Site. artificially spawned by Missouri Department of would trigger spawning activity, and the summer flow Conservation biologists in 1992. A number of other reduction would maintain lower flows and quieter Federal and State resource agencies are now also water for the rearing and feeding of young pallid involved in their own propagation activities. About sturgeon. This procedure would also allow for com- 10,000 hatchery reared pallids were stocked in the mercial navigation traffic to transport fertilizers and lower Missouri and Middle Mississippi rivers in the fuel upstream on the “Spring rise”, and harvested crops mid 1990’s.
[Show full text]
The Pallid Sturgeon: Scientific Investigations Help Understand Recovery Needs
Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Missouri River Recovery —Integrated Science Program The Pallid Sturgeon: Scientific Investigations Help Understand Recovery Needs By Aaron J. DeLonay Understanding of the pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus reproductive physiology of pallid sturgeon and relations to albus; fig. 1) has increased significantly since the species was environmental conditions; (2) determining movement, habitat listed as endangered over two decades ago. Since 2005, scien- use, and reproductive behavior of pallid sturgeon; and (3) quan- tists at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Columbia Envi- tifying availability and dynamics of aquatic habitats needed by ronmental Research Center (CERC) have been engaged in an pallid sturgeon for all life stages. interdisciplinary research program in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Missouri River Recovery Program, Reproduction and Environmental Cues: How do U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Nebraska Game and Parks environmental factors influence reproductive Commission, and numerous other State and Federal coopera- success? tors to provide managers and policy makers with the knowledge Pallid sturgeon may live a long time and take many years needed to evaluate recovery options. During that time, the to reach reproductive maturity. Female pallid sturgeon in the USGS has worked collaboratively with river scientists and man- Missouri River may not spawn until they are 10 years old or agers to develop methods, baseline information, and research older, and then they do not spawn every year. Environmental approaches that are critical contributions to recovery success. factors that control the frequency and timing of reproduction The pallid sturgeon is endangered throughout the Missouri have a strong influence on the potential of a sturgeon popula- River because of insufficient reproduction and survival of early tion to recover (Wildhaber and others, 2007).
[Show full text]
Natch Color General
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery The Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery is one of many units in the National Fish Hatchery System administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The service also manages more than 500 national wildlife refuges across the country. As the nation’s primary steward of fish and wildlife resources, the Service provides leadership in habitat and wetlands protection; fish and wildlife research and technical assistance; and in the conservation and protection of migratory birds, anadromous fishes, certain marine mammals, and threatened and endangered species. Welcome to the Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery The Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery became operational in 1931 under the authority of the White Act as a warm water facility that would produce catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, and redear sunfish for local public waters and farm photo: USFWS photo: ponds. Since 1931, resource needs in the southeast have changed and the mission of the station has changed with the times. We currently raise three species of fish: striped bass, National Fish pallid sturgeon, and paddlefish. Hatcheries These fish are raised Southeast Region according to Edenton national priority Norfork Wolf Creek Erwin objectives which Mammoth Dale Orangeburg include the Spring Hollow Greers Chattahoochee restoration of Ferry Private Forest John Allen Bears depleted species Warm Bluff (striped bass), Springs recovery of Natchitoches threatened or endangered fish Warm Water Hatchery Welaka (pallid sturgeon), and Cold Water Hatchery management of interjurisdictional fisheries (paddlefish). What is a Fish Hatchery Anyway? Federal fish hatcheries have been part of our nation’s resource management efforts for more than 100 years.
[Show full text]
Pallid Sturgeon) Effects Analysis
Prepared in cooperation with the Missouri River Recovery Program Science Information to Support Missouri River Scaphirhynchus albus (Pallid Sturgeon) Effects Analysis Open-File Report 2015–1226 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey Cover photograph index: Pallid sturgeon eggs Develop ing embryos Free e mbryos Adult Juvenile Background image: shaded relief map of the Missouri River drainage basin, U.S. Geological Survey, EROS D ata Center. Photographs by U.S. Geological Survey personnel Prepared in cooperation with the Missouri River Recovery Program Science Information to Support Missouri River Scaphirhynchus albus (Pallid Sturgeon) Effects Analysis By Robert B. Jacobson, Michael J. Parsley, Mandy L. Annis, Michael E. Colvin, Timothy L. Welker, and Daniel A. James Open-File Report 2015–1226 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey i U.S. Department of the Interior SALLY JEWELL, Secretary U.S. Geological Survey Suzette M. Kimball, Director U.S. Geological Survey, Reston: Virginia 2015 For more information on the USGS—the Federal source for science about the Earth, its natural and living resources, natural hazards, and the environment—visit http://www.usgs.gov/ or call 1–888– ASK–USGS (1–888–275–8747). For an overview of USGS information products, including maps, imagery, and publications, visit http://www.usgs.gov/pubprod Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Although this information product, for the most part, is in the public domain, it also may contain copyrighted materials as noted in the text.
[Show full text]
Sturgeon Proceedings Print
PROCEEDINGS OF A CONFERENCE HELD ON MAY 18-20, 2004 • BLOOMINGTON, MN Final Report to the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency November 2004 This report may be cited: Quist, M.C., A.M. Boelter, J.M. Lovato, N.M. Korfanta, H.L. Bergman, D.C. Latka, C. Korschgen, D.L. Galat, S. Krentz, M. Oetker, M. Olson, C.M. Scott, and J. Berkley. 2004. Research and Assessment Needs for Pallid Sturgeon Recovery in the Missouri River. Final report to the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. William D. Ruckelshaus Institute of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie. To obtain a copy of this report contact Julia Towns, Librarian, U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environ- mental Research Center, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO 65201. Phone 573.876.1853. Email [email protected]. Electronic copies of this report are available online from the Missouri River Infolink website: http:// infolink.cr.usgs.gov/Science/PallidSturgeon/PSWorkshop04.pdf Research and Assessment Needs for Pallid Sturgeon Recovery in the Missouri River Proceedings of a Conference held on May 18-20, 2004 Bloomington, MN Report to the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Prepared by: Michael C. Quist Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit University of Wyoming Ann M. Boelter, Jill M. Lovato, Nicole M.
[Show full text]
US Fish & Wildlife Service Revised
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Revised RECOVERY PLAN for the Pallid Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) Original Plan Approved: November 1993 Prepared by: Pallid Sturgeon Recovery Coordinator U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office Billings, Montana For Mountain-Prairie Region U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Denver, CO January 2014 DISCLAIMER Recovery plans delineate reasonable actions that are believed necessary to recover and/or protect listed species. Plans are prepared by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, sometimes with the assistance of recovery teams, contractors, State agencies, and others. Plans are reviewed by the public and subject to additional peer review before they are adopted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Objectives will only be attained and funds expended contingent upon appropriations, priorities, and other budgetary constraints. Recovery plans do not obligate other parties to undertake specific tasks. Recovery plans do not necessarily represent the views nor the official positions or approval of any individuals or agencies involved in the plan formulation, other than the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They represent the official position of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service only after they have been signed by the Regional Director or Director as approved. Approved recovery plans are subject to modification as dictated by new findings, changes in species’ status, and the completion of recovery tasks. Copies of all documents reviewed in development of the plan are available in the administrative record, located at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, Billings, Montana.
[Show full text]
Caviar and Conservation
Caviar and Conservation Status, Management, and Trade of North American Sturgeon and Paddlefish Douglas F.Williamson May 2003 TRAFFIC North America World Wildlife Fund 1250 24th Street NW Washington DC 20037 Visit www.traffic.org for an electronic edition of this report, and for more information about TRAFFIC North America. © 2003 WWF. All rights reserved by World Wildlife Fund, Inc. All material appearing in this publication is copyrighted and may be reproduced with permission. Any reproduction, in full or in part, of this publication must credit TRAFFIC North America. The views of the author expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the TRAFFIC Network, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), or IUCN-The World Conservation Union. The designation of geographical entities in this publication and the presentation of the material do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of TRAFFIC or its supporting organizations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The TRAFFIC symbol copyright and Registered Trademark ownership are held by WWF. TRAFFIC is a joint program of WWF and IUCN. Suggested citation: Williamson, D. F. 2003. Caviar and Conservation: Status, Management and Trade of North American Sturgeon and Paddlefish. TRAFFIC North America. Washington D.C.: World Wildlife Fund. Front cover photograph of a lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) by Richard T. Bryant, courtesy of the Tennessee Aquarium. Back cover photograph of a paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) by Richard T. Bryant, courtesy of the Tennessee Aquarium. TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface .
[Show full text]
Characterization of Pallid Sturgeon (<I>Scaphirhynchus Albus</I
University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln USGS Staff -- Published Research US Geological Survey 2020 Characterization of Pallid Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) Spawning Habitat in the Lower Missouri River Caroline M. Elliott Aaron J. DeLonay Kimberly Chojnacki Robert B. Jacobson Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/usgsstaffpub Part of the Geology Commons, Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology Commons, Other Earth Sciences Commons, and the Other Environmental Sciences Commons This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the US Geological Survey at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in USGS Staff -- Published Research by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Received: 3 June 2019 | Revised: 27 November 2019 | Accepted: 3 December 2019 DOI: 10.1111/jai.13994 STURGEON PAPER Characterization of Pallid Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) Spawning Habitat in the Lower Missouri River Caroline M. Elliott | Aaron J. DeLonay | Kimberly A. Chojnacki | Robert B. Jacobson Columbia Environmental Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia, MO, USA Abstract Acipenseriformes (sturgeons and paddlefish) globally have declined throughout their Correspondence Caroline M. Elliott, Columbia Environmental range due to river fragmentation, habitat loss, overfishing, and degradation of water Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, quality. In North America, pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) populations have ex- 4200 New Haven Rd, Columbia, MO 65201, USA. perienced poor to no recruitment, or substantial levels of hybridization with the closely Email: [email protected] related shovelnose sturgeon (S. platorynchus). The Lower Missouri River is the only por- Funding information tion of the species’ range where successful reproduction and recruitment of genetically U.
[Show full text]
Morphological Phylogeny of Sturgeons
Morphological Phylogeny of Sturgeons Biological Classification of Sturgeons and Paddlefishes Kingdom Anamalia Multicellular organism Phylum Chordata Vertebrates Superclass Osteichthyes Bony Fishes Class Actinopterygii Ray-finned fishes Subclass Chondrostei Cartilaginous and ossified bony fish Order Acipenseriformes Sturgeons and Paddlefishes Family Acipenseridae Sturgeons Genus Species Acipenser Huso Pseudoscaphirhynchus Scaphirhynchus Family Polydontidae Paddlefishes Genus Species Polydon Psephurus Currently there are 31 species within the order “Acipenseriformes” which contains two paddlefish species and 29 sturgeon species. Sturgeons and paddlefishes are a unique order of fishes due to their interesting physical and internal morphological characteristics. Polydontidae Acipenseridae Acipenser Huso Scaphirhynchus Pseudoscaphirhynchus Sturgeons and Paddlefishes Acipenseriformes Teleostei Holostei Chondrostei Polypteriformes Birchirs and Reedfishes Ray-Finned Bony Fishes • •Dorsal Finlets Jawed Fishes •Ganoid Scales •Cartilaginous Skeleton Actinopterygii •Rudimentary Lungs •Paired Fins •Heterocercal Tail Osteichthyes Sarcopterygii Sharks, Skates, Rays (Bony Fishes) Lobe-Finned Bony Fishes Chondrichthyes Coelacanth, Lungfishes, tetrapods •Fleshy, Lobed, Paired Fins •Complex Limbs •Enamel Covered Teeth Agnatha •Symmetrical Tail Lamprey, Hagfish •Jawless Fishes •Distinct Notocord •Paired Fins Absent Acipenseriformes likely evolved between the late Jurassic and early Cretaceous geological periods (70 to 170 million years ago). The word “sturgeon”
[Show full text]
Status of Knowledge of the Shovelnose Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus Platorynchus, Rafinesque, 1820) Q
CORE Metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk Provided by UNL | Libraries University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Papers in Natural Resources Natural Resources, School of 2016 Status of knowledge of the Shovelnose Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus, Rafinesque, 1820) Q. E. Phelps Missouri Department of Conservation, [email protected] S. J. Tripp Missouri Department of Conservation M. J. Hamel University of Nebraska-Lincoln, [email protected] J. Koch Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism E. J. Heist Southern Illinois University Carbondale See next page for additional authors Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/natrespapers Part of the Natural Resources and Conservation Commons, Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons, and the Other Environmental Sciences Commons Phelps, Q. E.; Tripp, S. J.; Hamel, M. J.; Koch, J.; Heist, E. J.; Garvey, J. E.; Kappenman, K. M.; and Webb, M. A. H., "Status of knowledge of the Shovelnose Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus, Rafinesque, 1820)" (2016). Papers in Natural Resources. 599. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/natrespapers/599 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Natural Resources, School of at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Papers in Natural Resources by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Authors Q. E. Phelps, S. J. Tripp, M. J. Hamel, J. Koch, E. J. Heist, J. E. Garvey, K. M. Kappenman, and M. A. H. Webb This article is available at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln: http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/natrespapers/599 Journal of Applied Ichthyology J.
[Show full text]