Sturgeon are present in Lake Champlain, primarily Lake Sturgeon, with occasional Atlantic Sturgeon sightings. Lake Sturgeon are the focus of conservation efforts due to their historical presence.
Sturgeon Species in Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain supports native populations of Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens). These are the largest and longest-living fish in the lake, with some individuals reaching up to 150 years. Atlantic Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) are also observed, likely as transient visitors from the Richelieu River. These two species can be distinguished by features like snout shape and scute patterns.
Historical Presence and Conservation Status
Lake Sturgeon were historically abundant in Lake Champlain but declined rapidly in the 20th century. This decline was largely due to overfishing, habitat degradation, and the construction of dams that blocked access to spawning and nursery grounds. Early in the 19th century, Lake Sturgeon were often considered a nuisance and killed.
Significant efforts have been made to conserve and restore Lake Sturgeon populations. Vermont declared them endangered in 1972, and New York listed them as threatened in 1983. Conservation programs, including a recovery plan enacted in 2016, aim to reduce mortality, improve habitat, and assess populations. Despite their slow reproductive rate and long lifespan, meaning recovery is lengthy, there are signs of gradual improvement in their numbers since 1999.
Habitat and Diet
Lake Sturgeon prefer specific habitats that support their life cycle. These fish are bottom dwellers and typically favor deeper, larger bodies of water. They move into shallower areas, particularly by shore, for spawning activities.
Their diet primarily consists of organisms found on the lakebed. Lake Sturgeon are bottom feeders, using their barbels to locate food buried in sediments. They typically consume aquatic insects, crustaceans, and mollusks, including zebra mussels.
Identification and Protection Guidelines
Lake Sturgeon have several distinct features. They are often described as “living fossils” due to their ancient lineage and unique appearance. They have a long, cone-shaped snout, a mouth positioned on their underside, and four barbels that resemble whiskers. Their bodies are covered with bony plates, or scutes, which provide protection from predators.
If a sturgeon is accidentally caught, responsible actions are important to ensure its survival. Anglers should try to leave the fish in the water to minimize stress. If hooked in the mouth, pliers can be used for hook removal; if swallowed, the line should be cut, leaving the hook in place.
Any sturgeon caught should be supported horizontally with two hands, avoiding holding it vertically by its head, gills, or tail, and its eyes or gills should not be touched. Minimizing the time the fish is out of water and immediately releasing it helps support the species’ recovery.