Pallid Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus Albus)

Pallid Sturgeon Geographic Distribution States/US Territories Arkansas Illinois Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska North Dakota South Dakota Tennessee * Pallid Sturgeon range spans the entire Missouri River and into the Mississippi River

Pallid Sturgeon Habitat Type/Systems Pallid Sturgeon Prefer Moderate to Swift Current Current Averages between .33 and 2.9 feet per second Pallid Sturgeon Prefer Turbid Waterways and Depths between 3 and 25 feet Pallid Sturgeon are commonly located in sandy substrates and rocky waterways They are the only Sturgeon that prefer swift currents The pallid Sturgeon is known to move as much as 13 miles per day, at an average rate of 5.7 miles per hour. They prefer wide channels, and warmer waters this is different from the other species of Sturgeon Pallid Sturgeon are bottom feeders, they thrive off various insects and various fish species Pallid Sturgeon Diet’s are seasonally dependent, they are thought to be opportunistic feeders

Pallid Sturgeon Current Status Pallid Sturgeon were Listed as endangered on September 6th, 1990 Prior to the 20th Century there was known to be upwards of 21,000 remained in their natural habitat 20th Century Decline has the numbers of live Pallid Sturgeon around 6,000 Pallid Sturgeon only spawn every 3-10 years, and the females are at least 15 years old prior to reaching reproductive maturity level Due to Male/Female Ratio the Spawning is limited in 2007 was the last known natural reproduction captured by scientists For every 650 Shovelnose Sturgeon there is 1 Pallid Sturgeon Even though they are still in their Geographic Distribution area, they are most times seen in the southern states where the water is warmer and muddier than up in the northern states

Factors Leading to Endangered Status Missouri River Dam Creation Played a Factor in the existence of the Pallid Sturgeon This Dam Changed the Current and Water Temperatures in Certain Areas, making it unfriendly to the conditions needed for the Pallid Sturgeon River Channels were altered, blocking the Pallid’s movements Destroyed or altered Pallid Sturgeons Spawning area’s Reduced its food sources, or ability to obtain the food that was still existent Commercial Fishing, not returning them when they are caught Gill nets being used Pallid’s were deceased prior to be brought to surface

Protection Measures Short-Term: Prevent Species extinction by establishing three captive brood stock populations in separate hatcheries that are initially composed of 5 to 7 adult males and 5 to 7 adult females Protect the wild species in their habitat, eliminate the harm, harassment, or death by commercial fisherman Restore functions of the large river ecosystem: Channels, Current, Water Temperature Control Long-Term: Establish a Habitat so natural reproduction activities happen by 2040 Dedicate six self-sustaining recovery priority areas by 2040 Increase population structure by 10% in sexually mature females Repair reservoirs and major reproductively area’s manually Monitor and obtain data that sufficient population numbers are being met (Chips Inserted to Species Released to wild or caught)

Opinion/Suggestions In my opinion it appears that the measures that have been implemented are starting to increase the population, as of now there is 400 shovelnose sturgeon to every Pallid Sturgeon. This is a reduction of 250 other per Pallid, the natural restruction of the habitats areas are underway and may be able to obtain their status of not endangered by 2025 which is 15 years sooner than planned. I feel that the waterways need to be maintained and kept clean from all natural disturbance's in an effort to restore these creatures to our waterways. I would suggest that the run off areas into our streams and waterways be controlled a little more by the EPA. If they are watching closely and not allowing the farming population in the northern geographic region to release chemicals into the water it will cut down on the time to restore the habitat areas. If they have ideal living conditions their channels will become more evident and spawning area’s will be safer for the Pallid Sturgeon. I feel the area’s that are protected for spawning will need to be monitored and manually maintained year in and year out to keep the population growing over the next 30 years to obtain as close to a 1 to 1 population with the shovelnose sturgeon.