1. Pallid Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus Albus)

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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)

7. 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.