Biologists now recognize that the stock composition of Shortnose sturgeon in coastal rivers of the southeastern U.S. is significantly different from that of more northern habitats. Unfortunately, all known southeastern populations have been severely depleted or extirpated by overfishing and habitat degradation. Although sturgeon research often generates intense interest and support from the media and public, knowledge of most sturgeon species is limited. Southern populations of shortnose sturgeon have been monitored for over two decades, yet little is known about current stock status, distribution, recruitment, or early life history. In the Altamaha River, little is known about recent population trends, habitat requirements, or population dynamics of shortnose sturgeon. Data collected from the Altamaha River prior to 1994 identified potential spawning locations of shortnose but confirmation of spawning and quantification of spawning habitat are still lacking. Seasonal habitat use and availability of critical habitats for southern populations remain poorly understood. Consequently, a major component of this project will be to provide current data on what is believed to be one of the largest remaining populations of shortnose sturgeon south of the Chesapeake.

The specific objectives of the proposed project will be to: 1) assess the current spawning stock of shortnose sturgeon in the Altamaha River, 2) analyze the age-structure of the current population to identify potential survival “bottlenecks” and 3) to identify, quantify and define critical habitats of different life stages of shortnose sturgeon (i.e., juvenile, subadult, and adult) in the Altamaha River. A secondary objective of this project will be to evaluate population trends since the last survey was completed in 1993.

To learn more about Dr. Douglas Peterson and his work, visit his web page.