Duration: June 1, 2006 to May 31, 2009

The Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus is a key component of the unique biological assemblage of the Altamaha River of coastal Georgia. Although the Altamaha once supported one of the largest Atlantic sturgeon fisheries in U.S. waters, the fishery was closed in 1995 because over-harvest and habitat destruction had decimated all major US populations.

In 2003 a collaborative study was initiated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the University of Georgia to evaluate the status of this population following 8 years of Federal protection. Although this project will not be completed until June 2006, our preliminary results suggest that the population is recovering and may now be one of the largest in US waters. While the Federal ban on commercial fishing has undoubtedly helped rebuild this stock, incidental catch of Atlantic sturgeon in the commercial shad fishery is a growing concern.

The primary objective of this new 3-year project will be to quantify incidental catch of Atlantic sturgeon in the commercial shad fishery and to evaluate the potential impacts on the current population. A second important objective of this study will be to monitor seasonal movements of both adults and juveniles to better understand what riverine habitats are most critical to the continued recovery of this population.

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