Michigan DNR Rescues 27 Stranded Lake Sturgeon

Several lake sturgeon were stranded in a river channel in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Hikers spotted the fish and called the DNR for help. Conservation officers arrived and worked to get the sturgeon safely back into the water.

Michigan Lake Sturgeon Project

For more than 25 years, restoring lake sturgeon populations has been a priority for the Michigan DNR. The fish were once nearly wiped out by commercial fishing.

Lake sturgeon populations are making a comeback, but it’s a slow process. Males don’t reach maturity until they’re about 15 to 20 years old, while females can take 20 to 26 years to mature.

With all the time and effort the DNR has put into rebuilding the sturgeon population, and knowing how long it takes these fish to mature, it’s easy to see why they don’t waste any time when lake sturgeon become stranded. The DNR and its fisheries staff are quick to jump in and help get the fish back to safety.

27 Sturgeon Found Stranded, Rescued by DNR

FOX 17 reported that hikers on a trail near the Ontonagon River Channel in the Upper Peninsula spotted several lake sturgeon stranded in a low-water area. The hikers quickly contacted the DNR, which sent local fisheries staff out to help.

It took three trips, but DNR staff and others were able to round up the stranded sturgeon and carefully carry them in plastic bags while keeping their gills submerged in water. They carried the fish to safety., rescuing 27 lake sturgeon in all.

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Since lake sturgeon take so many years to mature, losing 27 fish could have been a significant setback for the river’s sturgeon population. Thankfully, these sturgeon got a second chance. Long live the lake sturgeon!

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