Michigan Lake Sturgeon May Live More Than 400 Years

Once as rare as prehistoric dinosaurs in Michigan waters, lake sturgeon have rebounded thanks to years of conservation. Researchers now say these ancient fish may live more than 400 years.

Michigan's Lake Sturgeon Conservation

Before 1850, lake sturgeon were so abundant they were considered a nuisance in the Great Lakes. They frequently tore commercial fishing nets, and fishermen often piled the fish on shore and left them to die.

Fishermen soon discovered the value of lake sturgeon meat and caviar, triggering a commercial fishing boom. But because the fish mature and reproduce so slowly, annual harvests plummeted from 4 million pounds in 1880 to just 2,000 pounds by 1928, nearly wiping out Michigan's lake sturgeon population.

It wasn't until 1994 that Michigan listed lake sturgeon as a threatened species. Since then, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, biologists, the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, and other partners have helped restore sturgeon populations in the Great Lakes, Black Lake, and the Manistee, Grand, and Kalamazoo rivers.

Researches who have compiled tons of data on lake sturgeon and once believed some of the fish live more than 100 years, are now saying they may live over 400 years.

New Data Points to 400-Year Lifespan for Lake Sturgeon

Photo by María Del Mar García on Unsplash

A new study by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources found that lake sturgeon may live for more than 400 years.

WXYZ reported that the DNR estimates a sturgeon's age by examining growth rings by examining fin spines, much like counting a tree's annual growth rings. Biologists also measure, determine the sex of, tag, and release the fish so they can be recaptured years later to track their growth.

Data collected by the DNR estimated male lake sturgeon can live 90 to 279 years, while females survive up to 427 years.

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The research highlights how conservation efforts can help protect lake sturgeon for generations to come. Here's to a long future for the lake sturgeon.

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