University Presentation Showcase: Undergraduate Division

Lake Sturgeon Recovery Criteria Across North America: A Systematic Review

Presenter Hometown

Lexington, Ky

Major

Biology

Department

Biological Sciences

Degree

Undergraduate

Mentor

Dr. Michael Moore

Mentor Department

Biological Sciences

Abstract

Recovery planning for long-lived fishes presents unique challenges due to delayed maturity, periodic reproduction, and slow population growth rates. These characteristics require long-term, adaptive recovery criteria extending beyond normal short-term monitoring practices; challenges exemplified by the Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens). In response, several state and provincial agencies have developed recovery and management plans. However, these plans can vary widely, and misalignment of recovery strategies may interfere with the management of this migratory species across jurisdictional boundaries. Reviewing lake sturgeon recovery plans to compare objectives, strategies, and definitions of success, we developed a qualitative and quantitative coding datasheet to collect data from each recovery document, focusing on aspects such as recovery goals, management strategies, and monitoring timelines. Historically, Lake Sturgeon occurred across 24 states and 5 Canadian provinces; however, we identified only 10 with official recovery plans. Noticeable patterns appeared in threats and recovery strategies. Poor water quality, illegal harvesting, fragmentation, hydrologic alteration, and genetic introgression were commonly cited as major stressors to Lake Sturgeon populations. Many plans emphasized achieving genetic benchmarks and restoring populations to a point where they would become self-sustaining; however, population demographic targets to achieve recovery were often vague or non-existent. This comparative analysis highlights key similarities and divergences in Lake Sturgeon restoration strategies across North America, and may facilitate interagency cooperation in Lake Sturgeon recovery and guide future recovery plan revisions or development.

Presentation format

Poster

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Lake Sturgeon Recovery Criteria Across North America: A Systematic Review

Recovery planning for long-lived fishes presents unique challenges due to delayed maturity, periodic reproduction, and slow population growth rates. These characteristics require long-term, adaptive recovery criteria extending beyond normal short-term monitoring practices; challenges exemplified by the Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens). In response, several state and provincial agencies have developed recovery and management plans. However, these plans can vary widely, and misalignment of recovery strategies may interfere with the management of this migratory species across jurisdictional boundaries. Reviewing lake sturgeon recovery plans to compare objectives, strategies, and definitions of success, we developed a qualitative and quantitative coding datasheet to collect data from each recovery document, focusing on aspects such as recovery goals, management strategies, and monitoring timelines. Historically, Lake Sturgeon occurred across 24 states and 5 Canadian provinces; however, we identified only 10 with official recovery plans. Noticeable patterns appeared in threats and recovery strategies. Poor water quality, illegal harvesting, fragmentation, hydrologic alteration, and genetic introgression were commonly cited as major stressors to Lake Sturgeon populations. Many plans emphasized achieving genetic benchmarks and restoring populations to a point where they would become self-sustaining; however, population demographic targets to achieve recovery were often vague or non-existent. This comparative analysis highlights key similarities and divergences in Lake Sturgeon restoration strategies across North America, and may facilitate interagency cooperation in Lake Sturgeon recovery and guide future recovery plan revisions or development.