The lake sturgeon is Missouri’s largest sturgeon and is rare and endangered in our state. For Lake Sturgeon to receive protection under the ESA and become listed as either threatened or endangered, the process is much more rigorous and will rely on … ... Lake sturgeon are waging a slow but steady comeback. The requirements for Lake Sturgeon to reach this point in the ESA listing process are relatively minor. By Glen Wunderlich Something didn’t smell right when the headlines read that the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) is seeking “protection” for the iconic lake sturgeon under the Endangered Species Act (ESA); in fact, the odor was downright fishy. An endangered shortnose sturgeon is fitted with a microchip after being caught in a net from the Saco River in Biddeford, Maine. Maximum age is reportedly 152 years. Today, much of the Missouri River, upstream of Gavins Point Dam, is “lake-like,” with no moving water. In Nebraska it is listed as a threatened species. Lake sturgeon considered 'endangered' After thriving for millions years in North American waterways, lake sturgeon now faces the possibility of extinction. This is an environmental extremist group that has gotten rich gaming… Some species of sturgeon are harvested for their roe, which is made into caviar. Endangered. Lake sturgeon have a low reproductive rate because they take 15 to 25 years to reach spawning age, and adults do not spawn every year. Social Sharing It is estimated that the number of sturgeon in major basins has declined by 70% over the last century. Lake sturgeon would become the 20th endangered or threatened species in Minnesota if they are listed, joining the gray wolf, Canada lynx and rusty patched bumblebee, among others. A Lake Sturgeon female will not produce eggs until approximately 20 years of age. Note its conical (not shovel-nosed) snout. Habitat preference is bottoms of large, clean, freshwater rivers and lakes with firm sand, gravel or rock substrates, in deep (four to nine meters) water. Despite its name, in Missouri … Lake sturgeon are listed as either threatened or endangered by 19 of the 20 states within its original range in the United States. Most states within the range of the lake sturgeon provide state protection as endangered, threatened, or “species of … The agency issued its findings on a petition submitted by the Center for Biological Diversity, stating that listing may be warranted due to potential threats to lake sturgeon. Lake Sturgeon were harvested for their eggs (caviar) and as smoked fish. Fish and Wildlife Service said Wednesday it will review whether lake sturgeon should be listed as a federally threatened or endangered species. The U.S. The late sexual maturity of sturgeon (6-25 years) makes them more vulnerable to overfishing. Reason for Designation: ... Key Areas and Conditions for Pallid Sturgeon in North Dakota. Pallid Sturgeons are most commonly found in the upper Missouri River upstream of Lake Sakakawea, and in the Yellowstone River near the confluence of the two rivers.