Sturgeon Fishing Halted Amid Mysterious Die Off


Sturgeon fishing in Oregon’s Columbia River is being halted amid a mysterious die-off. Officials with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed the ban will begin on Saturday and will continue indefinitely. Although it is unclear what is killing the fish, biologists believe the die-off is linked to drought conditions.

Lake sturgeon are commonly referred to as living fossils, as the species has undergone few changes over the last 135 million years. Although their name indicates otherwise, lake sturgeon are found in rivers and lakes throughout the United States and Canada.

As they are quite large, reaching lengths over six feet, lake sturgeon have few natural predators. Unfortunately, their population continues to wane due to commercial fishing, habitat loss, and pollution. The largest freshwater fish in North America, sturgeon are also popular among sport fisherman.

As reported by National Geographic, lake sturgeon fishing has faced increasing regulations, as they are considered either threatened or endangered in 19 states. Although the population has seen a slight rebound in recent years, wildlife officials are still concerned.

As reported by Oregon Live, Oregon’s most recent die-off is causing specific concern. In response to the crisis, the Department of Fish and Wildlife is banning sturgeon fishing indefinitely along the Columbia River. ODFW Deputy Administrator Chris Kern explains.

“What we’re seeing right now is higher levels of summer mortality and indications that sturgeon are under a lot of stress this summer… This is something we can do immediately to give them some relief.”

The latest ban includes a 151-mile portion of the Columbia River between the Bonneville and NcNary Dams.

In addition to Columbia River sturgeon, the fishing ban includes salmon, steelhead, and trout “on the lower Willamette and Clackamas rivers upstream of the Abernathy Bridge.”

The Seattle Times reports wildlife officials have recorded the deaths of 66 Columbia River sturgeon in recent months.

Sturgeon fisherman Malcom Chunn said he has personally observed at least 15 dead sturgeon this season. Although he admits he “periodically [saw] dead fish” in the river, he has never seen anything “to this magnitude.”

It is unclear what is killing the Columbia River’s lake sturgeon population. However, biologists believe the weather may be a factor.

As the shallow waters have been particularly warm, sockeye salmon have been infected with a devastating disease. Wildlife officials believe the sturgeon may have been infected as well, as they often feed on the salmon.

Sturgeon fishermen may be disappointed about the ban. However, wildlife officials said it is necessary to preserve the existing population.

[Image via Shutterstock]

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