For Release:
DEC Releases 110 Atlantic Sturgeon into the Hudson River
Fish Will Gather Data For Research To Help Restore Sturgeon Populations
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty today participated in the release of 110 Atlantic Sturgeon, as part of New York's ongoing efforts to study and restore the species to the Hudson River. The fish, some as large as four feet in length, range from six to 10 years old and are the offspring of sturgeon collected from the Hudson River more than a decade ago.
"Under the leadership of Governor George E. Pataki, the re-establishment of a healthy Atlantic Sturgeon population continues to play an integral part in the ongoing restoration of the Hudson River," Commissioner Crotty said. "Partnerships with other state and federal agencies have helped restore the Hudson River and the natural habitats of numerous fish and wildlife species. We look forward to continuing these partnerships to further our understanding of one of New York's most historically important native species."
Governor Pataki directed the creation of New York State's Hudson River Estuary Action Plan to protect and conserve the estuary's natural resources and ecosystem health, clean up pollution and other impairments, and promote public use and enjoyment of the river. Since 1995, New York State has committed $190 million to implement the plan.
Efforts directed under the Plan were integral in developing life history information, habitat use information, and population level estimates for Hudson River Atlantic Sturgeon and the federally-endangered Shortnose Sturgeon. Through these efforts, an overall assessment of the health of these fish populations was determined and restoration efforts were initiated. The Atlantic Sturgeon fishery throughout the East Coast was closed in 1998 due to over-fishing. It takes a female sturgeon approximately 20 years to reach sexual maturity. Biologists estimate that it will take 40 years or more to re-establish enough mature sturgeon that the species can withstand the resumption of a limited harvest in the Hudson.
Senator John J. Bonacic said, "The resurgence of the Hudson River is not only good for the surrounding environment and wildlife habitats, it is also a boost to the recreational tourism industry that is critical to the people in this region. I applaud the Governor for his ongoing efforts to rejuvenate the Hudson River."
Assemblyman Kevin Cahill said, "This release is an important component in New York's efforts on behalf of the ongoing restoration of the Hudson. Stewardship of this mighty river and the estuary resources of our area remain one of our most significant obligations."
Today's release is part of a project undertaken by DEC, in cooperation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to research the habitat use, movement, homing instincts, and health of wild and hatchery-raised immature Atlantic Sturgeon in the Hudson River Estuary. It is part of two other releases, one of which occurred in May and one planned for later this summer or fall. A total of nearly 350 sturgeon, all from the USFWS hatchery in Lamar, Pennsylvania, will be released in the Hudson.
The sturgeon will be sonic-tagged, released, and monitored to provide information about behavior and movement in the Hudson River and along the coast of both wild and hatchery-raised Atlantic Sturgeon. The project will identify habitats that are used by immature Atlantic Sturgeon in the Hudson River Estuary and along the Atlantic coast. Based on the results, information could be used to protect critical habitats or determine which river system the hatchery-raised fish will ultimately return to for spawning. It is not known how hatchery fish imprint on their natal river. For instance, because the fish came from Hudson River parents, but were hatched and reared on a tributary of the Susquehanna River, it is not clear which river they will return to for spawning.
For more about the Atlantic Sturgeon and New York State's efforts to protect the Hudson River Estuary, go to the DEC website.
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