Federal wildlife officials have determined that the lake sturgeon, a prehistoric fish species, does not require protection under the Endangered Species Act. This decision comes despite calls from conservationists for added protections. The species, culturally significant and valuable to sportsmen, has seen a rebound in populations due to successful stocking programs that have reintroduced the fish to areas where they had previously vanished. As a result, activities such as spearing will continue in states like Wisconsin, supported by ongoing federal and tribal spawning operations.
This is excellent news! Our Lake Sturgeon population is thriving, and this science-based decision will allow a favorite Minnesota pastime to continue for generations to come. https://t.co/6QJ4jlXyh3
Prehistoric lake sturgeon is not endangered, U.S. says despite calls from conservationists https://t.co/nY7LO8uhTO https://t.co/osfVdsWw5p
Lake sturgeon will not be listed under Endangered Species Act, so spearing will continue in Wisconsin https://t.co/KrQeloP9lw
Lake sturgeon don't need Endangered Species Act protections, federal wildlife officials announced, saying that stocking programs have helped the prehistoric fish return to areas where they had vanished. https://t.co/1BnajiVCXo
Prehistoric lake sturgeon is not endangered, US says despite calls from conservationists https://t.co/DaQvG805ii
"The federal and tribal spawning operations are vital in the ongoing recovery of a population of fish that is culturally significant to the tribe and valuable to sportsmen, but it’s unclear whether the fish...can continue to rebound without such intensive human intervention." https://t.co/okIJ0XAo9N
The Lake Sturgeon is a freshwater fish that's been around since the dinosaur age. But overfishing, habitat degradation, and invasive species threaten its existence. That’s why I'm introducing a resolution to better protect this fish and encourage conservation.