This paper examines the Shortnose Sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum), the first federally endangered freshwater fish in New England, focusing on the causes of its population decline, the federal conservation framework established to protect it, and the progress made toward recovery. The paper covers the species' biological characteristics, its listing under the Endangered Species Preservation Act, the 1998 Federal Critical Habitat Recovery Plan, population management through distinct vertebrate population segments, the absence of Safe Harbor and Candidate Conservation Agreements, the economic implications of its protection, and the remarkable population rebound documented in the Hudson River since the 1970s.
The Shortnose Sturgeon, formally referred to as Acipenser brevirostrum, is among the federally endangered aquatic species protected by the federal government (SOCNFWR, 2007). The Shortnose Sturgeon is commonly found along the Connecticut River from Turners Falls, Massachusetts to the Long Island Sound. It is the smallest of three sturgeon species known to inhabit North America. These fish are notable for their long lifespans — known to exceed 65 years for females and nearly 30 years for males (Dadswell, 1984).
The Shortnose Sturgeon was listed as an endangered species throughout its entire range on March 11, 1967, as part of the Endangered Species Preservation Act of 1966 (Dadswell, 1984). It became the first federally endangered freshwater fish in New England and remains the only one to this day.
In the 1890s, sturgeon became the most valuable fishery in the Bay and along the East Coast. They were collected in quantities averaging nearly 725,000 pounds per landing during that decade. Because these fish have slow reproduction cycles, their population plummeted, and by the 1920s, catches had fallen to an average of only 22,000 pounds (Blankenship, 2007). As human settlement expanded into the Shortnose Sturgeon's habitat, many spawning areas were obstructed by dams, bridges, and other man-made structures. These factors are considered the most prominent influences in the species' decline.
When the Shortnose Sturgeon was listed as an endangered aquatic species, conservation plans were initiated and studies were conducted on how its population could be maintained. The fishing and trapping of the Shortnose Sturgeon became illegal, enforced by a fine of $20,000 for even tampering with the fish (SOCNFWR, 2007). A federal critical habitat plan was completed in 1998, establishing numerous ordinances aimed at achieving full recovery of the Shortnose Sturgeon by 2024 (U.S.D.O.F., 1998).
The recovery plan was drafted by a seven-member recovery team composed of federal, state, and private institutions with backgrounds in both fisheries and management (U.S.D.O.F., 1998). The plan consists of an updated synopsis of the biology and distribution of the Shortnose Sturgeon, a description of factors affecting species recovery, an outline of actions needed to recover the species, and a detailed implementation schedule for completing specific recovery tasks (U.S.D.O.F., 1998).
"NMFS/FWS policy and development buffer zones"
"Why neither agreement applies to this species"
"Fishing industry costs and conservation controversy"
"400% Hudson River population growth since 1970s"
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