Reproductive status and early life history of Lake Sturgeon in the Muskegon River

The lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) is a large, benthic fish that is threatened throughout much of its native range. This study aims to provide important information about the ecology of lake sturgeon, which will facilitate rehabilitation efforts. Our on-going study is focused on the Muskegon River system, which supports a remnant population of lake sturgeon. Specific objectives are to: 1) estimate the annual number of spawning adults in the Muskegon River, 2) identify spawning habitats in the river, 3) assess spawning success by sampling larval drift and 4) assess juvenile habitat preferences and movements. During the first year of sampling, we captured eight adult lake sturgeon in the Muskegon River and observed fish spawning at one location in the river. We conducted 18 nighttime drift sampling events between 13 May and 18 June 2008 downstream of the known spawning site in the Muskegon River, but our preliminary results indicate that we did not capture any larval lake sturgeon. Three juveniles were captured and the movement patterns of two were observed. As we continue our research, gill net placement will be reassessed and more emphasis will be given to sampling larval fish vertically in the water column.