Large-Scale Marine and Freshwater Movements of White Sturgeon

Abstract

Sturgeon movements are poorly known. We report here telemetry data on the marine and freshwater movements of a 188-cm (fork length; probably 30–60 years old) white sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus over a 19-month period. Initially tagged in the Klamath River, California, in May 2002, it remained there until emigrating to the ocean in November 2002. It was next detected more than 1,000 km away in the Fraser River, British Columbia, where it made extended in-river movements in September and October 2003. Given the long periods of time spent in at least two very different river systems (one clear and one highly turbid), the home river is uncertain. Large-scale movements of sturgeon outside the home river have serious implications for population assessments and development of successful management plans. Our results highlight the potential value of permanent large-scale telemetry systems.