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Breeding Sturgeon Found In Oswegatchie River

Story Published: Jun 18, 2012 at 4:53 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jun 18, 2012 at 4:53 PM EDT

Biologists say the discovery of lake sturgeon bearing eggs in the Oswegatchie River and Oneida Lake's outlet marks a milestone in restoration efforts that began nearly 20 years ago.

A U.S. Geological Survey researcher found two egg-bearing females in Oneida Lake's outlet during sampling in April.

Two more were found in May in the Oswegatchie in northern New York.

The fish were stocked by the state Department of Environmental Conservation in 1995.

They're the first mature females found since restoration began.

Lake sturgeon is a threatened species throughout the Great Lakes region.

They take 15 to 25 years to reach reproductive age.

The females found this spring were about five feet long.

DEC biologist Lisa Holst says Monday the fish were released and it's hoped that they'll spawn.

See DEC news release

- from Associated Press
Thursday, June 20, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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