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2004-2005 U.S. Recovery Highlights
 Sturgeon Releases:
In May, 2004, about 1,800 hatchery raised yearlings were released in the northern reaches of Lake Roosevelt. In February and May 2005, 3,600 yearlings were released in the same areas.
Hatchery Fish Performance:
Assessments show good growth rates in the northern reaches, indicating sufficient and suitable food sources are available. No wild young-of-the-year were found in fall surveys despite observations of successful spawning and hatching of larvae during the spring.
Assessment and Sampling:
Adult fish found in the northern reaches average six feet in length and are in good condition. The potential for collecting sufficient broodstock fish for future U.S. hatchery supplementation efforts is good.
Monitoring:
The movements of sturgeon outfitted with acoustic transmitter tags were monitored in the northern reach. Results indicate sturgeon travel extensively throughout the study area, and occasionally upstream into Canada during the summer.
Spawning Assessments:
Documentation of spawning activity in the U.S. began in spring, 2005. Ripe adults outfitted with radio tags were located in the northern reach, eggs were subsequently collected a couple of miles downstream, and larvae were captured as far as fifteen miles downstream.
Communication and Outreach:
The web site www.uppercolumbiasturgeon.org gives people of all ages access to both general and highly technical information. Print materials and school programs are also available to support public outreach.
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