Aquatic Species at Risk, Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens)

Aquatic Species at Risk, Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens)

SARA Status: Designatable Unit – DU3 (Special Concern)

COSEWIC Status: DU1 and DU2 (Endangered), DU4 (Threatened)

Several horizontal sections on this infographic show the following:

The logo for Fisheries and Oceans Canada in the top left corner of the page

An illustration of the Lake Sturgeon, © Joseph R. Tomelleri, with the following aspects labelled:

• pointed snout and a downward turned mouth for bottom feeding
• four barbels in the front of the mouth
• five rows of bony scutes
• heterocercal (shark-like) tail

The next section lists threats, including:

• barriers and flow alteration
• commercial overfishing
• habitat degradation

A further section notes that Lake Sturgeon is one of Canada's largest, longest-lived, freshwater fish species and has special significance to Indigenous Peoples.

A map of Canada is included to show 4 related population (designatable units). It is shaded in varying colours to indicate the 4 units.

In 2017, based on Canada's freshwater biogeographic zones and new genetic information, 4 related population (designatable units) were identified as:

1. DU1 Western Hudson Bay
2. DU2 Saskatchewan-Nelson River
3. DU3 Southern Hudson Bay-James Bay
4. DU4 Great Lakes-Upper St. Lawrence

A final section on the infographic notes that activities in or near water can harm aquatic species and lists what you can do:

• maintain natural flows and fish passage
• follow fishing regulations
• report illegal harvest
• protect sensitive habitat
• contact DFO before doing any in-water work

Version 2021-05