Sturgeon returning to Suwannee River

March 29, 2007
Contact: Karen Parker (386) 758-0525

The Gulf sturgeon are returning to the Suwannee River, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds boaters to slow down and be aware these fish are jumping.

Eight people were injured by direct sturgeon collisions during 2006. Two other boaters suffered injuries when they swerved to avoid a jumping sturgeon and hit a bridge support in the river.

“We certainly don’t want a repeat of last year,” said Maj. Bruce Hamlin, regional commander for FWC’s North Central Region, based in Lake City. “Just one person getting hurt is too many. We want people to be aware that sturgeon are returning, and the risk of injury to boaters does exist.”

FWC officers who patrol the Suwannee River regularly have reported the big fish are jumping now. As the weather warms up and more people get out on the river, the risk of injury from colliding with the sturgeon increases.

Last year, FWC officials began working on a public awareness campaign to alert boaters to the risks of jumping sturgeon.

“We posted signs along the Suwannee at each boat ramp, explaining the risk of impacts with these fish,” Hamlin said. “We recommend boaters reduce their speed to reduce the risk of impact and to give people more time to react if they do encounter a jumping sturgeon. We will be checking each boat ramp on the Suwannee this month to ensure all the signs are still in place.”

In the Suwannee River, which appears to support the most viable population of Gulf sturgeon, biologists estimate the annual population at between 2,250 and 3,000 fish, averaging about 40 pounds. Adult fish spend eight to nine months each year in the river spawning and three to four of the coolest months in Gulf waters.

Adult sturgeon frequent areas near the mouths of springs during the summer months. They tend to congregate in deeper waters with moderate currents and sand and rocky bottoms.

Biologists are unsure why sturgeon jump.

According to Jerry Krummrich, regional freshwater fish biologist, “I have seen these collisions referred to as ‘attacks.’ However, these fish are in no way ‘attacking’ when they jump. They are simply doing what they have been doing for millions of years…jumping. They aren’t targeting the boaters.”

Gulf sturgeon can grow to 8 feet in length and weigh up to 200 pounds. Sturgeon are a protected species and may not be harvested.

To report sturgeon collisions, call 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).