The Wisconsin Lake Sturgeon Management Plan: Objectives and Recommendations

Through several facilitated workshops, members of the Sturgeon Management Assessment Team identified several key objectives for successful sturgeon management and listed a variety of recommendations that would ultimately meet those objectives. The recommendations listed below have been given a priority order by being assigned either a high (H), medium (M), or low (L) designation.

Objectives:

1.0 Sturgeon Population and Life History Information Needs
2.0 Habitat Protection and Enhancement
3.0 Genetic, Propagation, Transfers, and Reintroductions
4.0 Harvest and Fisheries Information Needs
5.0 Population Densities
6.0 Regulations and Enforcement
7.0 Public Input and Involvement
8.0 Commercialization, Privatization, and Scientific Use of Sturgeon Resources
9.0 Management Plans

1.0 Sturgeon Population and Life History Information Needs

Objectives:
1.1 Maintain/enhance current sturgeon population assessments
1.2 Develop and implement standardized population assessments on all existing populations
1.3 Conduct life history research/assessments where needed

Recommendations:
a. Develop as standardized collection techniques as possible to conduct population studies (estimates, age/growth, size structure, etc.) (H)
b. Establish a priority list of waters that need assessment work (H)
c. Assess success of reintroductions by methods identified in Objective 1.2 (H)
d. Identify characteristics that correlate with successful reproduction and recruitment (e.g., fungus mortality of eggs, predation on various life stages, assessment of spawning grounds) (M)
e. Identify seasonal migration patterns (M)
f. Identify natural sex ratios (M)
g. Assess homing and imprinting behavior (M)
h. Identify other research needs as appropriate (M)
i. Search for remnant populations (L)

2.0 Habitat Protection and Enhancement

Objectives:
2.1 Identify critical habitats and habitat requirements for various life stages
2.2 Identify barriers and other factors within systems negatively affecting sturgeon populations
2.3 Enhance habitat where possible

Recommendations:
a. Identify critical seasonal habitats and improvement opportunities (H)
b. Ensure the impacts of dams and habitat needs of species are considered during the FERC relicensing process (H)
c. Work with dam owners to effectively manage or improve habitat in fragmented river systems. Consider dam removal, if warranted, to reconnect fragmented populations. Educate public on the impacts of dams and benefits of dam removal. (H)
d. Use proper flow management at dams to benefit species (including development of appropriate HSI curves for various life stages) (H)
e. Use washed rock riprap (>6") as material to create new or supplement existing spawning habitat (H)
f. Provide passage at dams where feasible and where passage would benefit sturgeon populations (H)
g. Discourage riparian uses that negatively affect populations (H)
h. Encourage riparian uses that benefit populations (M)
i. Evaluate habitat improvement projects (M)
j. Complete Wolf River sturgeon spawning substrate and flow study report (M)
k. Determine water quality needs for populations (L)

3.0 Genetics and Propagation, Transfers, and Reintroduction

Objectives:
3.1 Define existing strains/populations and role of genetics in management and rehabilitation or reintroduction 3.2 Ensure statewide commitment and coordination of sturgeon propagation programs
3.3 Maximize genetic variability in hatchery reared fish used for rehabilitation or reintroduction
3.4 Establish best technical criteria and protocol for maximum quality assurance in propagation efforts

Recommendations:
a. All stocking and reintroduction proposals be reviewed by Sturgeon Management Assessment Team (H)
b. Use similar strains within basin for stocking and transfers, unless extirpated in the basin (H)
c. Form a committee to establish genetic hatchery guidelines, standards, and technical criteria for the propagation of lake sturgeon. (follow existing guidelines until own guidelines can be developed) (H)
d. Acclimate fish to water body prior to release (H)
e. Annually stock at the suggested minimum densities for rehabilitation purposes for a recommended duration of 25 years of: Fry (based on availability and objectives); Fingerlings (rivers: 80 per mile, lakes: 1 per 2 acres, Yearlings (rivers: 40 per mile; lakes 1 per 4 acres).

Priority List of Wisconsin Lake Sturgeon Rehabilitation Waters - The Sturgeon Management Assessment Team categorized the following waters as priorities in the lake sturgeon rehabilitation process:

A. Waters with ongoing restoration efforts: (-- The Wisconsin River from Stevens Point to Lake Du Bay -- The Menominee River below Sturgeon Falls -- The Upper Flambeau River - Manitowish River system -- The St. Louis River -- The Bad River -- Menominee Reservation Waters - Middle Wolf River System; Legend Lake)
B. Waters in which rehabilitation can begin: (-- The Upper Fox River from Princeton to Lake Butte des Morts -- Green Bay and its tributaries)
C. Other potential rehabilitation waters (will need more information, plan development, etc. before rehabilitation efforts can begin): -- Lake Michigan and its tributaries -- Lake Superior and its tributaries -- Lac du Flambeau Reservation waters -- Red Cedar River.

4.0 Harvest and Fisheries Information Needs

Objectives:
4.1 Develop and implement standardized exploitation assessments

Recommendations:
a. Develop standardized catch/harvest assessment techniques that include a measure of exploitation, effort, and age, size, and sex of fish (registrations, rotational creel surveys) (H)
b. Determine incidental catch and harvest of sturgeon in commercial fishing operations (identify areas open to commercial fishing contracts that may be closed in future) (H)
c. Continue Winnebago spearing assessment (H)
d. Examine impact of regulations (length limits, season, etc.) on spearing and hook and line fisheries (H)
e. Conduct literature review on exploitation of sturgeon fisheries (M)
f. Determine hooking mortality of sturgeon (M/L)
g. Determine impact of barriers that concentrate fish and increase harvest (L)
h. List chronology of sturgeon regulations (L)

5.0 Population Densities

Objectives:
5.1 Manage lake sturgeon populations with biologically and conservationally sound goals.
5.2 Reestablish sturgeon throughout their former range

Recommendations:
a. Manage for densities of Age 2+ fish at 250 fish/mile in inland rivers and 1.5 fish/acre in lake systems. (combination in flowages). Populations should be ideally represented by males up to 40 years of age and females up to 70 years of age.

6.0 Regulations and Enforcement

Objectives:
6.1 Manage average annual exploitation of populations at or near 5%
6.2 Maintain strong enforcement of sturgeon regulations at all times
6.3 Protect remnant and rehabilitating sturgeon populations

Recommendations:
a. Create separate licensing fee structure for H/L sturgeon fisheries (H)
b. Designate all monies collected from sturgeon licensing be used for sturgeon management and assessment work (H)
c. Standardize license and carcass tag procedures between spearing and hook and line (Tyvac tag, fee, registration procedure/information collection) (H)
d. Evaluate current minimum length limits and expand harvest assessment to make recommendations by 2002 (H) e. Remove remnant populations from hook and line harvest opportunity (H)
f. Incorporate the hook and line sturgeon tag into the Automated License Issuance System (ALIS) (H)
g. Implement Oct. 1 license sale deadline for Winnebago spearing license (H)
h. Examine the possibility of requiring a "harvest" tag or quota system to manage harvest on hook and line fisheries (H/M)
i. Work with tribal interests to review and compare tribal and nontribal sturgeon harvest (H/M)
j. Develop one statewide sturgeon regulation and information pamphlet (tip card, etc.) (M)
k. Review boundary water regulations and promote regulation consistency (M)
l. Continue Fox/Wolf River "sturgeon patrol" and encourage other patrols on other waters (M)
m. Ensure and enhance FH/LE integration on sturgeon issues (M)

7.0 Public Input and Involvement

Objectives:
7.1 Maintain proactive public involvement in sturgeon management
7.2 Develop and implement statewide public education program for sturgeon and sturgeon management

Recommendations:
a. Maintain Sturgeon Management Assessment Team to implement and update Sturgeon Management Plan and review ongoing management activities (H)
b. Develop and implement local public involvement where necessary (Sturgeon Advisory Committee, Sturgeon for Tomorrow, etc.) (H)
c. Identify target audiences for sturgeon information, type of information and exchange needed, and develop appropriate educational materials to meet identified needs (e.g., video, posters, curricula, exhibits, surveys) (H)
d. Produce annual sturgeon harvest and management report that includes information on spearing, hook and line, and tribal harvest (H)
e. Draft fact sheet of Sturgeon Management Plan to distribute with hook and line tag applications and sturgeon spearing licenses. (H)
f. Work with local interests to create Sturgeon for Tomorrow chapters through out the state (M)

8.0 Commercialization, Privatization, and Scientific Use of Sturgeon Resources

Objectives:
8.1 Minimize/eliminate potential problems and threats from aquaculture operations and scientific users.
8.2 Prohibit the importation and distribution of all sturgeon species as a hobby fish for aquaria.
8.3 Establish a cooperative partnership agreement between the Department of Natural Resources, USFWS, Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP), University systems, tribes, other agencies, and the commercial aquaculture industry for the propagation of lake sturgeon, hereafter referred to as the Wisconsin Lake Sturgeon Aquaculture Agreement (WLSAA) using established technical criteria (from Objective 3.4) to assure the production of the highest quality product.

Recommendations:
a. Restrict all sturgeon species propagation to DNR, USFWS, DATCP, tribal, University systems, and commercial aquaculture under a WLSAA agreement for research and rehabilitation (statute change) (H)
b. Prohibit live sturgeon and/or gametes on any license except under the WLSAA agreement (H)
c. Require a scientific collector permit application for those interested in collecting and conducting research on sturgeon. A complete study proposal or plan of work with the following sections should be submitted with the application: Background, Objectives, Approach, Expected Results, Application of Results, References, and Qualifications of Participants. Additionally, applicants will be required to submit annual reports on their progress and a complete report on their project results within 90 days of project completion. Applications will be reviewed by 1) the local fisheries biologist, and 2) the Sturgeon Management Assessment Team. Note: Research cooperators are expected to conform to above reporting standards (H)
d. Use technical criteria for propagation established in Objective 3.0 in the development of the WLSAA agreement. (H)
e. Determine current jurisdictions and authorities

9.0 Management Plans

Objectives:
9.1 Develop, implement, and update as needed a statewide sturgeon management plan for Wisconsin

Recommendations:
a. Implement statewide sturgeon management plan (H)
b. Develop and implement drainage and water specific management plans (H)
c. Ensure sturgeon management recommendations are addressed in WDNR watershed or basin management plans (H)
d. The Sturgeon Management Assessment Team should meet annually to assess implementation of Plan and conduct plan updates when necessary (H)
e. Central Office fisheries liaison should be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the statewide sturgeon management plan and coordinating activities of the Sturgeon Management Assessment Team (M)

The Plan | Biology and Distribution | Executive Summary | Management Issues | Objectives and Recommendations