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Centuries-Old Fish Species Rebounds from Brink of Extinction in Missouri
19 Oct
Summary
- Lake Sturgeon, a fish species over 150 million years old, was nearly wiped out in Missouri
- Conservation efforts have led to the fish spawning again in the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers
- Biologist says it's the "height of my career" to witness the species' comeback
In a remarkable conservation success story, the Lake Sturgeon, a fish species that has existed for over 150 million years, is making a strong comeback in Missouri's waterways. Just a few years ago, the species was on the brink of extinction in the state due to human-made pollution and habitat changes.
However, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has been working tirelessly to revive the Lake Sturgeon population. Through tracking the fish's spawning locations and releasing hatchery-raised sturgeon into the wild, the MDC has managed to restore the species' presence in the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.
For MDC fishery biologist Travis Moore, who has dedicated over 35 years to this effort, the resurgence of the Lake Sturgeon is the "height of [his] career." He recalls first trying to recover the species when he was still in high school, making this comeback all the more rewarding.
The return of the Lake Sturgeon not only represents an ecological victory but also holds promise for recreational fishing and ecosystem balance. As a bottom-feeding fish that consumes invasive species, the sturgeon's increased presence can help restore the natural balance of Missouri's waterways.
