A synopsis of lake sturgeon management in Alberta, Canada

The lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) is resident in the North and South Saskatchewan rivers of Alberta. Because of their confined distribution, lo w abundance, and vulnerability to anthropogenic impacts, lake sturgeon in A lberta have been the focus of specific management actions for nearly 60 yea rs. Lake sturgeon harvest was prohibited in Alberta from 1940 to 1968, after wh ich a limited harvest was again permitted, but only as a hook-and-line spor t fishery. After being reopened the fishery was primarily managed as a "tro phy" fishery. Sport fishery harvest statistics have been compiled annually since 1968, through mail-out questionnaires sent to all holders of sturgeon angling licenses. Few research studies have been undertaken on the life history or habitat re quirements of lake sturgeon in the province, and biologists have relied pri marily on anglers to provide information for management decisions. Prelimin ary population information for the South Saskatchewan River, from mark-reca pture data, suggests a population size of about 3700 fish. Recent studies i n the North Saskatchewan River indicate a population of about 1300 fish. St udies indicate that a portion of the population in both rivers is trans-bou ndary, moving between the waters of the adjoining provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, and creating concerns because of differences in angling regul ations. During recent decades, major consumptive uses of water have also co ntributed to depletion of lake sturgeon habitat in the province. After reviewing past management strategies and actions, Alberta Environment al Protection implemented a number of regulatory changes in 1987 to further protect lake sturgeon populations in the province while continuing to prov ide angling opportunities and maintaining a controlled harvest.