De La Hunt Media - KK Radio Network

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Section of Fisheries celebrates a major breakthrough in the recovery efforts of the lake sturgeon population on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River. According to DNR fisheries biologists, short-term population recovery goals have been met, which is a big step toward full recovery. The lake sturgeon recovery has been collaborated between the Minnesota-Ontario Border Waters Fisheries Management Committee that includes fisheries biologists from the DNR northwest and northeast regions and Canada Ministry of Natural Resources. To monitor the recovery, DNR and Canada Ministry of Natural Resources biologists have actively observed the population, which included tagging studies to determine Lake Sturgeon movement. Recently, biologists have conducted population estimates and have monitored spawning locations. There are now approximately 5,000 tagged Lake Sturgeon that are used to monitor the environment of the fishery.  The Lake of the Woods and Rainy River population, along with other Lake Sturgeon populations in Minnesota, have been threatened due to over-harvesting, industrial water pollution and habitat degradation caused by dams that have changed water flows. However, the DNR notes that they are not making any adjustments in Lake Sturgeon fishing regulations at this time. “While our short-term recovery goals have been met, this does not trigger any changes in the management framework,” said Kevin Peterson, DNR area fisheries supervisor in International Falls. “This framework will still include an innovative harvest management tag system, a defined harvest, catch and release seasons and a closed season to protect spawning fish.” Lake Sturgeon fishing regulations in Minnesota allow anglers to purchase a tag to harvest one Lake Sturgeon between 45-50 inches, or one more than 75 inches per calendar year. Mail-in registration cards are required for anyone wanting to possess a Lake Sturgeon. Anglers can fish for Lake Sturgeon from May 8 to May 15, but must release all fish caught. For more information on the Lake Sturgeon, visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/minnaqua/speciesprofile/lake_sturgeon.