Variation in lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) abundance and growth among river reaches in a large regulated river

Abstract

Lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) stocks are well below historical levels across their natural range. In this study, we examine why lake sturgeon have not substantially recovered to historical levels in a large regulated river (Ottawa River, Canada). Three primary anthropogenic stressors have been identified as potentially limiting lake sturgeon populations in the Ottawa River: (i) commercial harvest, (ii) contaminants, and (iii) water power management. Hypotheses i and iii were tested by comparing lake sturgeon abundance and examining growth among reaches differing in level of commercial harvest and water management regime; hypothesis ii was tested by assessing contaminant loads in lake sturgeon and examining effects on growth and condition. Relative abundance, growth, mortality, and mean size of lake sturgeon did not differ among river reaches with (n = 6) and without (n = 3) a commercial harvest. Mercury was the only contaminant that was elevated. Neither growth nor condition showed any detectable relationship with mercury body burden. Relative abundance of lake sturgeon was greater in unimpounded than impounded reaches; additionally, there is evidence of faster growth in the impounded versus unimpounded reaches, suggesting density-dependent compensation. Water power management appears to be the primary factor affecting lake sturgeon in this river.