I was wondering why Fish and Game does not raise Sturgeon in hatcheries to be released into the rivers to help that native population? The only record I can find are a few fish that were release back in 1994.
Answer:
We have worked with the College of Southern Idaho, Idaho Power and the aquaculture industry to spawn, rear, and release sturgeon back into the Snake for many years. Just this past fall, we release over 100 sturgeon in the Idaho Falls reach of the Snake River and have 100 each for the Niagara Springs, below C.J. Strike Dam, and below Swan Falls Dam that will be released this coming spring in the Snake River. We've actually stocked sturgeon in the Snake River many times since the program began in the early 1990's.
The College of Southern Idaho and the Magic Valley aquaculture industry are recognized as leaders in sturgeon culture techniques. Idaho Power collects adult sturgeon during their usual population sample work on the Snake River. We direct where and how many sturgeon are stocked based on our statewide management plan.
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Answered on:
Tuesday, January 7, 2014 - 2:05 PM MST