Ecological requirements for pallid sturgeon reproduction and recruitment in the lower Missouri River

Over the past five years, the U.S. Geological Survey Columbia Environmental Research Center in collaboration with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission have engaged in a comprehensive program of research to improve the understanding of the reproductive ecology of the pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) in the Lower Missouri River.  Results of this study have provided new insights into the extent of sturgeon movement and how sturgeon use habitat.  Migratory patterns of reproductive adults have been documented and the spawning behaviors of pallid sturgeon have been initially described.  Our understanding of the reproductive physiology of the species has expanded and is being used to place behavior within the context of environmental cues and spawning success.    Habitats selected by adult pallid sturgeon for spawning have been intensively characterized.  Information on spawning locations, patterns of larval sturgeon collection, and simple models of larval transport indicate the potential extent of larval dispersal.  Conceptual and quantitative models describing life history requirements, reproductive physiology, migration, habitat use, and spawning success have been developed based on this research.  Knowledge gained through this comprehensive program have resulted in improved understanding of pallid sturgeon and have produced new hypotheses and potential metrics to gauge habitat improvement and species recovery.