National Recovery Perspectives from NOAA Fisheries on Green, Gulf, Atlantic, and Shortnose Sturgeons

Green (Acipenser medirostris), Gulf (A.r oxyrinchus desotoi), Atlantic (A.  o.oxyrinchus), and shortnose sturgeon (A. brevirostrum) are currently listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).  Protection extended to these species through the ESA can make significant contributions to their recovery.  For example, consultations on Federal projects under section 7 of the ESA, recovery planning under section 4 of the ESA, conservation planning under section 10, and Federal funding provided under section 6 of the ESA can each contribute to our ability to manage and reduce threats to these species and facilitate recovery. The ESA has been and can be used to address specific threats, such as degraded water quality, water diversions, and bycatch.  Threats are summarized for each listed sturgeon under NOAA Fisheries Service's jurisdiction, and ESA mechanisms for addressing these threats are discussed.  Mechanisms for engaging outside partners in supporting recovery of sturgeon listed under the ESA are also discussed.