"Environmental Life History of Scaphirhynchus Sturgeon in the Lower Missouri and Middle Mississippi Rivers"

Population declines of Pallid Sturgeon have resulted in increased efforts to understand their environmental life history.  These efforts have revealed that, like many large river fishes, Scaphirhynchus sturgeon exhibit extensive movement patterns within the Lower Missouri and Middle Mississippi Rivers.  Even so, the importance of these rivers at various life stages (particularly those where origin and recruitment occur) have not been fully evaluated.  The objective of this study was to determine movement patterns and natal origin of Lower Missouri and Middle Mississippi River Pallid Sturgeon and hybrids (shovelnose x pallid).  Fin rays from individuals collected from these two systems were analyzed using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICPMS), and fin ray strontium:calcium (Sr:Ca) were compared to Sr:Ca obtained from Missouri and Mississippi River water samples.  The results of this study revealed that individuals do traverse between the two systems. This information garnishes valuable insight into the life history and migration patterns of Lower Missouri and Middle Mississippi River Scaphirhynchus sturgeon, which suggests continued interjurisdictional management is needed to conserve these species.