Assessment of Age-0 Sturgeon Catch and Habitat Use from Five Reaches in the Lower Missouri River

It has been hypothesized that slow, shallow water is important to young Scaphirhynchus sturgeon; however, the role that this habitat plays during early life history is uncertain.  While several studies have reported the depths and velocities observed at age-0 sturgeon catch sites, conditions outside the immediate capture location may be important.  One recent study investigated the potential relationship between age-0 sturgeon catch and the availability of shallow water (< 1.5 m deep) at broader scales (e.g., the bend level).  While this study provided valuable information utilizing previously collected data from the Pallid Sturgeon Population Assessment Program, this program was not designed to monitor age-0 sturgeon.  As such, the purpose of this study was to assess catch rates and habitat use with a sampling protocol specifically designed for age-0 sturgeon.  We will present data from five reaches (each approximately 20 miles long) in the lower Missouri River representing a wide range (6 to 35 acres per mile) of available shallow water.  The information presented will build upon past research efforts to better understand age-0 sturgeon habitat use, at local and broad scales, in the lower Missouri River and help guide future habitat restoration efforts.