Shovelnose Sturgeon Population Attributes in the Cedar River, Near Mt. Vernon, IA

Shovelnose Sturgeon have experienced population declines due to habitat degradation and overexploitation. Because of the potential declines in Shovelnose Sturgeon populations, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has been monitoring Shovelnose Sturgeon populations using a multi-gear approach annually in the Cedar River beginning in 2006. However, these data have not yet been fully evaluated and may provide insight to the current status of the population. Thus, the objectives of this study were to evaluate trends in relative abundance data, determine the most efficient gear for capturing Shovelnose Sturgeon, and evaluate the population demographics (recruitment, growth, and mortality) of the Shovelnose Sturgeon population. This information will further our knowledge about the Shovelnose Sturgeon population and guide management efforts to provide a long-term sustainable fishery.