The Michigan Department of Natural Resources rescued 27 lake sturgeon from isolated pools in the Ontonagon River channel after hikers reported spotting the fish stranded in low-water conditions in August.
On August 23, hikers crossing the West Branch Ontonagon River downstream of Victoria Dam observed three lake sturgeon in pools along the riverbed and reported the sighting to the DNR's Report All Poaching hotline. DNR fisheries technicians initially found two sturgeon in an isolated pool and relocated them downstream about a mile over rugged terrain to where the river flows normally.
A second survey discovered dozens more fish in a sediment-clouded pool disconnected from the main channel. The DNR, working with the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO), eventually rescued and relocated 15 additional sturgeon to safety.
The low-water conditions resulted from operations at Victoria Dam, a hydroelectric facility operated by UPPCO. Under its federal license, the dam diverts river flow to generate power, leaving much of the channel between the dam and where water is returned to the river dry or partially dry at certain times of year.
The rescue proved vital for the lake sturgeon population in the Ontonagon system. Sturgeon have been listed as a threatened species in Michigan since 1994, and the state has been stocking the river since 1998. The largest fish recovered was 55 inches long, and none of the captured sturgeon are believed to exceed 28 years of age. A loss of 27 fish would have been extremely detrimental to the population, the DNR said.
The agency is now reviewing historical flow and temperature data and considering enhanced surveys with partners to prevent future strandings.