Biology, Management, and Protection of North American Sturgeon

<em>Abstract.</em>—White sturgeon <em>Acipenser transmontanus</em> in the Hells Canyon reach of the Snake River have been under sport catch-and-release regulations for almost thirty years. Three states, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington bound this river section, and each imposed catchand-release regulations in 1970s. Nez Perce Tribe tribal members can harvest sturgeon throughout the year in this Snake River section. The population structure at the initiation of catch-and-release regulations showed a deficit in the 92–183 cm (TL) length range as white sturgeon within this group were harvested before 1972. The population composition was 86% between 55 and 92 cm, 4% between 92 and 183 cm, and 10% greater than 183 cm. Information collected during 1982–85 and in 1998 shows increasing abundance in the mid-sized length-group (92–183 cm TL). Because of the positive response of this population to a reduction in legal sport harvest, there have been discussions regarding the elimination of catchand-release fishing. Because of the longevity of white sturgeon, it may take another 25–30 years for the older age-class segment (>183 cm TL) to show a response to catch and release. For the interim, I suggest that strong consideration be given for retaining the Hells Canyon population as a conservation research population. This designation would allow for better understanding of population dynamics for future managers, but still allow present activities of catch-and-release sport fishing and tribal harvest.