Since 1999, biologists from Green Bay FRO, Green Bay ESO and the Wisconsin DNR have been working together on efforts to assess the status and reproductive success of this remnant lake sturgeon population. This team of biologists also have been involved in negotiations with FERC and a local hydropower utility located at this site on the river regarding relicensing provisions for the hydropower facility. Through this work, it has become apparent that in many years, flow conditions were very unsuitable for reproduction by sturgeon and that a combined coordinated effort by all parties would be needed to improve the suitability of this environment for sturgeon.

Through several conference calls, face-to-face meetings, document reviews, and participation in annual public informational meetings, the Service biologists have established a very productive working arrangement with the US Army Corps of Engineers and the local hydropower facility that is expected to greatly improve the flow conditions during the sturgeon spawning and egg and larval incubation and development period on this river each spring.

Lake sturgeon were once an abundant and important component of the Great Lakes fish community but declined dramatically during the late 1800s due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and degraded water quality. Current population levels are less than one percent of historic levels. This remnant population of sturgeon using the lower Fox River is one of eight such populations persisting in lake Michigan and is a focus of rehabilitation efforts by the Service. Contact: Rob Elliott, Green Bay Fishery Resources Office, 920-866-1762, robert_f_elliott@fws.gov