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Provincial and Federal Funding Completes Detroit River Sturgeon Habitat Restoration
Midwest Region, October 10, 2008
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LaSalle, Ontario – Construction of a sturgeon spawning reef will soon be completed as a result of Provincial and Federal funding announcements at Gil Maure Park today in LaSalle. Bruce Crozier, M.P.P. Essex, has announced that the Province of Ontario is contributing $65,000 towards Phase 2 of this restoration project and Jeff Watson, M.P., has announced that the Federal Government is contributing an additional $60,000. These contributions help facilitate the goal of returning this spectacular Lake Sturgeon fish to its historical abundance.  The project is situated at the north east end of Fighting Island in the Detroit River and is the first ever fish habitat restoration project in the Great Lakes undertaken with Canadian and U.S. funding. 

 

The Lake Sturgeon is a remnant of the dinosaur age and can grow to over eight feet in length and weigh over 200 pounds. It is listed as either threatened or endangered in 19 of 20 states in the U.S. In Canada, it has been identified as threatened by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife. Lake Sturgeon is endemic to the Great Lakes and, historically, the Huron-Erie Corridor was one of the most productive waters for Lake Sturgeon in North America.

 

In 2001, Lake Sturgeon spawning was documented in the Detroit River for the first time in over 20 years, but their numbers are estimated to be only 1% of their original population. Scientists determined that the lack of spawning habitat is one of the factors limiting population growth. Historically, the area surrounding Fighting Island was well known as an important spawning and nursery area for Lake Sturgeon and thus was targeted as a potential habitat construction site.

 

Contact Info: John Hartig, 734-692-7608, john_hartig@fws.gov



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