Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Program

Shovelnose sturgeon (left), pallid sturgeon (right) The USGS Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Program is a multi-year, interdisciplinary research study to determine factors leading to spawning and survival of the endangered pallid sturgeon and the closely related shovelnose sturgeon. This research is organized into the following tasks:

Movement and Behavior – Tracks and monitors sturgeon using a telemetry system and implanted sensors to understand reproduction and the relationship between environmental conditions and reproductive success.

Physiology – Evaluates indicators of sturgeon spawning, and identifies the environmental cues that influence spawning and reproductive development.

Early life history – Evaluates effects of flow and water temperature on spawning and spatial and temporal distribution of larvae

Habitat – Deploys habitat assessments to evaluate physical constraints on sturgeon reproduction and survival.

Data management and integration – Manages and integrates data through development of relational databases to enhance understanding.

Synthesis and modeling – Develops behavior and population forecasting models to facilitate resource management decisions.

Staff Members

Selected Publications

Modeling catch per unit area (CPUA) using a bayesian zero-inflated model with application to channel catfish and shovelnose sturgeon in the Missouri River

Arab, A., Wildhaber, M.L., Wikle, C.K., and Stoner, C.N., in press, Modeling catch per unit area (CPUA) using a bayesian zero-inflated model with application to channel catfish and shovelnose sturgeon in the Missouri River: North American Journal of Fisheries Management
Population viability analysis of Lower Missouri River shovelnose sturgeon with initial application to the pallid sturgeon

Bajer, P.B., and Wildhaber, M.L., 2007, Population viability analysis of Lower Missouri River shovelnose sturgeon with initial application to the pallid sturgeon: Journal of Applied Ichthyology 23(4), p. 457–464
Research needs and management strategies for pallid sturgeon recovery: Proceedings of a workshop held July 31–August 2, 2007, St. Louis, Mo.

Bergman, H.L., Boelter, A.M., Parady, K., Fleming, C., Keevin, T., Latka, D.C., Korschgen, C., Galat, D.L., Hill, T., Jordan, G., Krentz, S., Nelson-Stastny, W., Olson, M., Mestl, G.E., Rouse, K, and Berkley, J., 2008, Research needs and management strategies for pallid sturgeon recovery: Proceedings of a workshop held July 31–August 2, 2007, St. Louis, Mo. Final report to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Laramie, Wyoming, William D. Ruckelshaus Institute of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, 82p
Pallid sturgeon research in the Upper Missouri River basin of Montana and North Dakota (91600)

Braaten, P.J. 2008. Pallid sturgeon research in the Upper Missouri River Basin of Montana and North Dakota. Fisheries and Aquatics Bulletin, VIII(2): 3-4.
Estimation of gonad volume, fecundity, and reproductive stage of shovelnose sturgeon using sonography and endoscopy with application to the endangered pallid sturgeon

Bryan, J.L., Wildhaber, M.L., Papoulias, D.M., DeLonay, A.J., Tillitt, D.E., and Annis, M.L., 2007, Estimation of gonad volume, fecundity, and reproductive stage of shovelnose sturgeon using sonography and endoscopy with application to the endangered pallid sturgeon: Journal of Applied Ichthyology, v. 23, p. 411-419.
Integrating data collection and management for fisheries research (91603)

Chojnacki, K., Tracy–Smith, E., Clark, S., DeLonay, A., and Henke, C., 2006, Integrating data collection and management for fisheries research: USGS Fisheries and Aquatics Bulletin, v. 5, no. 3, p. 5
Development of methods to monitor pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) movement and habitat use in the Lower Missouri River

DeLonay, A., and Little, E.E., 2002, Development of methods to monitor pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) movement and habitat use in the Lower Missouri River: Columbia, Mo., U.S. Geological Survey, p. 114 p.
Use of behavioral and physiological indicators to evaluate Scaphirhynchus sturgeon spawning success

DeLonay, A.J., Papoulias, D.M., Wildhaber, M.L., Annis, M.L., Bryan, J.L., Griffith, S.A., Holan, S.H., and Tillitt, D.E., 2007, Use of behavioral and physiological indicators to evaluate Scaphirhynchus sturgeon spawning success: Journal of Applied Ichthyology, v. 23, p. 428-435.
Missouri River pallid sturgeon research

Heuser, J., 2008, Missouri River pallid sturgeon research: USGS Fisheries and Aquatics Bulletin, v. 8, no. 2,
Factors affecting the reproduction, recruitment, habitat, and population dynamics of pallid sturgeon and shovelnose sturgeon in the Missouri River

Korschgen, C.E., 2007, Factors affecting the reproduction, recruitment, habitat, and population dynamics of pallid sturgeon and shovelnose sturgeon in the Missouri River: U.S. Geological Survey, Open-File Report 2007-1262, 280 p.
Sturgeon research update: confirmed pallid sturgeon spawning in the Missouri River 2007

Sturgeon Research Update: Confirmed Pallid Sturgeon Spawning in the Missouri River 2007: U.S. Geological Survey, Fact Sheet 2007-3053.
Development of methods to determine the reproductive status of pallid sturgeon in the Lower Missouri River

Wildhaber, M.L., Papoulias, D.M., DeLonay, A.J., Tillitt, D.E., Bryan, J.L., and Annis, M.L., 2006, Development of Methods to Determine the Reproductive Status of Pallid Sturgeon in the Lower Missouri River: U.S. Geological Survey, Science Support Program Final Report, 88 p.
Physical and hormonal examination of Missouri River shovelnose sturgeon reproductive stage–a reference guide

Wildhaber, M.L., Papoulias, D.M., DeLonay, A.J., Tillitt, D.E., Bryan, J.L., and Annis, M.L., 2007, Physical and hormonal examination of Missouri River shovelnose sturgeon reproductive stage–a reference guide: Journal of Applied Ichthyology, v. 23, p. 382-401.
Advances and opportunities in assessing contaminant sensitivity of freshwater mussel (unionidae) early life stages (91630)

Augspurger, T., Dwyer, F.J., Ingersoll, C.G. and Kane, C.M. 2007. Advances and opportunities in assessing contaminant sensitivity of freshwater mussel (unionidae) early life stages. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 26(10): 2025-2028.