thumbnail

Potential Effects of Climate Change on Acipenser fulvescens (Lake Sturgeon)

Open-File Report 2021-1104-E
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20211104E

Links

Abstract

Acipenser fulvescens (Rafinesque, 1817; lake sturgeon) are the only sturgeon species native to the Great Lakes region and are threatened across most of their range. They are historically vulnerable because of overfishing and habitat fragmentation with the potential for climate change acting as an increasing stressor in the future. Lake sturgeon span multiple habitats during their long lifespans, including high gradient streams, nearshore areas, and deep rivers and lakes. Climate change is projected to strongly affect the suitability of these habitats through increasing precipitation and temperatures and decreasing ice cover and snowmelt. Changes in flow timing and amount can affect movement to spawning and nursery sites, and increased water temperatures are likely to affect species activity patterns, survival, and prey availability. Ultimately, the Great Lakes region is expected to face wide ranging effects from climate change, which may have positive and negative effects on lake sturgeon depending on a variety of factors, including the life stages affected, habitat availability, and interactions with other stressors, but all shifts are likely to affect spawning. Importantly, several areas of further research would be beneficial to understanding the complex effects of climate change on lake sturgeon.

Suggested Citation

Embke, H.S., Nikiel, C.A., and Lyons, M.P., 2023, Potential effects of climate change on Acipenser fulvescens (lake sturgeon): U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2021–1104–E, 41 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20211104E.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Data and Methods
  • Species Background
  • Spawning
  • Larvae and Juvenile Survival
  • Adult Foraging and Survival
  • Conclusions
  • References Cited
  • Appendix 1. Climate Maps
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Potential effects of climate change on Acipenser fulvescens (lake sturgeon)
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2021-1104
Chapter E
DOI 10.3133/ofr20211104E
Year Published 2023
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center
Description vi, 41 p.
Country United States
Other Geospatial Great Lakes
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details