Potential effects of climate change on <em>Acipenser fulvescens</em> (lake sturgeon)

First posted September 1, 2023 For additional information, contact: Director, Midwest Climate Adaptation Science CenterU.S. Geological Survey1954 Buford AvenueSt. Paul, MN 55108Contact Pubs Warehouse Acipenser fulvescens (Rafinesque, 1817; lake sturgeon) are the only sturgeon species native to Great Lakes region and threatened across most of their range. They historically vulnerable because overfishing habitat fragmentation with potential for climate change acting as an increasing stressor in future. Lake span multiple habitats during long lifespans, including high gradient streams, nearshore areas, deep rivers lakes. is projected strongly affect suitability these through precipitation temperatures decreasing ice cover snowmelt. Changes flow timing amount can movement spawning nursery sites, increased water likely activity patterns, survival, prey availability. Ultimately, expected face wide ranging effects from change, which may have positive negative on depending a variety factors, life stages affected, availability, interactions other stressors, but all shifts spawning. Importantly, several areas further research would be beneficial understanding complex sturgeon.