Lake Sturgeon Update

Policy Intern • April 24, 2024

On Tuesday, April 23, the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) published a notice of their findings for Lake Sturgeon populations.   

The FWS conducted this finding to determine whether or not the lake sturgeon should be listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).   

The FWS is required under the ESA to review any petitions that contain substantial scientific or commercial information and must make a finding within 12 months to determine whether or not the petition is warranted.   

MUCC had deep concerns about a potential blanket listing, and as of 2020, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources had said that Michigan’s populations did not warrant a listing. MUCC had begun working with national partners on how to address a blanket listing of lake sturgeon.  

When determining whether the lake sturgeon should be identified as a threatened or endangered species, the FWS considered multiple stressors including dams, barriers, and climate change. It was concluded that stressors like dams and barriers fragment breeding and spawning habitats and therefore pose the largest threat to the lake sturgeon. Warming waters were also identified as a threat to the species.   

The study affirmed that captive-reared fish stocking has been the primary means of conservation and that these efforts have been successful in increasing the resiliency of the species.  

Historically, commercial harvest has decimated lake sturgeon populations. The FWS has stated that while populations are much lower than they have been historically, the species still holds a moderate to high level of representation.   

After careful consideration of major stressors, representation, and genetic variation, the FWS concluded that the lake sturgeon holds adequate representation, resiliency, and ability to adapt to environmental changes.  

With this reasoning, the FWS has stated that the lake sturgeon is not in danger of extinction.  

After concluding the species’ present status, the FWS moved to determine the likelihood that the lake sturgeon will become endangered in the foreseeable future. This future analysis considered criteria similar to the present analysis but took a closer look at the impacts of fish stocking.  

The FWS reasoned that while dams have major negative impacts on the species, the number of dams is not expected to increase in the near future. Stocking efforts, however, are expected to continue until population management objectives are met.   

It is the understanding of the FWS that continual statewide and tribal conservation efforts will continue to push positively trending populations in the right direction. Though climate change is a looming threat, the FWS reasons that the species has adequate adaptability and resiliency to overcome environmental threats like warming waters.  

The FWS concluded that the lake sturgeon is not in danger of extinction or likely to become in danger of extinction within the foreseeable future throughout its range.  

More detailed information, including a lake sturgeon Species Status Assessment, can be found here under the docket number FWS-R3-ES-2024-0022.  

To ensure our natural resources remain protected and managed thoughtfully in perpetuity, join Michigan United Conservation Clubs today: http://bit.ly/JoinMUCC .  

Recent Posts

By Justin Tomei June 30, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MUCC Submits Public Comment in Support of Line 5 Tunnel Project Lansing, MI — Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC), the nation’s largest statewide conservation organization, has submitted formal public comments urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to approve the Enbridge Line 5 Tunnel Project. In a letter submitted today, MUCC emphasized the need to move this critical infrastructure forward to protect the Great Lakes while maintaining safe, reliable energy transportation. “MUCC supports the tunnel project as the best available alternative to reduce the risk of an environmental disaster in the Straits of Mackinac while continuing to deliver essential energy products to Michigan families and industries,” said Amy Trotter, CEO of MUCC. “We believe the tunnel project strikes a balance between protecting the environment and maintaining energy security.” MUCC’s position is backed by a formal resolution passed by its membership, which includes thousands of hunters, anglers, trappers, and outdoor enthusiasts across Michigan. The resolution supports the tunnel as a long-term solution that replaces the aging and exposed pipeline segment currently crossing the Straits, offering greater environmental safeguards through secondary containment. The organization cited the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which acknowledges the tunnel’s benefits, including reduced spill risk and a controlled, buried environment for transporting light crude oil and natural gas liquids. MUCC also rejected the "no action alternative," which would allow the existing line to remain in operation without any new protective infrastructure. “Other alternatives, like transporting fuel by truck or rail, are inefficient and carry greater environmental and safety risks,” Trotter added. “Allowing the current line to operate exposed on the lakebed indefinitely is simply not acceptable.” MUCC’s comment stresses that the organization is not weighing in on the type of energy transported, but rather on the environmental risks and safety benefits of the tunnel itself. Originally approved by the Michigan legislature and governor in 2018, the Great Lakes Tunnel Project represents a once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure and environmental protection. MUCC urges the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to issue the necessary permits and move forward with construction without further delay. For Media Contact: Justin Tomei jtomei@mucc.org 517-346-6488 #####
By Olivia Triltsch June 26, 2025
Since its inception, MUCC has made great strides in the conservation of natural resources through advocacy, habitat, youth education, and communications.
By Katelyn Helsel June 25, 2025
On Saturday, June 21, 2025, MUCC’s On the Ground program partnered with the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute (PCCI) for a native plug planting day in Barry County. Located on 850 acres, the institute offers both environmental education opportunities and serves as a biological field station for conducting research. Many diverse native communities from wetlands to prairies are present at PCCI, and many rare or threatened species in Michigan like the eastern box turtle call the institute home. 
More Posts