Shortnose sturgeon
Acipenser brevirostrum
Shortnose sturgeon are the only federally endangered migratory fish on the Connecticut River.
Overview
Shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) are an anadromous species, meaning they live most of their lives in the ocean, returning to freshwater to spawn. They are the only federally endangered migratory fish on the Connecticut River. Shortnose sturgeon are between 2 – 4 feet long and weigh up to 30 lbs. They mature slowly and don’t spawn until they reach 8 – 12 years old. Female Shortnose Sturgeon can live up to 60 years. Federal fines up to $20,000 can be levied for harming a shortnose sturgeon. The river population has been increasing in recent decades.
Shortnose sturgeon live in the Connecticut River from below Turners Falls dam to the estuary at Long Island Sound. They typically migrate from salt water into rivers to spawn. However, main stem dams impede this species’ movements on the Connecticut River.
The Atlantic sturgeon was once numerous enough in the Connecticut River to support a significant fishery. Although it was thought that they no longer breed anywhere in the Connecticut, there is hope that these native fish are returning to the river. In recent years, Atlantic sturgeon juveniles have been observed in the CT River. The juveniles tend to be 2-4 feet. Elsewhere they are commonly 4-8 feet and 70-100 lbs. The maximum reported size is 14 feet. They are similar to the shortnose sturgeon but have a narrower mouth—with a longer and more pointed snout.
Fish Facts
- Species type Anadromous
- Size 2 – 4 feet
-
Conservation
Endangered
An endangered species is an animal or plant that’s considered at risk of extinction. A species can be listed as endangered at the state, federal, and international level. On the federal level, the endangered species list is managed under the Endangered Species Act.
- Migration period February – April
- Where to see them Holyoke Dam
River population trends
Changes to upstream passage specifically for Shortnose Sturgeon at Holyoke Dam were installed in 2016 and results in the noted change in numbers passed since that year.
Fun fact!
They evolved in the age of the dinosaurs and are toothless and primitive looking—with bony plates instead of fish scales.
What do they look like?
The shortnose sturgeon has a brown, tan, or blueish-black body and a whiteish belly. It has no scales, but rows of bony plates, called scutes, that cover its head and body. One scute is located along the back, two along the belly, and one down each side. They have a short, broad snout with a rounded tip.
-
Photo credit: Micah Kieffer
Where and when can I see them?
Visit Shortnose sturgeon from February to April at these dams:
Holyoke Dam
About the facility
The Holyoke Dam is a granite dam that spans the Connecticut River between Holyoke and South Hadley and diverts water from the river into the Holyoke Canal System and Holyoke Gas & Electric’s (HG&E) Hadley Falls Facility. The dam that you see today was constructed between 1895 and 1900. The Hadley Falls Facility is located on the Holyoke side of the Holyoke Dam and contains two hydroelectric generating wheels with a total installed capacity of approximately 33 megawatts. Hadley Falls also houses a fish lift to help fish traveling upstream pass over the dam, and is open to the public for Fishway viewing and tours during the public viewing season.
Who passes through this dam?
When do fish migrate?
Upstream
Downstream
How are they moving?
At the Holyoke Dam, fish move upstream primarily using a fish elevator. With this elevator, fish swim into a collection area at the base of the dam. When enough fish enter the collection area, they are moved into a hopper that carries them toa flume that empties above the dam. At the Holyoke Dam, two elevators lift 500 fish at a time up the 52 foot dam. At this site there is also an eel ladder. The eel wrap around the pegs as they move upward. Unlike the fish ladder, the eel ladder does not span the height of the dam. The eel drop into a bucket after traversing the ladder and are deposited above the dam by fishway staff. To move downstream, fish at this site either go over the dam spillway or through a bypass around the dam.
Where and when can I see them?
The Robert Barret Fishway at the Holyoke Dam is open to the public during the migration season, but visitors must reach out via their online form to request a tour. The fish ladder is located at the following address:
Robert Barrett Fishway
1-3 County Bridge
Holyoke, MA 01040
Tel: (413) 536-9460
Email the Fishway