Assessment of Released Lake Sturgeon in the Genesee River, NY: 2003-2023

In 2003, a lake sturgeon reintroduction experiment was initiated in the Genesee River, NY. Young-of-year hatchery-reared lake sturgeon were released over multiple years. An assessment of the presence of lake sturgeon was done by systematic gill netting using monofilament nets. This data release is the lake sturgeon catch information collected during the systematic gill netting from 2003 to 2023. On each sampling date, nets were fished at standard index sites targeting lake sturgeon. All captured lake sturgeon were checked for release-year specific scute marks or inserted tags. If no inserted tag was detected, a T-bar anchor tag with a unique identification number was attached at the base of either the pectoral fin or the dorsal fin for short term identification. Starting in 2007, captured lake sturgeon were given PIT tags. Captured juvenile lake sturgeon were measured for total length (mm), weight (kg), and girth (mm). If a captured sturgeon had a previously inserted T-bar Floy or PIT tag, it was recorded as a recapture. Fish with no tags were recorded as new captures. Year class was identified by scute marks and size. Life stage was determined by morphology and size. In older fish, maturity as an adult was determined by the observation of gametes.