DEMOGRAPHICS OF SHOVELNOSE STURGEON POPULATIONS IN THE LOWER PORTION THE UPPER 
MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Matthew J. Afflerbaugh, Timothy W. Spier, and Marcus L. Miller.  Western 
Illinois University Department of Biological Sciences, Macomb, IL  61455.

	The collapse of many foreign sturgeon markets has lead to an increased 
pressure on North American sturgeon populations as a source for sturgeon 
products. A commercial fishery currently exists for shovelnose sturgeon in the 
Mississippi River.  Presently, little is known about the population structure of 
shovelnose.  Samples were taken throughout 2005 and 2006 for age, growth, and 
mortality estimates to help establish a baseline as new commercial fishing 
regulations are being implemented.  Careful monitoring of sturgeon populations 
will be needed to prevent overfishing and possible collapse of the Mississippi 
River fishery.

Keywords: shovelnose sturgeon, Scaphirhynchus platorynchus, Mississippi River, 
fishing regulations, aging sturgeon