Lake Sturgeon, Acipenser fulvescens, movements in Rainy Lake, Minnesota and Ontario

Canadian Field-Naturalist
By: , and 

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Abstract

Rainy Lake, Minnesota-Ontario, contains a native population of Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) that has gone largely unstudied. The objective of this descriptive study was to summarize generalized Lake Sturgeon movement patterns through the use of biotelemetry. Telemetry data reinforced the high utilization of the Squirrel Falls geographic location by Lake Sturgeon, with 37% of the re-locations occurring in that area. Other spring aggregations occurred in areas associated with Kettle Falls, the Pipestone River, and the Rat River, which could indicate spawning activity. Movement of Lake Sturgeon between the Seine River and the South Arm of Rainy Lake indicates the likelihood of one integrated population on the east end of the South Arm. The lack of re-locations in the Seine River during the months of September and October may have been due to Lake Sturgeon moving into deeper water areas of the Seine River and out of the range of radio telemetry gear or simply moving back into the South Arm. Due to the movements between Minnesota and Ontario, coordination of management efforts among provincial, state, and federal agencies will be important.

Study Area

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Lake Sturgeon, Acipenser fulvescens, movements in Rainy Lake, Minnesota and Ontario
Series title Canadian Field-Naturalist
DOI 10.22621/cfn.v120i1.249
Volume 120
Issue 1
Year Published 2006
Language English
Publisher Canadian Field-Naturalist
Contributing office(s) Columbia Environmental Research Center
Description 12 p.
First page 71
Last page 82
Country United States
State Minnesota
Other Geospatial Rainy Lake
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
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