Diadromous Fish Research

Juvenile sturgeon.
Photo by C. Norwood, SCDNR

Sturgeon Sampling

Sturgeon native to South Carolina:
Top - Shortnose (Acipenser brevirostrum)
Bottom - Atlantic (Acipenser oxyrinchus)

Two species of sturgeons occur along the Atlantic coast of the United States: the endangered shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) and the much larger Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus). Despite their economic value (because they are the source of caviar) and depressed populations, relatively little is known about the biology of these species, especially in the southeast.

Field crew fishing drift gill net.
Photo by C. Norwood, SCDNR

SCDNR, with funding assistance from the National Marine Fisheries Service, is currently conducting a sampling survey of sturgeon in South Carolina's coastal rivers. Samples from this effort are being used to conduct a diet study and a genetic comparison of fish from various river systems. In addition, SCDNR continues to conduct standardized sampling of both species to determine long-term abundance trends.

Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon are both federally endangered species that can be found in South Carolina waters. You can help us learn more by reporting any sturgeon you may come across. This allows scientists to collect samples and data to better understand sturgeon populations, track recovery efforts, identify threats to the species, and fill in gaps in our knowledge to help protect Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon.