Sturgeon Surge?

Mr. Kieffer leads/co-leads investigations of migrant sturgeons throughout New England, focusing on the Connecticut, Merrimack, and Piscataqua rivers. Photo/Samuel Banas, New England Water Science Center

UMaine graduate student Lisa Izzo releases a shortnose sturgeon back into the Penobscot River in 2015. Photo/ESA Permit #16036 compliant/courtesy of Gayle Zydlewski).

According to a recent article in the Boston Globe, sightings of shortnose sturgeon—large, prehistoric fish that jump for reasons unknown—are on the increase in Massachusetts, particularly the waters north of Boston. Indeed, some encounters have proven too close for comfort!

For example, on August 23, Kerry Camargo was boating with friends on the Merrimack River when she was struck in the face by an airborne sturgeon, creating a gash that required a dozen stitches.

Biologists are unsure of the reason behind the uptick in sturgeon sightings, but it might be caused by an increase in one of the fish’s main food sources—bottom-dwelling sand eels (aka sand launce). Whatever the reason, boaters should be prepared to take cover on short notice.

Shortnose Sturgeon, photo/Micah Kieffer, USGS