Great Lakes Sturgeon

This project represents an expansion of a long-standing collaboration between Michigan State University and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Outreach and public engagement have been a cornerstone of this partnership. This virtual e-learning resource will serve as an important first step toward further contributions in areas of K-12 virtual and place-based learning. Background, lessons, and data sets are provided for lake sturgeon based on our decade-long research at Black Lake, MI and associated with projects in the Lake Michigan basin.

Funding for production of this site was provided by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative in collaboration with the Great Lakes Fishery Trust, Michigan State University Extension, and Michigan Sea Grant.

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Lake Sturgeon Biology

Lake sturgeon are a primitive long-lived fish. Aspects of the species ecology can be best understood by studying different life stages and in the context of different natural and human influences on their environment.

Great Lakes Ecosystems

Lake sturgeon are important members of coupled Great Lake-tributary ecosystems. Linkages between the Great Lakes and streams are explored in the context of the species’ use of different areas during different seasons.

Education & Outreach

Informed citizens are important to the sustainability of coupled human-natural systems including the Great Lakes. Through this MSU/MiDNR ‘virtual’ resource, students are afforded opportunities to learn about science in the context of the charismatic lake sturgeon.