PALLID STURGEON MOVEMENT IN THE MIDDLE MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Brian Koch1, Ron Brooks1, Jim Garvey1, Dave Herzog2, and Bob Hrabik2
1Southern Illinois University, Fisheries and Illinois Aquaculture Center, Carbondale, IL 
62901-6511; 2Missouri Department of Conservation, Resource Science Division, Open 
Rivers and Wetlands Field Station, 3815 East Jackson Boulevard, Jackson, MO 63755. 

There is no information describing Pallid Sturgeon movement or habitat use for the entire 
middle Mississippi River (MMR), and determination of migration and possible spawning 
areas is extremely important for recovery of this endangered species. Telemetry was 
conducted during fall 2002 through summer 2005 in attempt to identify migratory 
patterns, staging areas, spawning locations and periods, and habitat use. Pallid Sturgeon 
(n=87) were implanted with ultrasonic transmitters. A total of 8,629 km were tracked, 
and 22 stationary receivers were set during that period yielding 612 combined locations. 
Over the life of their transmitters, individuals were located 0-300 km from their release 
sites and had maximum movement rates of 16.9 km/d upriver and 73.4 km/d downriver. 
Average daily movement ranged from 0.0 km/d to 1.5 km/d and was greatest during 
spring and summer. Pre-spawn, migratory movement was detected during April in all 
three years when water temperatures were 13-14°C. Spawning in 2005 was assumed 
when water temperatures reached 18°C and movement decreased.  At 21°C, post-spawn 
movement was apparent since movement again increased and was generally in the 
opposite direction of pre-spawn movement. Five areas in the MMR were identified as 
possible spawning locations. Throughout the entire study period, sturgeon were located in 
habitats associated with wing dikes 47% of the time despite the fact that the habitat only 
represented 7% of that available in the MMR. Open and border channel habitats were 
used in 44% of the locations. Pallids were most often located on sand substrates (48%) 
and least often on soft mud or silt (2%), and they were usually in 6-12 m of water (60%). 
Season, water levels, or water discharges had little affect on movement, habitat type, 
depth, or substrate used.   

Keywords: pallid sturgeon, Mississippi River, movement, habitat, spawning