Biological Assessment of Shortnose Sturgeon Acipenser Brevirostrum

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) initiated a status review for the shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) in 2007 (72 FR 67712; November 30). The shortnose sturgeon (SNS) was listed as an “endangered species threatened with extinction” under the Endangered Species Preservation Act on March 11, 1967. Shortnose sturgeon remained on the endangered species list with the enactment of the Endangered Species Act in 1973 (ESA). The status of the shortnose sturgeon was last examined in 1987; however this status review report was never finalized. Subsequently in 1994, the status of the shortnose sturgeon in the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers was assessed in response to a petition to de-list the population. NMFS determined that delisting was not warranted based on a number of factors. The Shortnose Sturgeon Recovery Plan was finalized in 1998; it identified 19 populations based on the fish’s strong fidelity to natal rivers.