Document
Final Recovery Plan for the Southern Distinct Population Segment of North American Green Sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris)
The objective of this recovery plan is to increase sDPS green sturgeon abundance, distribution,…
Green Sturgeon
Green Sturgeon
Acipenser medirostris
Protected Status
ESA Threatened
Southern DPS
CITES Appendix II
Throughout Its Range
Quick Facts
Weight
Up to 350 pounds
Lifespan
60 to 70 years
Length
Average 4.5 to 6.5 feet
Threats
Habitat impediments (dams),
Habitat degradation,
Habitat loss,
Bycatch,
Chemical contaminants,
Climate change
Location
Alaska,
West Coast
About the Species
Green sturgeon are an anadromous fish, which means they can live in both fresh and saltwater. They have a relatively complex life history that includes spawning and juvenile rearing in rivers followed by migrating to saltwater to feed, grow, and mature before returning to freshwater to spawn. They are a long-lived, slow-growing fish. They are vulnerable to many stressors and threats including blocked access to spawning grounds and habitat degradation caused by dams and culverts. The Southern distinct population segment is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
NOAA Fisheries is committed to conserving and protecting green sturgeon. Our scientists and partners use a variety of innovative techniques to study, learn more about, and protect this species.
Read the 5 Year Status Review for the Southern distinct population segment of green sturgeon.
Protected Status
ESA Threatened
- Southern DPS
CITES Appendix II
- Throughout Its Range
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia | Phylum | Chordata | Class | Osteichthyes | Order | Acipenseriformes | Family | Acipenseridae | Genus | Acipenser | Species | medirostris |
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