Seasonal movements among river reaches, migration strategies, and population structure of the divided Connecticut River shortnose sturgeon population: the effects of Holyoke Dam

Boyd Kynard; Micah Kieffer; Phil Vinogradov

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USGS · 70043552

Seasonal movements among river reaches, migration strategies, and population structure of the divided Connecticut River shortnose sturgeon population: the effects of Holyoke Dam

Boyd Kynard·Micah Kieffer·Phil Vinogradov

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Abstract

Even after 155 years, each population segment seasonally migrates toward the other attempting to maintain the natural connection. Migration timing and style of pre-spawning and post-spawning males and females is discussed, as is homing. The impact of Holyoke Dam on population size and growth is characterized and turbine mortality of adult sturgeon passing through a Kaplan turbine at the dam is estimated. The chapter also identifies a behavioral dysfunction that results when migrations are blocked by a dam and are not completed at the correct stage of life. Many unknown effects of damming on other long-lived riverine fishes are likely captured in this 16-year study.

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Source-reported bounding extent: 41.40153558289846° to 42.52272381854158° latitude; -72.88330078125° to -72.42462158203125° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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Boyd Kynard, Micah Kieffer, Phil Vinogradov. 2012. Seasonal movements among river reaches, migration strategies, and population structure of the divided Connecticut River shortnose sturgeon population: the effects of Holyoke Dam. https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/70043552

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