Catching sturgeon in the US is not uniformly illegal; however, it is heavily regulated and often prohibited for specific species due to their protected status. Many sturgeon species are endangered or threatened, leading to strict federal and state laws governing their interaction.
Understanding Sturgeon Protection
Sturgeon, ancient and long-lived fish, face significant threats from habitat loss, pollution, and overfishing. Consequently, various federal and state agencies implement robust protections. For instance, fishing for and retaining green sturgeon is prohibited due to their protected status, even if incidentally encountered in areas like Washington's coastal tributaries and estuaries. This highlights the widespread prohibition on catching certain sturgeon species, regardless of intent.
Federal and State Regulations
The protection of sturgeon involves a layered approach:
- Federal Level: Agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) list several sturgeon species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Listing a species under the ESA provides comprehensive protection, making it illegal to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect it, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct.
- State Level: Individual states also enact their own regulations, often stricter than federal guidelines, especially for species that might not be federally listed but are still vulnerable within their borders. These regulations can include:
- Complete bans: Prohibiting the take of certain species entirely.
- Catch-and-release only: Allowing fishing but requiring immediate release.
- Limited seasons and quotas: Permitting take only during specific times and with strict bag limits for non-protected species (e.g., some white sturgeon populations).
- Size restrictions: Imposing minimum and maximum lengths for retention.
- Specific gear requirements: Mandating certain types of hooks or lines to minimize harm.
- Permit requirements: Requiring special tags or licenses in addition to a standard fishing license.
Sturgeon Species Status Overview
The legality of catching sturgeon largely depends on the specific species and its conservation status. Below is a general overview of common sturgeon species found in the US and their typical protection status:
| Sturgeon Species | General Status (US) | Typical Fishing Legality |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Sturgeon | Endangered / Threatened (ESA) | Illegal to fish for or retain. Strict federal protection. |
| Shortnose Sturgeon | Endangered (ESA) | Illegal to fish for or retain. Strict federal protection. |
| Green Sturgeon | Threatened (ESA) | Illegal to fish for or retain. Prohibited even for incidental catch in many areas. |
| Pallid Sturgeon | Endangered (ESA) | Illegal to fish for or retain. Strict federal protection. |
| Lake Sturgeon | Varies (Endangered to Stable) | Highly variable by state; often catch-and-release, or limited harvest with tags in some areas. |
| White Sturgeon | Varies (Endangered to Stable) | Varies significantly by state and population; some areas allow limited harvest with permits, others are catch-and-release only or entirely closed. |
| Shovelnose Sturgeon | Generally Stable | Often permitted with state regulations (size/bag limits). |
It is crucial to note that even if a species is not federally listed, individual state regulations might still prohibit or severely restrict its harvest.
Key Considerations for Anglers
Before attempting to fish for any sturgeon, anglers must:
- Identify the species: Misidentifying a protected sturgeon can lead to severe penalties.
- Consult local regulations: Always check the most current fishing regulations for the specific body of water and state you plan to fish in. These are typically available on state fish and wildlife department websites (e.g., Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife).
- Understand catch-and-release protocols: If fishing in an area where catch-and-release is permitted, know how to properly handle and release sturgeon to minimize stress and injury.
- Be aware of penalties: Violating sturgeon fishing laws can result in hefty fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment.
In summary, while not every sturgeon in every location is off-limits, the vast majority of sturgeon fishing opportunities in the US are either completely prohibited for protected species or heavily regulated for others, requiring diligent research and adherence to the law.
