Physiological stress response, reflex impairment and delayed mortality of white sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus exposed to simulated fisheries stressors

White sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) are the largest freshwater fish in North America and a species exposed to widespread fishing pressure. Despite the growing interest in recreational fishing for white sturgeon, little is known about the sublethal and lethal impacts of angling on released sturgeon. In summer (July 2014, mean water temperature 15.3°C) and winter (February 2015, mean water temperature 6.6°C), captive white sturgeon (n = 48) were exposed to a combination of exercise and air exposure as a method of simulating an angling event. After the stressor, sturgeon were assessed for a physiological stress response, and reflex impairments were quantified to determine overall fish vitality (i.e. capacity for survival). A physiological stress response occurred in all sturgeon exposed to a fishing-related stressor, with the magnitude of the res

Immediate physiological and behavioural response from catch-and-release of wild white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus Richardson, 1836)

White sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) are anadromous and the largest fish occurring in fresh-water habitats in North America. The largest population is found in the lower Fraser River (LFR), British Columbia, Canada where anglers target the species in a catch-and-release (C&R) recreational fishery. Yet, little is known about the consequences of C&R on these wild fish. Sixty-three angled sturgeon had blood samples taken to assess the physiological stress response relative to fight times. Seven sturgeon were also fitted with acoustic transmitters equipped with accelerometer sensors to assess immediate post-release locomotor behaviour. To understand

Linking environmental factors with reflex action mortality predictors, physiological stress, and post-release movement behaviour to evaluate the response of white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus Richardson, 1836) to catch-and-release angling

White sturgeon are the largest freshwater fish in North America and are the focus of an intense catch-and-release (C&R) fishery; the effects are largely unknown. We assessed the effect of fight and handling t