Sturgeon in Hells Canyon are on the decline

Fisheries managers in Hells Canyon are contemplating relocating sturgeon and potentially launching a hatchery program to address declining juvenile populations. The white sturgeon population has dropped by 33% from 2014 to 2025, raising significant concerns about their future viability. Joe DuPont, fisheries manager for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, emphasized that a lack of juvenile sturgeon threatens population sustainability. Dams on the Snake and Columbia rivers have disrupted natural migration and habitat, leading to food shortages for young sturgeon. While adult sturgeon remain stable, the absence of juveniles indicates a troubling trend.

Recent surveys revealed stunted growth among subadult sturgeon, further complicating recovery efforts. Local initiatives aim to reverse this decline, recognizing the importance of the species in the region's ecosystem. Fisheries managers are committed to finding solutions to ensure the survival of these prehistoric fish.