04-30-2004, 03:49 AM
When dams were built decades ago, one of the aquatic casualties was the lake sturgeon that had previously populated tailwaters and lakes throughout the state of Tennessee. Lack of spawning beds, improper oxygen levels, and pressure from anglers contributed to their demise. Fortunately, through a joint venture with the [url "http://www.tennis.org/"][#990000]Tennessee Aquarium[/#990000][/url], the [url "http://www.tva.com/"][#990000]TVA[/#990000][/url], and [url "http://www.state.tn.us/twra/"][#990000]TWRA[/#990000][/url], the sturgeon is making a comeback through a concentrated re-stocking effort.
![[Image: 204sturgeon.jpg]](http://www.tnwildside.org/Images/Stories/204sturgeon.jpg)
French Broad River just below Douglas Dam to witness the first of many re-stocking efforts designed to bring this interesting species back into the Tennessee underwater population. Anglers, beware! It is unlawful to catch and keep a sturgeon in Tennessee waters. You must practice catch and release.
And if you happen to catch one by accident, or see one that met an early demise, check and see if it’s tagged by the TWRA. If it is, record the number on the tag, and make reference to the time and location of the fish, and return it to the water. Report the information by calling Toll Free 1-800-624-7406 (In State only). You’ll be assisting biologists in their efforts to increase the sturgeon population.
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French Broad River just below Douglas Dam to witness the first of many re-stocking efforts designed to bring this interesting species back into the Tennessee underwater population. Anglers, beware! It is unlawful to catch and keep a sturgeon in Tennessee waters. You must practice catch and release. And if you happen to catch one by accident, or see one that met an early demise, check and see if it’s tagged by the TWRA. If it is, record the number on the tag, and make reference to the time and location of the fish, and return it to the water. Report the information by calling Toll Free 1-800-624-7406 (In State only). You’ll be assisting biologists in their efforts to increase the sturgeon population.
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