News - Down To Earth
Shovelnose sturgeon proposed for listing
Posted: Sep 29, 2009 10:32 AM by Associated Press
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing federal protection for the shovelnose sturgeon to help protect the endangered pallid sturgeon.
The agency says anglers accidentally harvest the pallid sturgeon when they're seeking the more plentiful shovelnose sturgeon, which is valued for its roe, sold as caviar.
Fewer than 40 commercial harvesters are expected to be affected if the listing is approved. USFWS estimates pallid sturgeon mortality is three times higher in areas where shovelnose sturgeon are commercially harvested.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is taking comments through Nov. 23.
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