Sturgeon Conservation Efforts Result In Healthy Fishery

The DNR Sturgeon Biologist for the Winnebago System says the sturgeon fishery is as healthy as it is now because of a group conservation effort. That has involved the DNR and cooperation and partnerships with stakeholders. Ryan Koenigs says there used to be a lot of poaching during the spawning season. But there’s been a steady conservation effort since the 1970s. He says Sturgeon for Tomorrow is the largest sturgeon advocate in the area and a major player in that conservation effort. He says since Sturgeon for Tomorrow was founded in 1977. He says since then they have raised and donated close to $1 million towards sturgeon-related management and restoration activities. He says the sturgeon guard program during the spawning season has also been instrumental.