THE TAKEAWAY
A team of Michigan researchers has discovered that lake sturgeon may live far longer than previously believed.
A new study from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan State University suggests some lake sturgeon may live for more than 300 years, well beyond the previously estimated 200-year lifespan.
"Scientists have long recognized that lake sturgeon are among North America’s longest-lived freshwater fish," Scott Colborne, an assistant professor in Michigan State University’s Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, said. "But the new study suggests they may live far longer than previously appreciated."
The team analyzed decades of capture and recapture records from five Great Lakes to better understand how long the ancient fish could live.
"These fish are a living connection to history," Colborne said.
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For decades, scientists have estimated the age of lake sturgeon by counting growth rings on their fin spines. However, those rings become increasingly difficult to interpret in older fish, leading researchers to suspect that the ages of some of the oldest sturgeon may have been underestimated.
Using mathematical models, researchers analyzed growth records from tagged fish to develop a more accurate picture of how slowly the species grows.
The study found that lake sturgeon mature slowly, reproduce infrequently and can take decades to replace themselves.
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The findings could help scientists better understand the species’ survival, population recovery and the long-term effects of harvesting and habitat restoration.
"It really highlights the importance of long-term conservation and monitoring," Colborne said. "Without people collecting these data over decades, we couldn’t answer questions like this."
Although the study suggests many lake sturgeon may live well beyond 200 years, researchers say more work is needed to understand the biology behind their extraordinary longevity.
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The findings have also prompted researchers to rethink how they determine the age of other long-lived fish species.
"Because of their life history, sturgeon are very resilient and adaptable animals," Colborne said. "If we give them the opportunity to survive, they’ll figure it out. There’s a reason these fish have been around for millions of years."
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