Federally-protected Atlantic Sturgeon found in Spirit Creek rescued and re-located

Richard Adams
·2 min read

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – An individual Atlantic Sturgeon, which is a protected species, has been rescued from shallow waters beneath a bridge over Spirit Creek beneath Old Waynesboro Road on Friday.

GA DNR Wildlife Resources Division was notified on Thursday of the protected fish’s predicament.

According to GA DNR Fisheries Biologist Aaron Gray, the Atlantic Sturgeon was at least 20 years old and is believed to have been stuck in Spirit Creek for at least a week-and-a-half judging by when the area most recently had rains that would have allowed it to travel up Spirit Creek.

Courtesy of GA DNR Wildlife Resources Division
Courtesy of GA DNR Wildlife Resources Division
Courtesy of GA DNR Wildlife Resources Division
Courtesy of GA DNR Wildlife Resources Division
Courtesy of GA DNR Wildlife Resources Division
Courtesy of GA DNR Wildlife Resources Division

The Federally protected Atlantic Sturgeon sometimes returns to freshwater to spawn, according to Hunter Roop, the Region 3 Fisheries Supervisor for Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division, and it is believed that the Atlantic Sturgeon was likely attempting to spawn in the Savannah River and accidently found itself trapped in Spirit Creek after what may have been a high-water event. Due to the shallow nature of the creek, once the water level receded, the Atlantic Sturgeon appears to have found itself stranded and unable to leave the area it had become isolated in beneath the bridge.

A team of experts with the University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources led by Dr. Adam Fox aided GA DNR Wildlife Resources Division with the capture and relocation of the stranded Atlantic Sturgeon. The team assembled by Dr. Fox are experts on the Atlantic Sturgeon population in the state.

According to Thomson-based GA DNR Fisheries Biologist Aaron Gray, genetic samples and some research data were taken, including implanting a PIT tag for identification purposes and an electronic transmitter to track the sturgeon’s movements.

The six-foot Atlantic Sturgeon was captured, transported, and re-located to an area of Savannah River immediately below the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam at Baurle Boat Ramp, according to Gray.

In addition to being able to safely relocate the individual Atlantic Sturgeon, according to Roop, it was an opportunity to get to study an Atlantic Sturgeon in the wild in unique circumstances.

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