Population abundance and size characteristics of shovelnose sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus) in the upper Missouri river, Montana

Abstract

Shovelnose sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus) population characteristics were assessed in a 10.4-kilometer segment of the Missouri River during 1995 to better quantify the species abundance and establish a baseline for the population in this segment of the Missouri River. High average relative weights, proportional stock density values and a standing crop estimate of 745 shovelnose sturgeon/km demonstrated that this reach of the Missouri River has an especially healthy and abundant shovelnose sturgeon population which is probably a reflection of the more natural river conditions and a productive aquatic insect community