NEWS BRIEF: Prehistoric lake sturgeons making a comeback?
Hot, sexually-mature sturgeons in your area
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Sturgeons may be reproducing in Georgia’s lakes for the first time in a half-century after scientists conducting a census discovered females with mature eggs. “We found three females that had black eggs - mature eggs that are ready to be fertilized,” said UGA professor Martin J. Hamel in a news release. “This was the first time anybody has found a sexually mature female since the reintroduction program began, and it’s exciting because it’s confirmation that they are becoming mature and trying to spawn.” Pollution, habitat destruction and harvesting for caviar have cut their numbers significantly and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is reportedly considering protection status for the ancient species. Details: warnell.uga.edu