Bonneville Subpopulation Status and Trends
Information and data adapted from Parker, B., T, Rien, B. James, R. Beamesderfer.
2013. Review Draft Columbia Basin White Sturgeon Planning Framework. Portland, Or.
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The Bonneville Reservoir subpopulation, which has increased substantially in recent
years, has the highest abundance (334,424 fish > 24 inches) and density (16.1white
sturgeon/acre and 149 pounds/acre) of any white sturgeon population in the Lower
Mid-Columbia Management Unit. Between 2006 and 2009, managers estimated that 129,024
white sturgeon (>24 inches) were recruited into the subpopulation. This population
increase resulted in a density increase from 9.9 white sturgeon/acre in 2006 to
16.1/acre in 2009. Increases in abundance and density can be attributed to harvest
management actions including reduced harvest quotas and size regulations that protect
spawning-size fish from being harvested.
Monitoring results indicate that there is annual survival of juvenile white sturgeon
through their first year of life (i.e., recruitment) and that the variability is
less than what is observed for other subpopulations. Recruitment index values in
2009 remained within the five-year range.
Annual recruitment of fish beyond their first year coupled with conservative harvest
regulations have resulted in the subpopulation being characterized by managers as
stable. Subsequently, this subpopulation provides, through catch quotas, limited
commercial and recreational harvest opportunities. During 2012, the combined annual
catch estimate for the Bonneville commercial and recreational fisheries was 4,039,
which was significantly greater than the 10-year average of 915 fish.
Abundance
* Monitoring did not occur during years
for which data do not exist.
Density
* Monitoring did not occur during years
for which data do not exist.
Productivity
Hatchery Releases
No releases
Harvest