Assessing Contaminant Sensitivity of American Shad, Atlantic Sturgeon and Shortnose Sturgeon.

摘要

The Hudson River Estuary supports the largest stocks of Atlantic sturgeon and American shad on the Atlantic coast. Current stocks for both species are reduced from historic populations. Recent declines have been attributed to over-fishing. Issues concerning the effects of over-fishing have been addressed in interstate management forums in both species. The coast-wide Atlantic sturgeon fishery was closed in 1997 and issues regarding shad are ongoing. Concern still remains for both stocks including effects on habitat conditions that could potentially affect the spawning stock and future production. Concerned scientists and citizens provided impetus for this study which assesses issues related to environmental contaminants and their possible effects on stock recovery.