Lower Grasse River Sturgeon Study Underway

As part of the Grasse River Remediation Project, Alcoa is currently conducting a study to determine how sturgeon use the lower seven miles of the river. The study is being conducted by fisheries biologists and sturgeon experts with oversight provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Environment Division.

Lake Sturgeon, which can live more than 100 years, are a threatened species in New York State. Results of the study will provide important information about how sturgeon use the lower Grasse River so that it can be taken into consideration in the design of the remediation project.

During the spring, fisheries biologists looked for evidence of sturgeon spawning from the shoreline, and collected water samples to look for any newly born sturgeon or sturgeon eggs that might have drifted into the lower Grasse River.

The second phase of the study, currently underway, involves catching and tagging a number of adult sturgeon so their movements can be monitored using tracking devices. These fish will be implanted with a tiny electronic device using an approved method. Alcoa has obtained a permit from the DEC which allows some sturgeon to be caught and tagged as part of this study; otherwise it is illegal to handle or keep sturgeon.

Nets used to catch the sturgeon will be in place in the lower Grasse River for approximately three weeks as part of this study. The nets are marked with buoys but boaters should be alert and use caution when navigating around the nets.

Once tagged, the movements of the fish will be monitored using 10 telemetry antennas set up at various points along the lower Grasse River shoreline. This monitoring could take place for up to one year. The public’s cooperation is requested in not disturbing the telemetry stations; they have been placed in precise positions necessary to track sturgeon movement in the river.