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ATTENTION
MARYLAND & POTOMAC
RIVER WATERMEN
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REWARD FOR LIVE ATLANTIC
STURGEON
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* Attention *
The reward program for sturgeon is ongoing and will continue as long as funds are available for monetary rewards. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service & Maryland Department of Natural Resources are offering monetary rewards for Atlantic sturgeon captured in Maryland waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The reward program will operate from October 1 through May 31.
There are two new changes to the program. Due to the high number of captures reported in 2005-06, we are revising the reward to $50.00 per live sturgeon. Additionally, reporting requirements have changed. You must now contact U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service at 1-800-448-8322 to obtain a confirmation number prior to transporting any sturgeon. If the capture is outside of normal business hours (7:30-4:00 Monday-Friday), an alternative contact number will be provided to the caller. Do not transport any sturgeon without a confirmation number.
We are offering $50.00 for a live sturgeon. YOU WILL NOT GET PAID IF THE STURGEON IS NOT ALIVE WHEN WE COME TO CHECK IT.
We would request that you do everything possible to keep sturgeon alive while transporting and holding them at the dock. For transporting the sturgeon, try to keep the sturgeon in a large holding tank filled with water. Frequent water exchanges in the holding tank will ensure that there is sufficient oxygen for the sturgeon. When water temperatures are below 80?F, sturgeon should not be held on board for more than 2 hours. If water temperature exceeds 80?F, sturgeon should not be held on board for more than 30 minutes. When holding the sturgeon at the dock, the two best methods are placing the sturgeon in a net pen or hoop net to allow movement or tying a rope around the tail, also allowing for movement by the sturgeon. REMEMBER: YOU WILL NOT GET PAID IF THE STURGEON IS NOT ALIVE WHEN WE COME TO CHECK IT.
Captured sturgeon will be tagged and released to learn more about their migratory patterns. Tissue samples from wild sturgeon will be taken to determine genetic stocks. In addition, methods are being developed for hatchery production that can be used if further restoration efforts are needed.
We offer these modest rewards to encourage your participation, but knowing that you are helping restore sturgeon to the Chesapeake Bay is a far greater reward.