Indigenous Perspectives on Lake Sturgeon and the Potential Impact of Climate Change

Lake Sturgeon in St. Clair River, MI. Public Domain.
Lake Sturgeon in St. Clair River, MI. Public Domain.

Principal Investigator(s):

  • Holly S Embke (Climate Adaptation Science Centers)

Cooperator/Partner(s):

  • Marta P Lyons (Climate Adaptation Science Centers)
  • Catherine Nikiel (ORISE)
  • Sara Smith (College of Menominee Nation)
  • Aaron Shultz (Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission)
  • Robert Croll (Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission)
  • Hannah Panci (Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission)
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
 
Lake sturgeon are a fish of strong subsistence, cultural, and spiritual importance for many Tribal nations. But lake sturgeon are especially vulnerable to climate change given their unique life history and historical mass declines. Therefore, there is a great need to incorporate Tribal perspectives on lake sturgeon shifts and information needs into adaptation planning to conserve these fish in a changing climate.

This project aims to synthesize documented and projected potentiall effects of climate change on lake sturgeon; synthesize Indigenous perspectives and experiences with lake sturgeon in a changing climate; and identify information needs, future research avenues, and potential adaptation options to support lake sturgeon. Results of this project will help inform fisheries management in a future climate and Endangered Species Act listing decisions while investigating Tribal communities' concerns. 

Project Details

Principal Investigator
Holly Embke
Principal Investigator Organization
USGS
Year
2022
Topic
Indigenous Peoples,
Water, Coasts and Ice,
Wildlife and Plants
Status
In Progress