The Massive ‘Prehistoric’ Fish Making a Comeback in New York

One of the longest-living and largest fish in North America is living right here in the Hudson Valley, and conservationists are focused on their comeback.

While there are plenty of fascinating land animals in New York, there's a whole other world under the surface of our ponds, lakes, and rivers. That includes the fish that can grow up to 14 feet long and weigh as much as 800 pounds.

Atlantic Sturgeon in the Hudson Valley

The fish in question, the Atlantic sturgeon, is a species that can trace its roots back more than 70 million years to the late cretaceous period. While Atlantic sturgeon used to be so common it was nicknamed "Albany beef" due to its popularity on dinner tables, it has since been overfished and is now considered an endangered species. Its relative, however, is getting a much-needed hand further upstate.

Lake Sturgeon Repopulation Project in New York State

This week, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation shared exciting news about lake sturgeon. While the fish aren't nearly as large as Atlantic sturgeon (lake sturgeon grow up to seven feet and can weigh as much as 300 pounds), they are facing similar problems.

1,000 Lake Sturgeon Released in New York State

"On October 15th DEC, in partnership with the Seneca Nation of Indians and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, stocked 1,000 eight-inch lake sturgeon into Cattaraugus Creek for the first time!", the NYS DEC recently shared on Facebook (below). The hope is that the newly-released juveniles will help bolster the lake sturgeon's dwindling population.

The NYS DEC also reminds anglers that fishing for sturgeon in New York, including Atlantic sturgeon, shortnose sturgeon, and lake sturgeon is prohibited. Check out the last opportunity for free fishing of approved species below.