BANGOR DAILY NEWS • July 3, 2023
The BDN editorial on June 29 stated “That is the real life story of sturgeon, a fish that is making a resurgence in Maine.” “A fish” is really two species, the larger Atlantic sturgeon and the smaller shortnose sturgeon. Large sturgeon observed leaping clear of the water are mostly Atlantic sturgeon. But keep in mind, the Atlantic sturgeon is “threatened” in Gulf of Maine waters and “endangered” in waters farther south along the Atlantic coast. The shortnose sturgeon is “endangered” throughout its range from eastern Canada to Florida. It is unlawful to fish for, take or possess any sturgeon, either Atlantic or shortnose in Maine waters. Any sturgeon incidentally caught must be released immediately alive and uninjured. ~ James McCleave, Orono