September 10, 2015 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
Atlantic and shortnose sturgeons are protected species. If you accidentally catch a sturgeon, keep the fish in the water and remove the hooks. If the hooks are in too deep, cut the line. If you need to remove the fish from the water in order to do this, use wet hands or a wet rag to support the belly. Always support the fish in the water until it is able to swim away on its own.
To receive a free sturgeon tackle box sticker that tells you what to do if you catch a sturgeon or for other questions about these fish, please call 978-281-9328 or email Edith Carson at edith.carson@noaa.gov. Atlantic and shortnose sturgeons are protected species. If you accidentally catch a sturgeon, keep the fish in the water and remove the hooks. If the hooks are in too deep, cut the line. If you need to remove the fish from the water in order to do this, use wet hands or a wet rag to support the belly. Always support the fish in the water until it is able to swim away on its own.
For commercial fishermen, we have a downloadable page on Atlantic sturgeon resuscitation.
Find out more about these ancient fish on our Atlantic Sturgeon Recovery Plan web pages.
