Raising awareness to help sturgeon make a comeback in CT

Atlantic sturgeon sign at Hammonassett Beach State Park.
The sign is posted at the beach house at Meigs Point. Judy Benson / Connecticut Sea Grant

UConn and Connecticut Sea Grant will unveil a sign at Hammonasset Beach State Park at 10 a.m.  on May 7 to raise awareness of conservation efforts for the endangered Atlantic sturgeon. The ceremony will take place at the beach house at Meigs Point.

The ancient and iconic Atlantic Sturgeon were once common in Connecticut waters. However, after overfishing, pollution, and habitat degradation the species is now endangered.

Fortunately, after ongoing research and conservation efforts there are signs the population is recovering and may be rediscovering its historic spawning grounds in the Connecticut River.

A new sign at Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison will serve to educate others about the progress and goals of these conservation efforts and aid in this species’ recovery. Measures we can take include steps to take if sturgeon are accidentally caught while fishing, and to report sightings to CT DEEP. CT Sea Grant supported the work of UConn marine scientists in this project.

Joining CT Sea Grant staff at the event will be UConn scientists and CT DEEP fisheries staff who worked on the project; and CT DEEP Deputy Commission Mason Trumble.

    For more information, visit the project website.

    Link to pdf of sign in Spanish and English can be found here.