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Upstream migration of two pre-spawning shortnose sturgeon passed upstream of Pinopolis Dam, Cooper River, South Carolina

January 1, 2006

Two shortnose sturgeon were artificially passed above the Pinopolis Lock and Dam into the Santee-Cooper Lakes in order to simulate the use of a fish-passage mechanism. Movement patterns and spawning behavior were studied to determine the potential success of future shortnose sturgeon migrations if and when a fish-migration bypass structure is installed. In addition to movement patterns, water temperature was monitored in areas that shortnose sturgeons utilized. Shortnose sturgeon migrated through a large static system to a known shortnose sturgeon spawning area more than 160 km upstream where water temperatures were consistent with known shortnose sturgeon spawning temperatures. No specific movement patterns in the reservoir system were recorded during downstream migrations.

Publication Year 2006
Title Upstream migration of two pre-spawning shortnose sturgeon passed upstream of Pinopolis Dam, Cooper River, South Carolina
DOI 10.1656/1528-7092(2006)5[369:UMOTPS]2.0.CO;2
Authors S.T. Finney, J. Jeffery Isely, D.W. Cooke
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Southeastern Naturalist
Index ID 70028453
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
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