(The Center Square) – Sturgeon season in Wisconsin will continue.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said it will not add the lake sturgeon to the endangered species list.
“After conducting a thorough species status assessment using the best available science, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined lake sturgeon do not require listing under the Endangered Species Act,” Fish and Wildlife said in a statement on Monday.
A federal judge in Illinois ordered Fish and Wildlife to consider the lake sturgeon as a way to protect the species.
State Rep. Ty Bodden, R-Stockbridge, said the problem was never in Wisconsin.
“Wisconsin has done an excellent job managing the population and has been the blueprint for other states to grow their sturgeon population,” Bodden said.
Midwest Regional Director Will Meeks agreed.
“The fact that we’re seeing more and more lake sturgeon populations spawning in their historical habitat is a clear sign that restoration efforts are progressing. This success is credited to many partners including states, Tribes, local organizations and others across the country coming together to conserve this species,” he said.
Bodden said the decision not to list the fish is a fantastic decision for sturgeon spearers across Wisconsin.
“Wisconsinites can cheer the decision made by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to keep lake sturgeon off of the endangered species list,” Bodden said. “This was never a partisan issue.”
The Wisconsin DNR said it is “aware” or the decision from Fish and Wildlife, and is “reviewing this finding.”
