DMR Launches Public Education Campaign to Support Sturgeon Recovery

AUGUSTA, Maine - Cleaner water, dam removals, and efforts to reduce threats are helping create better conditions for Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon recovery in Maine's coastal rivers. Now, the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) is inviting the public to help build on that progress by reporting sturgeon sightings and following safe handling practices when these remarkable fish are accidentally caught.

Both species are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act. Known for their prehistoric appearance and spectacular leaps from the water, sturgeon are a distinctive part of Maine's rivers and coastal waters. "Restoring access to historic habitat and improving water quality support their recovery, while research and public participation help guide ongoing conservation efforts," said DMR Director of Sea Run Fisheries and Habitat Bureau Sean Ledwin.

The campaign, "Catch a Sturgeon, Let It Go. See a Sturgeon, Let Us Know," encourages people to take simple actions to support sturgeon conservation. DMR has posted signs and distributed stickers at popular beach access points and boat ramps along Saco Bay and the Androscoggin River, sharing safe handling and release practices based on guidance from NOAA Fisheries.

The signs also encourage people to report sightings of live or dead sturgeon, including accidental catches, through DMR's Maine Sturgeon Sighting Reporter. The online platform offers an easy way for anyone spending time on or near the water to contribute to sturgeon research.

"This campaign gives people a simple way to take part in sturgeon recovery," said Ledwin. "Whether you spot a sturgeon leaping from the water or accidentally catch one while fishing, your observations and actions can help us better understand and protect these remarkable fish."

Since the Maine Sighting Reporter launched in 2025, DMR has received 121 reports. Those observations have helped biologists identify locations where public outreach can be especially valuable and learn more about when and where sturgeon use Maine's rivers and coastal waters.

"Reports through the Maine Sturgeon Sighting Reporter have helped us better understand the timing of sturgeon migration and habitat use," said DMR Scientist Danielle Frechette, Ph.D. who leads the research. "That information has helped guide the expansion of our network of acoustic receivers, which track tagged sturgeon in coastal rivers and estuaries."

People can submit reports anonymously or choose to provide contact information so DMR biologists can follow up for additional details and thank them for their contributions.

"It's so much fun to read an email or talk with someone over the phone-they are excited to share their stories about seeing these incredible fish," said Frechette. "We've heard from people who spotted sturgeon while paddleboarding or scuba diving, and from people sharing memories of seeing them in Maine's rivers in the 1960s."

During its first year, the reporting program also helped DMR recover more sturgeon carcasses for examination and learn more about accidental encounters-information that can help identify and address remaining threats.

"Cleaner water and restored access to habitat have helped lay the groundwork for recovery," said Ledwin. "Every report adds to our understanding of sturgeon in Maine and helps us build on those conservation efforts. We're grateful to everyone who takes the time to share a sighting and help protect these fish for future generations."

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Photo Caption:

Pinette's landing on the Androscoggin River (top photo) in Brunswick is one location where the the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) has placed signs and handed out stickers as part of a public outreach campaign that urges anglers to take steps to support conservation of federally protected sturgeon. DMR has placed signs and distributed stickers at popular fishing access points on the Saco Bay and the Androscoggin River, where sightings of Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon have helped DMR target its public outreach efforts.