Diadromous Fish Research

General and Reproductive Health Assessments for Shortnose Sturgeon

Performing laparoscopy to determine the sex of a
shortnose sturgeon.
Photograph by R. Crumpton - USFWS

SCDNR is part of an East Coast wide study spearheaded by USFWS to determine the impacts of estrogenic compounds found in the environment on shortnose sturgeon. Estrogen contamination can be detrimental to fecundity and sex ratios of shortnose sturgeon.

At least 12 sturgeon are captured annually in the Cooper River using gillnets. The fish are anesthetized before undergoing a laparoscopic evaluation of the gonads to determine the sex of each fish. A water sample from the capture site, and blood samples from each fish are then sent to laboratories for evaluation.

Internal and external health assessment forms are filled out for each sturgeon captured.

Blood Collection from the caudal vein of a
shortnose sturgeon.
Photograph by J. Gibbons - SCDNR

Some of the equipment used for laparoscopy
provided by USFWS.
Photograph by J. Gibbons - SCDNR