The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife is asking the public to assist in gathering data on Atlantic sturgeon by reporting any interactions with the fish. Interactions may include accidentally catching a sturgeon while fishing, seeing a sturgeon washed up on a beach, or even watching a swimming sturgeon.
Research on this species has recently gained significance because of it being listed as a federally endangered species in 2012 and the upcoming Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission stock assessment. In response the division is increasing effort to collect more information on this species.
The public's help is appreciated. For information on how to provide an interaction report and photos, as well as links for more information about this species, see
http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/news/2013/sturgeon_reporting.htm on the division's website.