Rare Endangered Pallid Sturgeon Discovered in Iowa’s Des Moines River

In a thrilling breakthrough, two rare pallid sturgeon, a species at risk of disappearing forever, have been found in Iowa’s Des Moines River for the first time ever. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced this exciting news, showing that efforts to clean rivers and improve wildlife habitats are starting to pay off. This discovery has sparked joy among scientists and nature fans, hinting that these ancient fish might be making a comeback to their old homes.

The sturgeon were spotted this spring during a routine check near Ottumwa, in the lower part of the Des Moines River. Biologists were out checking fish populations when they pulled up two large pallid sturgeon in their nets. These were wild fish, not ones raised and released, which makes the find extra special. This part of the river, in southeast Iowa, had never shown signs of these fish before, even after years of careful searches.

Mark Flammang, a fish expert at the Iowa DNR, was amazed. “We’ve never seen pallid sturgeon in this river,” he said. “It’s a sign the river might be getting cleaner, letting these fish swim up from the Mississippi River.” The Des Moines River, which stretches over 500 miles through farmland, has faced problems like pollution, dams, and changing water flows. But recent work to improve water quality and build paths for fish to move through is showing great results.

What Are Pallid Sturgeon?

Pallid sturgeon are like living dinosaurs, having survived for millions of years—long before most animals we know today and even outlasting the extinction that ended the dinosaurs. They have hard, bony plates on their bodies, a tail like a shark, and a long, flat snout they use to sniff out food at the river bottom.

These fish live in the muddy waters of big rivers like the Missouri and Mississippi. They can grow to 1.8 metres (about 6 feet) long and weigh up to 38 kilograms (85 pounds). Female sturgeon don’t start having babies until they’re about 15 to 20 years old, and they can live for up to 100 years. This slow growth means they’re very fragile—if their numbers drop, it takes ages for them to recover.

The history of sturgeon endangerment is a sad one, marked by overfishing for their valuable caviar and meat, habitat loss from dams and pollution, and invasive threats like the sea walnut, an invasive comb jelly that devoured zooplankton and small fish, contributing to sharp declines in sturgeon populations.

Since 1990, pallid sturgeon have been listed as endangered in the United States. Dams, river changes for shipping, and pollution from farms have wrecked their habitats. In the past, people caught them for their eggs (caviar) and meat, which made things worse. Now, experts think fewer than 10,000 wild pallid sturgeon are left, so every sighting is a big win.

The fish found in the Des Moines River probably swam up from the Mississippi, where small groups still live. The Des Moines joins the Mississippi near Keokuk, Iowa, and better links between these rivers may be helping fish move around.

Why This Discovery Matters

This isn’t just about two fish—it’s a sign that years of work to save rivers are working. The Iowa DNR, with help from groups like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has been cleaning up rivers, checking water quality, and fixing or removing barriers that stop fish from swimming freely.

For example, new designs for dams and locks on the Mississippi and nearby rivers make it easier for fish like pallid sturgeon to travel. Tougher rules on pollution have also cut down on harmful dirt and chemicals, making rivers better for fish that live and feed on the bottom.

This news matches other positive signs. In the Missouri River, for instance, scientists have seen pallid sturgeon laying eggs, thanks to special conservation projects. These successes prove that endangered animals can recover, even in areas changed by humans.

But there are still challenges. Climate change brings warmer water and odd river flows, which can harm fish. In 2023, a heatwave and low water in the Des Moines River killed thousands of shovelnose sturgeon, a related but more common fish, showing how delicate river life can be.

What’s Next?

This discovery has got people excited and reminded everyone of the amazing wildlife in Iowa’s rivers. The Des Moines River, often overlooked among farms, is home to over 50 fish species and is a key part of the Mississippi River system.

The Iowa DNR will keep watching the river closely, hoping to find more pallid sturgeon. The two fish they caught were tagged and released safely, and DNA tests will help learn where they came from. There are also plans to teach people about these fish and encourage careful use of the river, like avoiding spots where fish lay eggs.

In a world where wildlife is struggling, this story brings hope. The return of pallid sturgeon to the Des Moines River shows nature can bounce back when we give it a chance. With more effort, these amazing fish could thrive again in Iowa’s waters, making the environment better for all of us.

This find reminds us that our actions can hurt nature but also help it heal. By supporting clean rivers and protecting habitats, we can save species like the pallid sturgeon. Stay tuned to trusted sources for more news on wildlife and conservation.