They look like relics from the dinosaur age with their armor plates. The Atlantic Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus) and Shortnose Sturgeon (Acipenser brevirsotrum), were common in the Chesapeake Bay when Captain John Smith sailed these waters. These fish was known to grow up to ten feet long and leap into boats. The annual spawning run of sturgeon into the rivers kept many colonists from starving. 

Atlantic and Shortnose Sturgeon are a protected species in Virginia waters

Sturgeon almost disappeared from the region due to too much silt running into the waters and burying their preferred stony spawning areas. Over harvesting also added to their decline as sturgeon roe is made into expensive caviar. Pollution is another major hindrance keeping these strange fish from coming back in great numbers.

But every once in a while, sturgeon are caught here in Virginia. They are more common in the James River (PDF). But, a young angler caught one of these rare creatures from the Croaker Landing pier at York River State Park. The fish was two feet long and had a dart tag. The young sportsman quickly released the fish.

Wise conservation is bringing the sturgeon back

This one catch does not mean that anglers will be allowed to possess and consume them in the near future. But, with all the bad news about how many species are endangered and threatened, it is good to know that one such fish can still be found in our waters. If you catch one, get the phone number on the tag and call the appropriate agency, take a photo or two, and quickly release it back into the river unharmed. 

The pier and boat ramp at Croaker Landing is open year 'round. Rockfish are in season until Dec. 31, 2012. Blue and channel catfish are being caught. Please follow the current fishing regulations (PDF)and enjoy an unseasonably warm day or two on the brackish waters of the York River.

Directions to York River State Park: From I-64, take the Croaker Exit 231B. Go north on Route 607 (Croaker Rd.) for one mile, then right on Route 606 (Riverview Rd.) about one and a half miles to the park entrance. Take a left turn into the park.