Author: hong.638

Living Fossils in Ohio?

 

Ever seen a living fossil? If you said no, you may get the opportunity relatively soon. A fish farmer in Urbana, Ohio is attempting to revive the population of Lake Sturgeon in the Ohio fisheries. Lake sturgeon are a species that has been traced back to around 136 million years ago, causing many people to refer to it as a living fossil. They can grow up over six feet long and can live around 100 years. They used to be prevalent through the Great Lakes and major river systems such as the Mississippi and Hudson rivers.

 

 

Dave Smith is the man behind Freshwater Farms in Urbana. He is attempting to successfully breed the species in captivity. Part of the challenge is the long time that the females take to reach reproductive maturity. Females require around 20 years to start reproducing, and they can only reproduce every 4 years. Smith already owns white sturgeon, and he hopes his experience with a similar species will help him breed Lake sturgeon. Smith got his Lake sturgeon from The Ohio State University, who had specimens for research, but have not researched them heavily.

 

For more information on Dave Smith’s Freshwater Farms of Ohio, click this link: https://fwfarms.com/

 

For more information on the Lake Sturgeon, click here: http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/species-and-habitats/species-guide-index/fish/lake-sturgeon

 

 

References

 

Lake sturgeon, Ohio DNR

http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/species-and-habitats/species-guide-index/fish/lake-sturgeon

 

Ohio fish farm aims to raise ancient, endangered species

 

Picture reference

 

http://www.tnaqua.org/our-animals/fish/lake-sturgeon

Do You Know What’s in Your Fish?

Do you know what’s in your fish?  It sounds like a weird question since most people just think it is just fish.  For the most part, we buy it and eat it, not considering where it comes from or what harmful chemicals may be in the meat.  For many Ohioans who live around Lake Erie, catching fresh fish or eating fish from the lake is common and enjoyed by many.  However, pollution from the surrounding infrastructure has been allowing chemicals into the lake.  One of these chemicals is mercury.

 

What is Mercury?

Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is used in thermometers and industrial practices.  It is toxic to humans and wildlife if ingested or the fumes inhaled.  If a person or animal is exposed to enough mercury, it can damage the nervous system and can cause birth defects or infertility.  Once the element enters the water, filter feeders such as clams and mussels filter it out of the water.  The feeders are in turn eaten, passing along the mercury up the food chain.  This process is repeated until it reaches the fish that are popularly consumed by humans.

Zebra Mussel

© Brigitte Cusson and Denis Labonte, Environment Canada

Path of Mercury up the Food Chain

©Canadian Government

 

What do I need to watch out for?

In regards to fish caught and eaten from Lake Erie, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency maintains a consumption advisory list for the state of Ohio.  According to their list, Some fish, such as Yellow Perch and sunfish, are safe to eat for multiple meals a week.  Other fish, such as Steelhead and Walleye, should only be consumed once a month due to their high mercury levels.  For more information on fish that are safe and the recommended consumption levels, visit the Ohio EPA at the following link: http://epa.ohio.gov/dsw/fishadvisory/index.aspx#145214734-statewide

 

 

Sources:

Ohio EPA Consumption Advisory

http://epa.ohio.gov/dsw/fishadvisory/index.aspx#145214734-statewide

Canada Environment and Climate Change

https://www.ec.gc.ca/eaudouce-freshwater/default.asp?lang=en&n=30123F03-1