The full moon on August 9 is known as the Sturgeon Moon, named for the abundance of lake sturgeon in August. This fish has been important to Native American cultures but has faced population declines due to overfishing and environmental issues. Fortunately, conservation strategies have helped increase sturgeon populations, and they were deemed not endangered in 2024. Lake sturgeons can be found across a wide range, living long lives, with males reaching 55 years and females recorded at 150 years. Peak visibility of the moon requires staying up late or waking early.
The Sturgeon full moon name is inspired by the abundance of giant lake sturgeon in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain during the month of August.
Conservation efforts such as stocking programs and restoring habitat connections have increased the number of freshwater fish like the lake sturgeon.
Despite their name, lake sturgeons can be found from the Hudson Bay to the Mississippi River, known for their longevity, with males living up to 55 years.
In 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service concluded that lake sturgeons did not need to be listed under the Endangered Species Act.
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