These creatures sit atop the food chain and act as an indicator species that show the health of Michigan waters. They help clean our lakes and rivers by eating detritus, or decaying organisms. Lake sturgeon are also one of the few creatures that will eat invasive species like zebra mussels.

Lake sturgeon have become a threatened species because they have a slow life cycle compared to other fish. They take a long time to mature – at least 15 years for males and 20 years for females. Lake sturgeon also only lay eggs once every 3-5 years which means that they are slow to reproduce. These creatures are also highly susceptible to habitat destruction.

As part of this important conservation program, SEA LIFE takes in juvenile lake sturgeon each year and raises them in a way that allows them to learn skills that will help them survive in the wild including hiding and foraging. After one year, SEA LIFE releases the sturgeon back into local lakes where they can continue to live out their lives – they can live over 100 years!