Not entirely muskie related post. Hopefully, this is ok.

Perhaps, its because I am a Biology Teacher, (possibly a nerd) but I have a great fascination with the health of the river...

Has anyone come across a paddlefish yet? I have read that there is a population in the area below Kinzua along with the dammed up sections of river. I have never seen one in my area (Kennerdell-Parker)yet.

With the apparent successful reintroduction of paddle fish, which fish is next? I would certainly love to see the Lake Sturgeon make a comeback. It was an incredible sight to run into one ice fishing on Lake Erie a few years back. They are native to the river and were common into the early 1900's. As seen in this youtube video. https://youtu.be/S2gxRqeDhh8?t=1m45s

I have always assumed There were two main reasons for the population collapse. The locks and dams preventing successful spawning and overfishing. I contacted Pa Fish and Game on the matter. They responded with this link. http://www.fishandboat.com/Resource/...px14e-fish.pdf Basically, it is saying that it is being looked at. However, there are issues with botulism outbreaks.

I am left with some questions. As far as reproductive success being an issue. Is it even necessary anymore? The fish can live 150 years. http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/stur...LifeCycle.html Isn't there very little to no natural spawning success with muskie in river?

In any case, I love to see the increased biodiversity which comes with a rebounding ecosystem. Hope to see it continue.