Resolution emphasizes need for increased conservation efforts for freshwater systems 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Earth Day, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry, Natural Resources and Biotechnology, reintroduced a resolution to recognize the significant ecological and cultural role of lake sturgeon in Vermont and around the country. The Senator’s resolution emphasizes the need for increased conservation efforts for lake sturgeon sustainability, as a keystone species and indicator of freshwater ecosystem health.   

“As the largest and longest-living fish in Vermont, the lake sturgeon has a storied history in our state. Lake sturgeon is incredibly important for our biodiversity and the health of our ecosystems, but overfishing, degraded habitats, and other negative human behaviors have endangered this important species. Congress should pass my resolution to bolster conservation efforts and help restore Lake sturgeon in Lake Champlain and freshwater systems across America,” said Senator Welch. 

Lake sturgeon is one of the largest North American freshwater fish, often considered living fossils with lifespans sometimes surpassing 150 years. Found across the Northeast, the Great Lakes, and Canada, slow reproduction coupled with historical overfishing, invasive species, and habitat degradation have caused declines in local lake sturgeon populations. As a result, many states—including Vermont—have listed the species as an endangered, threatened, or otherwise protected species. 

The resolution is endorsed by the Conservation Law Foundation, Friends of Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, Great Lakes Fishery Commission, Lake Champlain Committee, Lake Champlain International, Vermont Sierra Club, and the Vermont Council of Trout Unlimited. 

“The Lake Champlain Committee deeply appreciates Senator Welch’s commitment to protecting and restoring lake sturgeon populations. These long-lived and enigmatic fish, considered the ‘living fossil of Lake Champlain,’ were intensely overharvested and subject to habitat degradation to the point of endangerment. The habitat restoration, improved monitoring, and public education outlined in Senator Welch’s resolution will give lake sturgeon a chance to recover and thrive in Lake Champlain and its tributaries,” said Jenny Patterson, Executive Director, Lake Champlain Committee. 

“Once you’ve looked into the eyes of a lake sturgeon you will never think about fish the same way again. These ancient, endangered species are a vital part of the Lake Champlain watershed. We need to ensure they have a clean lake to swim and feed in and access to healthy rivers to reproduce in, now and for the future. Protecting the health of Lake Champlain protects lake sturgeon and protects where we play, work and get our drinking water,” said Julie Silverman, Lake Champlain Lakekeeper, Conservation Law Foundation. 

“The viability of the lake sturgeon serves as an important reminder for the health of our own species.  At LCI, we are deeply grateful to Senator Welch and his colleagues for keeping us focused on what truly matters: the clean water and healthy fish necessary for happy people,” said Elizabeth Ehlers, Executive Director, Lake Champlain International. 

Read and download the full text of the resolution. 

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