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Auer, N. A. (1994). Effects of change in operation of a small hydroelectric facility on spawning characteristics of lake sturgeon. Lake and Reservoir Management. 9:52-53.

Migratory lake sturgeon, Acipenser fulvescens, which spawn below a small hydroelectric facility located on the Sturgeon River, Michigan have responded to a change in facility operation negotiated during recent relicensing. Spawning characteristics of this stock of fish have been monitored for 6 years. The facility operated as a peaking facility from 1987 through 1989, generating electricity from 0800 to 1700 hrs. Near run-of-the-river flows were provided in 1991 and 1992. The facility closely matched discharge from the plant to that received into the reservoir 24 hrs/day. The change in facility operation and therefore water discharge pattern, created changes in several characteristics of the spawning lake sturgeon population. There has been a reduction in time adult lake sturgeon are observed on site, an increase in total number and size of adults, an increase in spawning-ready fish, and a change in location of capture. Constant and non fluctuating water flows now produced by run-of-the-river operation appear to be triggers to reproductive readiness and allow more and larger fish to move onto spawning grounds. These changes in operation are beneficial to spawning lake sturgeon, a species threatened in the state of Michigan. These changes may be applied to other small hydropower facilities and fisheries to improve multiple use of water resources.