Statewide sturgeon conservation plan: development process

What is the statewide sturgeon conservation plan? 

White sturgeon and green sturgeon are the charismatic megafauna of the Pacific Northwest. They carry a historical, cultural, economic, and ecological significance throughout Washington. Sturgeon can be found in all major waterways throughout Washington and support commercial, recreational, and subsistence fisheries.

Regional plans, policies, and studies exist to guide sturgeon conservation, but there is no unifying statewide plan. WDFW believes a statewide management and conservation plan is an important step in guiding the conservation of sturgeon in Washington. In 2025-26, WDFW will engage with tribes, bordering states, federal agencies, and the public on sturgeon conservation concerns and management needs across the state. 

Goals of the statewide sturgeon conservation plan

The three goals of the statewide sturgeon conservation plan are to: 

• Raise awareness of the status of Washington’s sturgeon populations.
• Engage with tribes, bordering states, federal agencies, and the public on sturgeon conservation concerns and management needs across the state of Washington.
• Develop consistent and transparent strategies and policies to support:
  • Mitigation and recovery efforts.
  • Sustainable harvest opportunities.
  • Research to fill critical information gaps.

Opportunities to participate in plan development

Public Input

WDFW will solicit public feedback throughout the development process. Check this page for updates on public input opportunities. 

Stay in touch

Beginning Winter 2025, sign up for our statewide sturgeon conservation update emails to stay in the loop on plan development, public input opportunities, upcoming meetings, and more.