This is the time of year that Gulf sturgeon start their annual migration back into the Suwannee River, as well as most other rivers in northwest Florida, including the Apalachicola

This is the time of year that Gulf sturgeon start their annual migration back into the Suwannee River, as well as most other rivers in northwest Florida, including the Apalachicola, Choctawhatchee, Yellow, and Escambia, and state officials are warning people to slow down and be aware these fish are jumping.

 

Sturgeons have a history of injuring boaters - the large, prehistoric-looking fish have hard plates along their backs and can grow up to 8 feet long and up to 200 pounds.

 

On average, though, they weigh about 40 pounds.

 

They can leap more than 7 feet out of the water. 

 

Biologists estimate the annual population at 10,000-14,000 fish. 

 

To stay safe around jumping sturgeons and to avoid collisions, go slow, keep off the bow of the boat and pay attention to your surroundings and always wear your life jacket.

 

If you're knocked out of the boat, hurt, and unconscious, a life jacket will help keep you afloat. 

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