Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 days ago
Paddlefish are one of two living groups in the order Acipenseriformes, the second being Sturgeon. The American Paddlefish is the only remaining Paddlefish species in the world, with six of the eight extinct species only existing in fossil records. Due to various natural and human-driven factors, paddlefish populations have declined dramatically throughout their historic range. Paddlefish have been subject to several decades of management and conservation. Conversely, Gar as a family is garnering increased public interest in terms of fishing and its uniqueness as a native "ancient sportfish." Gar are an ancient group of fish that inhabit freshwater, brackish, and marine environments, of which seven species still exist. This talk will discuss the biology, conservation, and management of Minnesota's Paddlefish and Gar species.
Paddlefish are one of two living groups in the order Acipenseriformes, the second being Sturgeon. The American Paddlefish is the only remaining Paddlefish species in the world, with six of the eight extinct species only existing in fossil records. Due to various natural and human-driven factors, paddlefish populations have declined dramatically throughout their historic range. Paddlefish have been subject to several decades of management and conservation. Conversely, Gar as a family is garnering increased public interest in terms of fishing and its uniqueness as a native "ancient sportfish." Gar are an ancient group of fish that inhabit freshwater, brackish, and marine environments, of which seven species still exist. This talk will discuss the biology, conservation, and management of Minnesota's Paddlefish and Gar species.
