CHEBOYGAN, MI (AP)-- A northern Michigan organization that works to protect lake sturgeon needs volunteers to help prevent illegal harvests of the threatened fish during its annual spawning run.
The Black Lake Chapter of Sturgeon for Tomorrow works with the state Department of Natural Resources each spring to fight poaching of the ancient species.
The sturgeon are particularly vulnerable as they briefly leave Black Lake in Cheboygan County to spawn in the Black River.
Hundreds of volunteers are needed to stand guard along the river from mid-April through early June. They notify patrolling conservation officers about any suspicious activity.
Lake sturgeon can live up to 100 years and weigh more than 200 pounds.
Families, scout and church groups and students of natural resource management are among those who often volunteer as sturgeon protectors.