In this episode of the Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report, we dive into the fascinating world of the Gulf Sturgeon with our special guest, Dr. R. Scot Duncan. Raised on the shores of Pensacola Bay in Gulf Breeze, FL, he holds a PhD in Zoology from the University of Florida. His extensive research has taken him from the mangroves of Costa Rica to the forests of Uganda, focusing on restoration ecology. Scot has served as a professor at Birmingham-Southern College for two decades, and is now the Executive Director of Alabama Audubon. His book, Southern Wonder: Alabama's Surprising Biodiversity, is regarded as one of the best environmental books ever written about Alabama, and is used by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System as a textbook for the Alabama Master Naturalist Program.
In his most recent book, Southern Rivers: Restoring America’s Freshwater Biodiversity, Scot celebrates the extraordinary biodiversity of southeastern rivers, highlighting their unique species and ecosystems. Through vivid storytelling, the book explores the critical importance of these waterways and offers insights into how we can prevent further extinctions amid increasing water demand and decreasing supply. Dr. Duncan provides a compelling narrative that underscores the urgency of conserving freshwater habitats to ensure the survival of America's diverse aquatic life. Key to that narrative is the Gulf Sturgeon, a fascinating gentle giant that can grow up to nine feet in length and weigh over 300 lbs. Once widespread and plentiful throughout Alabama’s rivers, today the species is under protection from the Endangered Species Act.
Join us as Scot walks us through the history of the species’ interactions with humans. Learn how sturgeon sustained the pilgrims of Plymouth, how it played a key role in making the Gulf states a powerhouse in the international seafood industry, and how it helped to keep Alabama’s rivers clear and clean. We’ll discuss the factors that caused the decline in sturgeon numbers, the knock-on effects of that decline, and what Scot hopes can be done to restore the species’ population and the health of our rivers.
Assisting us with the conversation this week is Rowell Guivarra. Rowel is a well-respected fly fishing guide who operates on the Tallapoosa River, as well as the Chair of the Alabama Chapter of the Native Fish Coalition. In addition to the work he does with NFC to support aquatic biodiversity in the state, he is also actively involved in Project OARS, the Mayfly Project, and Project Healing Waters. Rowell understands better than most how the health of Alabama’s riverine species is a vital factor in the physical, mental, and spiritual health of its citizens, and we’re delighted to have him co hosting this week.
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