Boaters Beware of Flying Gulf Sturgeon

Boaters beware. It’s flying fish season.

Wildlife officials are reminding boaters that Gulf sturgeon as long as 8 feet and weighing 200 pounds are migrating into the Suwannee River this month.

Sturgeon, with hard cartilaginous backbone and scales on the top of their bodies, often jump during mating season. And sometimes, people in boats get hurt by the flying fish.

Maj. Lee Beach of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says reducing a boat’s speed will lessen the impact and give boaters a chance to dodge the fish. He also advises boaters to wear life preservers.