The changing river

The St. Lawrence River—home to the Mohawk Nation of Akwesasne—is an essential waterway, playing an important role from transportation to fishing. Human development has dramatically reshaped the river's shores and habitats, impacting the growth of species like the lake sturgeon, a culturally significant species for the Akwesasronon. Sturgeon in the Akwesasne area were once so big, people called them "river monsters!” But local fishers have noticed worrying trends in the size of these awesome fish. Lexy and Maegan set out to learn more about how the river is changing, and how habitat restoration can help native species like the sturgeon.