Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore staff say seven lake sturgeon like this one, found Aug. 3, have washed ashore dead this summer. Tribal biologists and the Michigan DNR suspect botulism is to blame. (Courtesy | Sleeping Bear Dunes)National Park Service
EMPIRE, MI — Something is killing an iconic, threatened fish species in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Michigan off the coast of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Since July 12, seven dead lake sturgeon have been found washed ashore along the picturesque coastline in Benzie and Leelanau counties, say park staff. The latest was found Aug. 3 and the dead fish have generated online concern after the park posted a photo on social media.
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