Burbot
Photo Credit
NDGF
SGCN
Game
Common Name
Burbot
Scientific Name
Lota lota
Taxon
Fishes
Subtaxon or Group
Codfish
Description
The only freshwater member of the Cod family.
The appearance is a is a cross between an eel and a catfish, with a flattened head and a single barbel on the underside of the jaw and a slender eel-like tail.
The color ranges from a pale green with brown spots to a darker olive.
Status in North Dakota
No Federal Designation.
Range Map
Burbot primary (dark gray) range and secondary (light gray) range.
Reason for SWAP Designation
Biologist believe populations show some cause for concern. Continued data collection is needed to monitor the species.
Threats
Impoundments to the Missouri and Red River systems have impeded movement of fish throughout the systems, separating populations and preventing migration.
Research and Monitoring
- The states rivers and streams are surveyed for species on a 5-year rotating schedule.
- North Dakota DEQ staff survey rivers and streams through their Index of Biotic Integrity program.
Management Recommendations
- Continue to use the Section 404 program to ensures affected rivers and riparian areas are mitigated to replace form and function.
- Continue to work with other federal agencies not covered by 404 to ensure affected rivers and riparian areas are mitigated to replace form and function.
- Continue to work with NDSWC to develop instream flow recommendations.
- Promote incentive programs to restore riparian areas.
- Continue to work with ND 319 Task Force in prioritizing projects within impaired watersheds and implementing BMPs.
- Implement intake conditions or recommendations.
- Cooperate with NDGFD Fisheries staff on state aquatic nuisance species plans.
- Removal of dams and other barriers.
- Retrofitting dams with fish passage structures.
Primary Geological Regions
Habitat Associations
Habitat Use
Burbot are found in large river systems and reservoirs.