Jumping Sturgeon Claims Life

The jumping sturgeon Florida boaters were warned about in late spring have officially claimed a life.

Jayln Rippy, 5, was killed July 2 when a sturgeon jumped into her family’s boat along the Suwannee River and killed her, News4Jax is reporting. Rippy’s mother and brother were also hospitalized with their conditions unknown.

Wildlife officials began warning boaters of the dangers before the summer kicked off. The fish, which can weigh up to 200 pounds, are known to leap out of the water and can knock into people and boats when they do so.

In early June, a teen was knocked out by one of the jumping fish while in Manatee Springs State Park. A number of other incidents have since been recorded, including Rippy’s death.

Sturgeon season is serious business, FWC warns boaters.

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• Jumping Sturgeon Knocks Out Florida Teen

“These fish can grow to 8 feet long and weigh up to 200 pounds, plus they wear ‘armor,’” the state agency explained on its Facebook page.

Officials stress, however, that sturgeon encounters aren’t intended.

“These collisions aren’t attacks,” the state noted. “The fish are simply doing what they have been doing for millions of years: jumping.”

This is the time of year when Gulf sturgeon make their annual trek back into nine Florida rivers, including the Suwanee and Santa Fe, according to FWC. To help stay safe on the waters as giant sturgeon make their way through, FWC officials say boaters should go slow since that helps reduce the risk of impact while enabling boaters more reaction time if the fish are seen nearby.

“Boaters are encouraged to wear their life jackets at all times while on the water where sturgeon are found – that’s the Suwanee and Santa Fe rivers system and seven Florida Panhandle rivers,” the state added.

Officials ask that sturgeon collisions be reported to 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).

While sturgeons can wreak havoc on Florida waters, the critters are protected by both state and federal laws. Gulf sturgeon cannot be harvested.

Sturgeon strikes are so common this time of year, the state has created a warning video for boaters. It also has an awareness page on its website titled, “Living with Sturgeon.”

Photo courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission