There are 19 population segments of shortnose sturgeon along the east coast of North America from New Brunswick south to Florida. Its only known occurrence in Canada is in the Saint John River system, New Brunswick. The Saint John River shortnose sturgeon is the most northerly population of the species and evidence suggests that they may also be the most genetically distinct.

The shortnose sturgeon spawns in fast flowing water over a boulder and gravel bottom. They generally over winter in the lower reaches of the Saint John River and in the spring migrate upstream as far as the Mactaquac Dam to spawn.

The shortnose sturgeon is an ancient and long lived species that occurs in only one river system in Canada - the Saint John River in New Brunswick. Its long cylindrical shape is said to be "armoured" with 5 rows of boney plates or "scutes". It has a thick, leathery skin that is olive green to brown above and white below. A darker mottled chain pattern runs along the top of the head area. Shortnose sturgeon are very similar in appearance to the Atlantic sturgeon and since they inhabit the same areas, are often misidentified. Shortnose sturgeon have been recorded at lengths of over a meter and at ages in excess of 60 years.