STURGEON - ENVIRONMENT

Sturgeon - ENVIRONMENT

News: Poaching and trafficking are endangering four species of sturgeon in the lower section of the Danube River in southeastern Europe, one of their last strongholds.

 

What’s in the news?

  • According to a recent report by the World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), these activities are critically affecting sturgeon populations, which are already among the most endangered fish species globally.

 

Illegal Fishing and Trade Statistics

  • Between 2016 and 2023, WWF documented 395 cases of illegal sturgeon fishing and trade in Bulgaria, Romania, and Ukraine, involving 1,031 sturgeon individuals.
  • However, this figure is likely an underestimation, as many illegal activities remain undetected.

 

Impact on Sturgeon Populations

  • Of the 1,031 sturgeons affected, Romania reported the highest number (610), followed by Ukraine (418) and Bulgaria (3).
  • Sturgeons are heavily exploited for their roe (caviar) and meat, leading to a global decline in populations.
  • Of the six sturgeon species formerly native to the Danube River, two are now considered locally extinct.

  

Species-Specific Insights

  • Sterlet (A. ruthenus): Most frequently reported in poaching cases, with 78 reports in 2018. It may still be the most abundant species in the Danube.
  • Stellate Sturgeon (A. stellatus): Mentioned in 76 cases in the last four years.
  • Russian Sturgeon (A. gueldenstaedtii): Involved in 39 cases.
  • Beluga Sturgeon (Huso huso): Involved in 32 cases.
  • Unspecified Species: 37 cases where the sturgeon species was not identified.

 

Hotspots

  • Bulgaria: Vratsa oblast, Romania: Tulcea, Ukraine: Odesa

 

Recommendations

  • The WWF report emphasizes the need for consistent and comprehensive enforcement data from all affected countries to better understand and address sturgeon trafficking trends and illegal activities more effectively.
  • The Lower Danube Basin should be prioritized for conservation efforts to protect the remaining sturgeon populations.

 

Family: Acipenseridae
Species: 28
Historical Range: From the Late Cretaceous; ancestors date back 174-201 million years ago
Current Range: Subtropical, temperate, and sub-Arctic rivers, lakes, and coastlines in Eurasia and North America

 

Physical Characteristics:

  • Size: Typically 2-3.5 meters (7-12 feet); largest recorded at 7.2 meters (23 feet 7 inches)
  • Body: Elongated, spindle-like, scaleless, armored with bony plates (scutes)
  • Tail: Heterocercal (shark-like)
  • Barbels: Four sensory organs around the mouth
  • Lifespan: Average 50-60 years, mature at 15-20 years

 

Evolution:

  • Fossil History: Early Jurassic origins; minimal morphological change over time
  • Living Fossils: Long generation intervals and few predators contribute to slow evolution

 

Habitat:

·         Distribution: Atlantic Coast, Great Lakes, St. Lawrence, Missouri, Mississippi Rivers, Black Sea, Caspian Sea, Arctic rivers, Central Asia, Amur River, and Danube River

Environment: Anadromous (migrates to spawn) or purely freshwater; prefers nutrient-rich, brackish waters

 

Conservation Status:

  • Threats: Overfishing, poaching, habitat destruction, damming
  • Extinction Risk: Over 85% of species at risk; critically endangered species include the Chinese sturgeon and beluga sturgeon
  • Conservation Efforts: Global and local initiatives, including restocking programs and habitat monitoring. Organizations like the World Sturgeon Conservation Society and Sturgeon for Tomorrow are active in conservation.

 

 Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/sturgeon-among-the-worlds-most-endangered-fish-are-being-heavily-poached-trafficked-in-the-lower-danube-their-last-stronghold-wwf