So, what is a sturgeon exactly, and why does it matter? Sturgeon are fish that are crucial to freshwater ecosystems. They’ve been around since the dinosaur age for over 200 million years and survived extinction. However, the sturgeon population has been rapidly declining in multiple habitat regions globally.
From illegal poaching to poor water quality, numerous factors contribute to the endangerment of this prehistoric species. Below is more information on sturgeon fish, their vital role, why protecting them is critical to wildlife conservation, and how you can get involved.
What Is A Sturgeon Fish?
As mentioned above, sturgeon are freshwater fish with 26 total species. They’re one of the oldest and largest fish currently in existence— and remained physically the same since ancient times! People commonly ask, “How big do sturgeon get?” Depending on the species, sturgeon can reach around 6.5 feet long, weigh up to 200 pounds, and live up to 100 years old.
Where Do Sturgeon Live?
Sturgeon fish live in five habitats, mainly in the Ponto-Caspian region of the northern hemisphere. However, sturgeon also lives in areas of Asia, North America, and Western Europe. They’re bottom feeders in lakes and rivers that typically eat plankton, invertebrates, and smaller fish.
A Brief History of Sturgeon
Sturgeons eat invasive aquatic species, like zebra mussels, and decaying organisms that change natural sandy and salty habitats. By consuming these, sturgeon help prevent invasive species from ruining the integrity of freshwater ecosystems and act as a natural water filter.
Types of sturgeon species and their endangered classifications include:
- Pallid Sturgeon: Endangered species due to extensive channelization that live in the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Can live up to 50 years old, reaching 1.8m in length and 45kg in weight.
- Alabama Sturgeon: Critically endangered and is the smallest species in the Mobile River region in Alabama and Mississippi. Species are declining due to overfishing, habitat deterioration, and poor water quality. Can reach up to 0.8m in length and 4kg in weight.
- Russian Sturgeon: Critically endangered species, living in the Ural and Volga rivers. Wildlife spawning individuals used to live in the Black and Caspian sea basins, but now very rare due to dam construction. Can reach 2.4m long and weigh up to 110kg.
According to the WWF, sturgeon fish are the most endangered species group on earth. If they become extinct, it would be a historic loss since they’ve been around since the prehistoric ages and are critical to healthy freshwater ecosystems.
What Are Sturgeon Used for?
Sturgeons are considered a valuable commodity because of their eggs. They’re often farmed for their caviar and meat and are considered a delicacy in certain cultures. Since caviar is categorized as a luxury product, sturgeon caviar farms have increased to meet commercial quantity demands.
As a result, the caviar trade has contributed to the decline in sturgeon habitat and species from unsustainable farming practices and illegal poaching.
What is Sturgeon Conservation?
While sturgeon populations are rapidly declining, various wildlife conservation efforts are underway to help save the species and their habitats. The Endangered Species Act of 1974 was a pivotal step in addressing the issues of unstainable caviar production, re-exporters, and sturgeon farms.
This legislation made sturgeon fishing illegal in various regions, where they’re considered critically endangered and on the brink of extinction. It also transformed caviar farms where it’s still legal through sustainable harvesting practices for captive-bred sturgeon.
These significant sturgeon wildlife conservation efforts helped alleviate pressures regarding this fish species. However, there’s still more to be done to ensure their long-term survival.
Why Should Sturgeon Be Protected?
Without sturgeons, it can negatively impact certain cultures that consume them and deteriorate freshwater habitats globally. Natural marine life depends on sturgeon to ensure invasive species don’t overpopulate and ruin freshwater systems. It’s also crucial to save a historical species that survived the extinction of dinosaurs from human-caused farming practices.
Become a SIAA Member & Help Save Sturgeon!
At SIAA, our mission is to protect sustainably farmed and wild sturgeon populations to reduce their endangerment. We’re also dedicated to protecting other species affected by aquaculture regulations they may face.
And it’s not too late to get involved! Anyone can make a difference to help save this critical fish species and their habitat.
Donate to SIAA to support sturgeon wildlife conservation, or join the mission by contacting us at
info@siaausa.com or 910-685-1540 today!
