Conservation and Broodstock Management: Status and Management of
Eurasian Sturgeon: An Overview
P. Williot, G. Arlati, M. Chebanov, T. Gulyas, R.
Kasimov, F. Kirschbaum, N. Patriche, L.P. Pavlovskaya, L. Poliakova, M.
Pourkazemi, Y. Kim, P. Zhuang, I.M. Zholdasova-2002
International Review of Hydrobiology, 87(5-6):
483-506
Abstract:
This paper is an attempt to delineate the causes for
the dramatic decline of the most part of European sturgeon species and the
recovery measures taken. Overfishing, damming, pollution, poaching, water
pumping, and dredging are the main quoted causes for the decline of sturgeon
populations. 2 to 6 causes are cited simultaneously. Ranking the causes is
mostly impossible. Various measures were taken to regulate the fisheries;
among them were size limits, restricted catching periods, quotas, no
measures at all, and restricted catching areas which accounted for 50%, 50%,
21%, 21% and 14%, respectively. Efficiency of police control, fines,
fish-passes, and stocking are reported. Some explanation to apparent
contradictions between biological knowledge and sturgeon status are given.
There are suggestions in: trade control, ex situ conservation,
fisheries' biology and/or population management, and the increasing relative
weight of sturgeon fisheries.
(Cemagref,
UR Ressources Aquatiques Continentales, 50 Avenue de Verdun, Cestas cedex,
33612, France, e-mail: patrick.williot@cemagref.fr)