Abstract

Sturgeons are among the most ancient and enigmatic fishes found in our oceans, lakes, rivers, and estuaries; yet despite ongoing efforts to conserve their wild populations, most species are either threatened or endangered with extinction. Within the state of Georgia, for example, 3 of the 4 native species are federally listed under the ESA, while the 4th was only recently reintroduced after being extirpated for nearly 30 years. Recent efforts to restore populations have focused on field and laboratory studies that often employ modern research technologies to track movements, assess reproductive status, and monitor physical condition of wild fish, particularly during spawning periods. Similar methods have also been developed for the rapidly growing aquaculture industry that seeks to replace wild sources of sturgeon meat and caviar with sustainably operated sturgeon farms. Data from both laboratory and field studies have greatly improved our basic understanding of sturgeon life history, population dynamics, and critical habitats, but many challenges to saving these ancient fish still remain. The purpose of this presentation is to (1) review the history and causes of worldwide sturgeon declines; (2) describe and assess recent efforts to restore US populations; and (3) to highlight the important role of modern fish medicine in the ongoing effort to recover extant populations. We also summarize current sturgeon research efforts in the southeastern US to illustrate common applications of modern fish health methodologies in the field of fisheries science.

Acknowledgements

Sturgeon research and conservation would not be possible without the contributions of many state and federal agencies, NGOs, and private citizens. The collection of photos and data included in this presentation has been funded by the National Marine Fisheries Service, the US Fish & Wildlife Service, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and the University of Georgia.