Sturgeons (Pisces: Acipenseridae); threats and prospects

Abstract

Life histories of 24 species of sturgeons are briefly summarized and threats to their existence are reviewed. The most important of these are fishing and physical disturbance of rivers (barriers; fluctuating water levels; gravel extraction). Conservation measures to limit and compensate for these impacts are reviewed. In Europe the common sturgeon, Acipenser sturio , is an endangered species; it has been the object of a conservation programme in France since 1982.