Experts outline action for sturgeon conservation

Gland, 13 February, 2001 (IUCN) - Scientists and caviar traders have gathered for the first time to form an action plan to halt the rapid decline of the world’s sturgeon species, highly valued for both caviar and meat.

Several of the 27 sturgeon species have a high commercial value on international markets, for caviar, meat, as well as sport fishing in North America. Populations are declining through increased poaching, illegal trade, habitat loss due to dam construction (preventing migration to spawning grounds), pollution, inefficient aquaculture and re-stocking techniques, lack of regional co-operation in conservation programmes, and poor law enforcement. As sturgeon are migratory fish that regularly cross international borders as part of their life cycle, international co-operation is a critical component of any plan to conserve them.

More than 40 experts, including scientists, government and non-governmental organization representatives, and caviar traders from 11 countries gathered in Moscow over the weekend (9-11 February) to identify priorities for sturgeon conservation and form recommendations for action.

Annual legal catches continue to decrease despite government attempts at re-stocking that involve releasing millions of young fish annually. The many causes of the decline were discussed at the meeting, the first of IUCN’s Sturgeon Specialist Group.

The meeting included a review of the status of wild sturgeon populations, a discussion of conservation initiatives currently underway, and some perspectives from international traders. Presentations from Russia, China, Romania and Azerbaijan all indicated rapidly declining legal catches of sturgeon over several decades indicating declining stocks, particularly since the breakup of the USSR.

Caviar traders shared their concerns about their industry and noted problems with product quality and escalating prices. They also reported a marked decline in demand.

In the late 1990s, in response to international concern over the survival of sturgeon, both the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) included sturgeon on their lists of concern. CITES, which controls international trade in caviar and other sturgeon products and to which most producer and consumer countries are signatories, placed sturgeons on Appendix II – meaning all international trade would be strictly controlled by both importing and exporting countries. Given the continuing urgent situation, CITES has recommended highly reduced international trade until producer countries can show that any proposed trade will not threaten the species in the wild.

The critical situation for sturgeon, particularly in the Caspian Sea, Azov Sea, Amur River and Yangtze River were highlighted during the meeting. "The priority problems to address include poaching and illegal trade, low efficiency of aquaculture and re-stocking, and a lack of international and regional co-operation for sturgeon conservation," says Dr. Mohammed Pourkazemi, Chair of the Sturgeon Specialist Group. "Attention should be directed at threats posed by dams, mining, pollution, and the lack of reliable stock assessments, adequate legislation and enforcement effort. There is an urgent need to restore sturgeon habitat as well as the various species that are threatened, whether or not they have a commercial value", he added.

While recognising the complex nature of issues facing sturgeon conservation, the experts’ recommendations for future action include the following:

• regional agreements for sturgeon conservation and management particularly for the Amur River, the Black Sea, Azov Sea, and the Caspian Sea;
• identification of potential protected areas in sturgeon habitat;
• national level action stimulated by NGOs, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), conventions and other organizations;
• funding support for sturgeon conservation from major financial and economic mechanisms such as the Global Environment Facility and World Bank as well as the private sector;
• increased public awareness of the threats facing sturgeon and opportunities for their conservation;
• an information exchange network involving all parties involved in sturgeon conservation including FAO, Convention on Biological Diversity, Sturgeon Specialist Group, Convention on Migratory Species, and IUCN’s European Sustainable Use Specialist Group.

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  For more information contact Dr Alison Rosser, IUCN Wildlife Trade Programme Tel: +44 (0)1223 277966; Email: alison.rosser@ssc-uk.org or Dr Mohammed Pourkazemi, Chair of the IUCN Sturgeon Specialist Group Tel: +98 131 223 9033; Email: pkazemi_m@yahoo.com

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  IUCN - The World Conservation Union was founded in 1948 and brings together 79 states, 112 government agencies, 735 NGOs, 35 affiliates, and some 10,000 scientists and experts from 181 countries in a unique worldwide partnership. Its mission is to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable. Within the framework of global conventions IUCN has helped over 75 countries to prepare and implement national conservation and biodiversity strategies. IUCN has approximately 1000 staff, most of whom are located in its 42 regional and country offices while 100 work at its Headquarters in Gland, Switzerland.

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