Many aquaculturists who farm domesticated sturgeon for caviar and meat raised concerns at the meeting, and commissioners reassured them that the regulation would not affect them. Indoor-farmed white sturgeon are included on lists of fish that experts consider sustainable and recommend for consumption.
The white sturgeon, North America’s largest freshwater fish, is threatened in California due to algae blooms, dams, and droughts. California wildlife officials have taken steps to protect it under the state’s Endangered Species Act. Historically, these fish could live over 100 years, reach lengths of more than 20 feet, and weigh nearly a ton. However, their numbers are declining due to numerous threats.
The California Fish and Game Commission approved the white sturgeon as a candidate for listing, triggering a review by the Department of Fish and Wildlife to determine if it should be officially declared threatened or endangered. This process will take at least a year, during which time the sturgeon will be temporarily protected.
The decision to consider the listing came after environmental groups and the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance filed a petition. They are also waiting for a decision on a federal petition. Environmental groups emphasize the need for protection due to the fish’s ancient lineage and current threats, including water diversions, fishing, and climate change. Recent algae blooms have killed large numbers of sturgeon.
Historically, overfishing for caviar nearly wiped out the species in California, leading to a ban on commercial fishing for over 100 years. Recreational fishing rules have also been tightened, but the new candidate status will ban it entirely unless exemptions are granted.
Aquaculturists are not affected by the new regulations, and indoor-farmed sturgeon remain a sustainable food source. Meanwhile, the Department of Water Resources and the proposed Delta tunnel project must now apply for permits to ensure their operations do not harm the sturgeon.
White sturgeon numbers have plummeted in California, from 200,000 harvestable fish historically to about 33,000 in recent years. They face multiple threats, including water diversions, dams, introduced predators, contaminants, and poaching.
The emergency listing aims to prevent further decline and ensure the long-term survival of the species.
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