site.btaWWF Says Efforts to Protect Critically Endangered Sturgeon Continue as World Marks Biodiversity Day

WWF Bulgaria said efforts to protect sturgeon, once regarded as “aristocratic fish” because they were historically considered a royal delicacy, continue as the world marks International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22. 

Conservation measures include restocking, habitat restoration, research and the designation of new protected areas, while combating poaching remains a priority, the environmental organization said.

WWF said it was still too early to assess the impact of Bulgaria’s indefinite ban on sturgeon fishing in the Bulgarian stretch of the Danube River and the Black Sea, which entered into force on January 1. 

The organization said nearly 100,000 tagged sterlet sturgeon (Acipenser ruthenus) , beluga sturgeon (Huso huso)  and Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii)  had so far been released into the Danube in cooperation with local fishing communities. Another 30,000 Russian sturgeon were released near the village of Gomotartsi in northwestern Bulgaria on May 21.

Together with partners in Romania, Ukraine, Austria and Germany, WWF is working on the creation of a floating sturgeon hatchery that would serve as a gene bank for genetically diverse fish of Danube origin. Two hatcheries are planned in Austria and Hungary by 2030.

WWF said researchers were studying sturgeon habitats and behaviour, including breeding, feeding and wintering areas, and highlighted the creation of Bulgaria’s first protected sturgeon conservation area, the “Sturgeons – Vetren” .

The organization also participates in international initiatives such as the Danube Sturgeon Task Force and conducts anti-poaching and anti-trafficking training for state officials.

WWF described sturgeon as a key indicator of river ecosystem health, highlighting that the species, which dates back more than 200 million years to the age of dinosaurs, has long held major economic and cultural significance.

Because of the high value of caviar, sturgeon are now classified as critically endangered. WWF said the main threats remain illegal fishing and trade, habitat loss and the disruption of migration routes caused by dams and hydropower facilities.

Despite the challenges, WWF said there was still hope for saving the species through long-term efforts, international cooperation and stronger action against illegal trade.