How has aquaculture been used to support Caspian sturgeon populations?

Aquaculture has become a vital tool for supporting Caspian sturgeon populations, which have faced significant declines due to habitat loss, overfishing, and the construction of dams that block access to natural spawning grounds.12

To address these challenges, intensive efforts have been implemented to supplement wild populations through artificial breeding. Currently, it is estimated that approximately three-fifths of the sturgeon in the Caspian Sea are bred artificially rather than in their natural spawning environments. In addition to these aquaculture initiatives, other conservation measures—such as the prohibition of sturgeon fishing in the open sea—have been introduced to help stabilize and improve the status of these critically endangered species.12