Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Restoration of the European Sturgeon Acipenser sturio in Germany

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Biology and Conservation of the European SturgeonAcipenser sturioL. 1758

Abstract

The onset of practical restoration measures on Acipenser sturio in Germany is represented by the transfer of 40 one-year-old juveniles from the French Cemagref to the German Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries in 1996 as a result of a bilateral cooperation. Molecular genetic studies revealed that these fish from the Garonne river system represented suitable material for the re-introduction into the tributaries of the North Sea. The fish were used for behavioural, feeding, and rearing experiments to improve the husbandry practice in fresh water. In 2005, a first female developed ripe gonad for the first time but artificial reproduction had not been accomplished to date. Subsequent transfers of juveniles in 2007, 2009, and 2010 allowed the expansion of the German brood stock, as well as first experimental releases both with tagged and telemetry transmitters to verify habitat utilization, migration patterns, and – through catch data – growth of the fish in the rivers Elbe, Oste, and Stör.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Anon. (1985) Krabbenfischer zog riesigen Stör an Deck. Niederelbezeitung 26.6.1985, p 13

    Google Scholar 

  • Arndt G-M, Anders E (1997) Der Stör (Acipenser sturio) und seine Wiedereinbürgerung in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern und Deutschland. Fischerei in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern 4/97:14–20

    Google Scholar 

  • Arndt GM, Gessner J, Anders E, Spratte S, Filipiak J, Debus L, Skora K (2000) Predominance of exotic and introduced species among sturgeons captured from the Baltic and North Seas and their watersheds, 1981–1999. Symp. on Conservation of the Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser sturio L. 1758 in Europe. Madrid Bol Inst Oceanogr 16:29–36

    Google Scholar 

  • Artyukhin EN, Vecsei P (1999) On the status of Atlantic sturgeon: conspecificity of European Acipenser sturio and North American Acipenser oxyrinchus. J Appl Ichthyol 15:35–37

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Benecke B (1881) Fische, Fischerei und Fischzucht in Ost- und Westpreussen. Hartungsche Verlagsdruckerei, Koenigsberg

    Google Scholar 

  • Billard R, Lecointre G (2001) Biology and conservation of sturgeon and paddlefish. Rev Fish Biol Fish 10:355–392

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Birstein VJ, DeSalle R (1998) Molecular phylogeny of Acipenserinae. Mol Phylogenet Evol 9:141–155

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Blankenburg A (1910) Von der Störfischerei in der Elbe. Der Fischerbote 11:7–11

    Google Scholar 

  • Boyko NE (1999) Formation of olfactory imprinting and thyroid hormone metabolism in early ontogenesis of Russian sturgeon. J Appl Ichthyol 15(4–5):287–288

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Castelnaud G, Rochard E, Jatteau P, Lepage M (1991) Données actuelles sur la biologie d’Acipenser sturio dans l’estuaire de la Gironde. In: Williot P (ed) Acipenser. Cemagref, Antony, pp 251–275

    Google Scholar 

  • Desse-Berset N (2009) First archaeozoological identification of Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus Mitchill 1815) in France. CR Palevol 8:717–724

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Desse-Berset N, Williot P (2011) Emerging questions from the discovery of the long term presence of Acipenser oxyrinchus in France. J Appl Ichthyol 27:263–268

    Google Scholar 

  • Diercking R, Wehrmann I (1991) Artenschutzprogramm Fische und Rundmäuler in Hamburg, 38th edn. Umweltbehörde Hamburg-Naturschutzamt, Hamburg, p 126

    Google Scholar 

  • Ehrenbaum E (1923) Die Eider als Störfluß und die Schonung des Störs. Fischerbote norddeutscher Fischer 5:77–83

    Google Scholar 

  • Ehrenbaum E (1936) Naturgeschichtliche und wirtschaftliche Bedeutung der Seefische Nordeuropas. In: Lubbert H, Ehrenbaum E (eds) Handbuch der Seefischerei Nordeuropas, vol 2. E. Schweizerbarth’sche Verlagsbuchhandlung, Stuttgart, pp 3–5

    Google Scholar 

  • Elie P (coord) (1997) Restauration de l’esturgeon européen Acipenser sturio. Contrat Life B4-3200/94/754. Rapport final du programme d’exécution, Etude Cemagref (Bordeaux, GMA, RAC) n°24, Etude Gemagref, EPBX, Bordeaux

    Google Scholar 

  • Fladung E, Scholten M, Wirtz C (2004) Verfügbarkeit und Nutzung von Sand- und Kiesbänken im Hauptstrom der unteren Mittelelbe als Laich- und Aufwuchshabitate für Fische. Verh Ges Ichthyol Vol 4(2004):25–47

    Google Scholar 

  • Fock H, Ricklefs K (1996) Die Eider – Veränderungen seit dem Mittelalter. In: Lozan JL, Kausch H (eds) Warnsignale aus Flüssen und Ästuaren. Paul Parey, Berlin, pp 39–42

    Google Scholar 

  • Fontana F, Lanfredi M, Kirschbaum F, Garrido-Ramos MA, Robles F, Forlani A, Congiu L (2008) Comparison of karyotypes of Acipenser oxyrinchus and A. sturio by chromosome banding and fluorescent in situ hybridisation. Genetica 132:281–286

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gaumert D, Kämmereit M (1993) Süßwasserfische in Niedersachsen. Niedersächsisches Landesamt für Ökologie, Hildesheim, pp 1–162

    Google Scholar 

  • Gessner J, Arndt GM, Tiedemann R, Bartel R, Kirschbaum F (2006) Remediation measures for the Baltic sturgeon: status review and perspectives. J Appl Ichthyol 22(suppl 1):23–31

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gessner J, Spratte S, Kirschbaum F (2009) Störe für die Stör – Wem hilft ein lebendes Fossil? Steinburger Jahrbuch 2010, 54. Jahrg, pp 247–273

    Google Scholar 

  • Gessner J, Tautenhahn M, von Nordheim H, Borchers T (2010) Nationaler Aktionsplan zum Schutz und zur Erhaltung des Europäischen Störs (Acipenser sturio). Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz und Reaktorsicherheit (BMU), Bundesamt für Naturschutz (BfN). Silber Druck, Niestetal

    Google Scholar 

  • Hensel E, Kirschbaum F, Williot P, Gessner J (2002) Restoration of the European Sturgeon Acipenser sturio L. 1758 in Germany: effect of different food items on specific growth rates of large juvenile fish. Int Rev Hydrobiol 87:539–551

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Holcik J (2000) Major problems concerning the conservation and recovery of the Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser sturio L. 1758. Symposium on Conservation of the Atlantic Sturgeon Acipenser sturio L. 1758 in Europe, Madrid. Bol Inst Esp Oceanogr 16:139–148

    Google Scholar 

  • Holcik J, Kinzelbach R, Sokolov LI, Vasil’ev VP (1989) Acipenser sturio Linnaeus, 1758. In: Holcik J (ed) The freshwater fishes of Europe, 2. Acipenseriformes. AULA Verlag, Wiesbaden, pp 367–394

    Google Scholar 

  • Horváth Á, Wayman WR, Dean JC, Urbányi B, Tiersch TR, Mims SD, Johnson D, Jenkins JA (2008) Viability and fertilizing capacity of cryopreserved sperm from three North American acipenseriform species: a retrospective study. J Appl Ichthyol 24:443–449

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kausch H (1996) Fahrwasservertiefungen ohne Grenzen? In: Lozan JL, Kausch H (eds) Warnsignale aus Flüssen und Ästuaren. Paul Parey, Berlin, pp 162–176

    Google Scholar 

  • Kinzelbach RK (1987) Das ehemalige Vorkommen des Störs, Acipenser sturio (Linnaeus 1758) im Einzugsgebiet des Rheins (Chondrostei: Acipenseridae). Z Angew Zool 74:67–200

    Google Scholar 

  • Kinzelbach RK (1997) The Sturgeon (Acipenser sturio L. 1758) in Europe. Z Ökologie Naturschutz 6:29–135

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirschbaum F (2002) La dimension européenne de la stratégie de sauvegarde de l’esturgeon. In: Etats généraux de la Dordogne, Actes du séminaire, Quel avenir pour l’esturgeon européen? Libourne, France, 04–05.10.2001, EPIDOR, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, pp 118–132

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirschbaum F, Gessner J (2000) Re-establishment programmeme for Acipenser sturio L. 1758: the German approach. Symposium on Conservation of the Atlantic Sturgeon Acipenser sturio L. 1758 in Europe, Madrid. Bol Inst Esp Oceanogr 16:149–156

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirschbaum F, Gessner J (2002) Perspectives for the re-introduction of the European sturgeon, Acipenser sturio L. in the Elbe River. Z Fischk Suppl 1:217–232

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirschbaum F, Gessner J, Williot P (1998) Growth performance of Acipenser sturio reared under experimental indoor conditions. AQUAROM ‘98 – Fisheries management in the Danube river basin. Galati, Romania, 18–22.5.98, extended abstracts, pp 227–228

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirschbaum F, Gessner J, Williot P (2000) Restoration of Acipenser sturio L. 1758 in Germany, I: growth characteristics of juvenile fish reared under experimental indoor conditions. Symposium on Conservation of the Atlantic Sturgeon Acipenser sturio L. 1758 in Europe, Madrid. Bol Inst Esp Oceanogr 16:157–165

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirschbaum F, Ludwig A, Hensel E, Wuertz S, Kloas W, Williot P, Tiedemann R, Gessner J (2004) Status of the protection and restoration of Atlantic sturgeon in Germany: background, actual situation, and perspectives. In: Gessner J, Ritterhoff J (eds) BfN-Skripten, vol 101. BfN Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, Bonn, pp 36–53

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirschbaum F, Hensel ECK, Williot P (2006a) Feeding experiments with the European Atlantic sturgeon, Acipenser sturio L. 1758 to accustom large juveniles to a new feed item and the influence of tank size and stocking density on growth. J Appl Ichthyol 22(suppl 1):307–315

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kirschbaum F, Würtz S, Williot P, Tiedemann R, Arndt GM, Anders E, Bartel R, Gessner J (2006b) Prerequisites for the restoration of Atlantic sturgeons, Acipenser sturio and A. oxyrinchus, in Germany – Report on the twelve-year preparatory period. Verh Ges Ichthyol 5:79–93

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirschbaum F, Fredrich F, Williot P, Gessner J (2009a) Wiedereinbürgerung des Europäischen Störs, Acipenser sturio, in Deutschland – Vorbereitende Maßnahmen und erster Besatz. Naturschutz und Landschaftspflege in Brandenburg 18(3):76–82

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirschbaum F, Wuertz S, Williot P, Tiedemann R, Arndt G-M, Anders E, Krüger A, Bartel R, Gessner J (2009b) Prerequisites for the restoration of the European Atlantic sturgeon, Acipenser sturio and the Baltic sturgeon (A. oxyrinchus ♀ x A. sturio ♂) in Germany. In: Carmona R, Domezain A, Garcia Gallego M, Hernando-Casal J, Rodriguez F, Ruiz Rejon M (eds) Biology, conservation and sustainable development of sturgeons, vol 29, Fish & fisheries series. Springer, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Kopeika E, Williot P, Goncharov B (2000) Cryopreservation of Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser sturio L., 1758 sperm: first results and associated problems. Bol Inst Esp Oceanogr 16:167–173

    Google Scholar 

  • Le Menn F, Pelissero C (1991) Histologtical and ultrastructural studies of oogenesis of the Siberian sturgeon Acipenser baerii. In: Williot P (ed) Acipenser. Cemagref, Antony, pp 113–127

    Google Scholar 

  • Lepage M, Rochard E (1995) Threatened fishes of the world: Acipenser sturio Linnaeus, 1758 (Acipenseridae). Environ Biol Fishes 43:28

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ludwig AN, Jenneckens I, Debus L, Ludwig A, Becker J, Kirschbaum F (2000) Genetic analyses of archival specimens of the Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser sturio L. 1758. Symposium on Conservation of the Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser sturio L. 1758 in Europe, Madrid. Bol Inst Esp Oceanogr 16:221–230

    Google Scholar 

  • Ludwig A, Debus L, Lieckfeld D, Wirgin I, Benecke N, Jenneckens I, Williot P, Waldman JR, Pitra C (2002) When the American sea sturgeon swam east. Nature 419:447–448

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ludwig A, Williot P, Kirschbaum F, Liekfeld D (2004) Genetic variability of the Gironde sturgeon population. In: Gessner J, Ritterhoff J (eds) BfN-Skripten, vol 101. BfN Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, Bonn, pp 54–72

    Google Scholar 

  • Ludwig AN, Arndt U, Lippold S, Benecke N, Debus L, King TL, Matsamura S (2008) Tracing the first steps of American sturgeon pioneers in Europe. BMC Evol Biol 8:221–236

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ludwig A, Makowiecki DU, Benecke N (2009) Further evidence of trans-Atlantic colonization of Western Europe by American Atlantic sturgeons. Archaeofauna 18:185–192

    Google Scholar 

  • Magnin E (1962) Recherche sur la systématique et la biologie des Acipenséridés Acipenser sturio L., Acipenser oxyrinchus Mitchill et Acipenser fulvescens Raf. Annales de la Station Centrale d’Hydrobiologie Appliquée 9:7–242

    Google Scholar 

  • Magnin E, Beaulieu G (1963) Etude morphométrique comparée de l’Acipenser oxyrhynchus Mitchill du Saint-Laurent et l’Acipenser sturio Linné de la Gironde. Nat Can 90:5–38

    Google Scholar 

  • Mohr E (1952) Der Stör. Die neue Brehm-Bücherei, Geest und Portig, Leipzig

    Google Scholar 

  • Quantz H (1903) Störfischerei und Störzucht im Gebiet der deutschen Nordseeküste. Mitt des Deutschen Seefischerei-Vereins 19:176–204

    Google Scholar 

  • Rochard E, Castelnaud G, Lepage M (1990) Sturgeons (Pisces: Acipenseridae): threats and prospects. J Fish Biol 37(suppl A):123–132

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rochard E, Williot P, Castelnaud G, Lepage M (1991) Eléments de systématique et de biologie des populations sauvages d’esturgeons. In: Williot P (ed) Acipenser. Cemagref, Antony, pp 475–507

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosenthal H, Bronzi P, Gessner J, Moreau D, Rochard E (2007) Action plan for the conservation and restoration of the European sturgeon. Convention on the Conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats (Bern Convention). Council of Europe Publishing, Nature and Environment n° 152

    Google Scholar 

  • Scholle J, Schuchardt B, Rückert P, Bildstein T (2008) Konzeption zur Umsetzung der ökologischen Durchgängigkeit in den Fließgewässern in Sachsen-Anhalt. Landesbetrieb für Hochwasserschutz und Wasserwirtschaft (LHW), Sachsen-Anhalt, Gewässerkundlicher Landesdienst, p 97

    Google Scholar 

  • Seligo A (1931) Die Seefischerei von Danzig. In: Lubbert H, Ehrenbaum E (eds) Handbuch der Seefischerei Nordeuropas, VIII (7)th edn. E. Schweizerbart’sche Verlagsbuchhandlung, Stuttgart, pp 25–28

    Google Scholar 

  • Spratte S (2001) Aussterben des Störs (Acipenser sturio L.) in der Eider. In: Verband Deutscher Sportfischer (ed) Der Stör – Fisch des Jahres 2001. Verlag M. Faste, Kassel, pp 66–86

    Google Scholar 

  • Tiedemann R, Moll K, Paulus KB, Scheer M, Williot P, Bartel R, Gessner J, Kirschbaum F (2007) Atlantic sturgeons (Acipenser sturio, A. oxyrinchus): American females successful in Europe. Naturwissenschaften 94:213–217

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Waldman JR, Grunwald C, Stabile J, Wirgin II (2002) Impacts of life history and biogeography on the genetic stock structure of Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus, Gulf sturgeon A. o. desotoi, and shortnose sturgeon A. brevirostrum. J Appl Ichthyol 18:509–518

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Williot P, Rochard E, Castelnaud G, Rouault T, Brun R, Lepage M, Elie P (1997) Biological and ecological characteristics of European Atlantic sturgeon, Acipenser sturio, as foundations for a restoration programme in France. Environ Biol Fish 48:359–370

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Williot P, Brun R, Pelard M, Mercier D (2000) Unusual induced maturation and spawning in an incidentally caught pair of adult of the critically endangered European sturgeon Acipenser sturio L. J Appl Ichthyol 16:279–281

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Williot P, Brun R, Rouault T, Pelard M, Mercier D (2005) Attempts at larval rearing of the endangered western European sturgeon, Acipenser sturio L. (Acipenseridae), in France. Cybium 29(4):381–387

    Google Scholar 

  • Williot P, Rouault T, Pelard M, Mercier D, Lepage M, Davail-Cuisset B, Kirschbaum F, Ludwig A (2007) Building a broodstock of the critically endangered sturgeon, Acipenser sturio L: problems associated with the adaptation of wild-caught fish to hatchery conditions. Cybium 31:3–11

    Google Scholar 

  • WSA (1997) http://www.wsa-hamburg.wsv.de/wasserstrassen/Neubau/Fahrrinnenanpassung/beweissicherung/index.html

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the Federal Agency of Nature Conservation (BfN) and the Federal Ministry for Education and Science (BMBF) for their strong and long-term support and funding (BfN: Grants Az.: Z1.3-892 11-4/96; Z 1.3-892 11-7/99; Z1.3-892 11 8/05; Z1.3-892 11 8/09 and BMBF: Grants FKZ 0330532, FKZ 0330718), which were essential for the work performed.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Agriculture and Horticulture, Biology and Ecology of Fishes, Humboldt University, Philippstr. 13, Haus 16, 10115, Berlin, Germany

    Frank Kirschbaum

  2. Sturgeon Consultant, 4 Rue du Pas de madame, 33980, Audenge, France

    Patrick Williot

  3. Leibniz-Institut für Gewässerökologie und Binnenfischerei, Müggelseedamm 310, 12587, Berlin, Germany

    Frank Fredrich

  4. Unit of Evolutionary Biology/Systematic Zoology, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany

    Ralph Tiedemann & Jörn Gessner

Authors
  1. Frank Kirschbaum
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Patrick Williot
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Frank Fredrich
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Ralph Tiedemann
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Jörn Gessner
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Frank Kirschbaum .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. rue du Pas de Madame 4, Audenge, 33980, France

    Patrick Williot

  2. UR Ecosystemes Estuariens et Poissons Mi, Cemagref, Avenue de Verdun 50, Cestas cedex, 33612, France

    Eric Rochard

  3. CÉPAM, Labo. Archéologie, CNRS Valbonne, avenue Albert-Einstein 250, Valbonne, 06560, France

    Nathalie Desse-Berset

  4. Abt. Biologie und Ökologie der Fische, Humboldt-Universität Berlin, Philippstr. 13, Berlin, 10115, Germany

    Frank Kirschbaum

  5. Gewässerökologie und Binnenfischerei, Leibniz-Institut für, Müggelseedamm 310, Berlin, 12587, Berlin, Germany

    Jörn Gessner

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2011 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Kirschbaum, F., Williot, P., Fredrich, F., Tiedemann, R., Gessner, J. (2011). Restoration of the European Sturgeon Acipenser sturio in Germany. In: Williot, P., Rochard, E., Desse-Berset, N., Kirschbaum, F., Gessner, J. (eds) Biology and Conservation of the European SturgeonAcipenser sturioL. 1758. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-20611-5_21

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation