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Conservation and Restoration of Acipenser oxyrinchus in the USA

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Biology and Conservation of the European SturgeonAcipenser sturioL. 1758

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Abstract

The US East and Gulf Coast subspecies of Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus have undergone severe population size reductions from a combination of overfishing, blockages by damming of spawning runs, and (possibly) the effects of water pollution. The life history characteristics of these fishes (late age of maturity, low lifetime fecundity, low straying rates) render their abundances susceptible to low levels of fishing mortality (such as by-catch) and low rates of natural recolonization where extirpated. Some experimental restocking has occurred, but to little effect. Present management rests mainly on decades-long cessation of directed fishing. A formal petition to list Atlantic sturgeon as a federally endangered species is under consideration. If designated, even longer-term protection might be offered.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biology Department, Queens College, 65–30 Kissena Boulevard, Flushing, New York, NY, 11367, USA

    John Waldman

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  1. John Waldman
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Correspondence to John Waldman .

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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

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Waldman, J. (2011). Conservation and Restoration of Acipenser oxyrinchus in the USA. 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_39

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