REVIEW OF BIOLOGY AND CULTURE OF ATLANTIC (Acipenser oxyrhynchus) AND SHORTNOSE STURGEON (A. brevirostrum)1

The Atlantic sturgeon, Acipenser oxyrhynchus, once supported major fisheries along the entire Atlantic coast but today only remnant populations remain. In Canada and in several Atlantic coast states commercial fishing still occurs but landings are about 3% of former levels. In contrast, the shortnose sturgeon, A. brevirostrum, is listed as an endangered species in the United States and is considered rare or endangered in Canada. Commercial harvesting does not occur but there is substantial interest by utility companies and other industrial operations due to its classification as an endangered species. Culture programs were initiated during the last quarter of the 19th century in an effort to replenish the failing sturgeon fisheries. The first North American species to be spawned was the Atlantic sturgeon in 1875. Subsequent work with this species, as well as with the lake sturgeon, A. fulvescens, and the shortnose sturgeon, identified two major problems: an insufficient supply of simultaneously ripe males and females, and fungal destruction of the incubating eggs. By 1912, all culture efforts had been abandoned. Renewed interest in the culture of North American sturgeons began in the mid-1970's. Success has been obtained in spawning all species and currently the white sturgeon, A. transmontanus, is being commercially cultured in California. Additional work, however, is needed to develop a suitable hatchery and grow-out technology for Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon.