Sturgeons are among the most iconic of all Black Sea species but also among the most threatened species groups in the basin and in the world. Though fishing for the several species of sturgeon (Acipenseridae) present in the Black Sea basin is no longer permitted, this prohibition alone will not suffice to ensure their survival. Their impressive size and strength cannot protect sturgeons from a variety of threats, including blocked migration routes, pollution, bycatch in commercial fisheries, and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.  

To support the fish’s recovery, the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) has launched a pilot project to address fisheries-related challenges faced by Black Sea sturgeons.