Sturgeon Poaching Threatens Endangered Species in Danube River

July 31, 2024

Poaching and trafficking are putting four species of sturgeon in the Lower Danube Basin in great danger. This area is an important habitat in southeastern Europe. A report by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) shows that between 2016 and 2023, there were 395 cases of illegal sturgeon fishing affecting over 1,000 sturgeon. This indicates that there may be even more unreported cases.

The Lower Danube Basin

The Lower Danube Basin is where the Danube River flows into the Black Sea and includes parts of Bulgaria, Romania, and Ukraine. It is crucial for the remaining self-reproducing sturgeon populations in Europe.

Illegal Activities

Between 2016 and 2023, 395 illegal sturgeon activities were recorded: 144 in Bulgaria, 157 in Romania, and 94 in Ukraine. Poachers often use banned traditional fishing methods, like unbaited hook lines (karmaci), and many activities go undetected.

Impact on Sturgeon Species

All four types of sturgeon in the Danube Basin are considered threatened according to the IUCN Red List. The stellate sturgeon, Russian sturgeon, and beluga sturgeon are Critically Endangered, while the sterlet is Endangered. All of these sturgeons are affected by poaching.

Species Breakdown

All four sturgeon species in the Danube Basin are considered threatened by the IUCN Red List. These species are:

Sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus): Most frequently reported, involved in 78 poaching cases in 2018. It is classified as Endangered.
Stellate Sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus): Documented in 76 cases. It is Critically Endangered.
Russian Sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii): Reported in 39 cases. It is Critically Endangered.
Beluga Sturgeon (Huso huso): Present in 32 cases. It is also Critically Endangered.

About World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) was founded in 1961 and originally called the World Wildlife Fund for Nature. Its panda logo, created in 1961, represents endangered species. WWF’s “Earth Hour” campaign started in 2007 and encourages global participation in climate action. The organization works in over 100 countries, focusing on wildlife conservation and reducing humanity’s ecological footprint. WWF is one of the largest conservation organizations in the world, funding over 1,300 conservation projects. It also promotes sustainable practices in agriculture and fishing industries.

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