PRIMARY FACTORS AFFECTING STURGEON POPULATIONS IN THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES: FISHING MORTALITY AND DEGRADATION OF ESSENTIAL HABITATS

摘要

Atlantic and shortnose sturgeons are highly valued for their eggs (caviar) and flesh, but stocks of both species are depleted. The shortnose sturgeon is listed as an endangered species, and a long-term (multidecade) moratorium on fishing for Atlantic sturgeon is specified in the recently updated fishery management plan of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.