A review on genetic studies in sturgeons and their trade control in China

Eight native species of Acipenseriformes mainly inhabit three geographical regions in China: the Yangtze system, the Amur system and the Xinjiang area. All sturgeon populations in China have suffered from various anthropogenic impacts, pushing them to rarity or extirpation in most of their historical range. Sturgeon aquaculture in China has become popular since 1998 with eleven species and hybrids presently being cultured. In this paper, we firstly review the development and current status of aquaculture with sturgeons and paddlefish in China. Secondly, we present some of the main conclusions that can be drawn from previous conservation genetic and phylogenetic studies in native sturgeon species. The sturgeon trade control in China is also reported in this review. Considering the outcome of all previous studies, we conclude, firstly, in sturgeon aquaculture, capture breeding program is the key to establish a sustainable sturgeon culture industry in China, which will also help sturgeon conservation. Secondly, in conservation genetics, the influence of restocking and release programmes on native populations need to be assessed much more comprehensively in order to avoid admixture and hybridization among genetically different spawning stocks. This holds especially for Chinese sturgeon and Amur sturgeon. Thirdly, in trade control, considering the current endangered status of this species, catch quotas should be based on the results of scientific investigations rather than on official statistics of harvest records. Finally, species identification methods based on the combination of mitochondrial and nuclear markers are still unsufficiently developed in China and in need of rapid attention. They are the first step in structuring and implementing a successful conservation programme and provide the necessary tools for effective international trade control.