Overfishing Threatens Sturgeon Population
Overfishing Threatens Sturgeon Population Sturgeons are a freshwater fish that once thrived in the Hudson River. They can grow up to eight feet long and weigh up to 350 pounds. However, sturgeons are now endangered due to overfishing. Commercial fishermen targeted sturgeons for their meat and eggs. The eggs, also known as caviar, are a delicacy that can sell for hundreds of dollars per pound. Today, sturgeons are only found in a few locations in the United States. In the Hudson River, there are only about 100 sturgeons left. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is working to protect the sturgeon population. They have created a management plan that includes limits on the number of sturgeons that can be caught each year. The management plan has helped to increase the population of sturgeons in the Hudson River. However, more needs to be done to protect these fish from being overfished. Sturgeon Poaching on the Rise In the early 1900s, the population o