Siberian Sturgeon Makes Comeback in Yertis Waters After Half a Century
Siberian Sturgeon Reintroduced to Yertis River After 50 Years
In a groundbreaking conservation effort, Siberian sturgeon have been reintroduced to the waters of the Yertis River for the first time in half a century. According to a report by Khabar TV on June 17, five hundred one-year-old sturgeon were released into the upper reaches of the river, weighing collectively over one and a half tons.
Specialists from Astrakhan spent over a year raising these sturgeon in preparation for their release. Experts believe that if the fish adapt well to their new environment, they may produce their first offspring in as little as eight years. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the restoration of the ichthyofauna of Kazakhstan’s longest river.
Historically, sturgeon populations thrived in the Yertis River until the 1970s, migrating from the Arctic Ocean to the Ob River and eventually into the Yertis, reaching as far as China. However, the construction of hydroelectric power plants in the East Kazakhstan and Pavlodar Regions obstructed their traditional spawning grounds.
Zharkyn Kabdolov, Director of the Fisheries Research and Production Center at the Kazakh Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted the importance of artificial stocking as the only viable method to support the sturgeon population at present.
“It once inhabited the entire length of the Yertis River. When stocking fish, it is essential to ensure the genetic integrity of the broodstock and adhere to all sanitary standards,” Kabdolov stated.
The reintroduction of Siberian sturgeon to the Yertis River signifies a critical step towards conserving and rejuvenating the aquatic ecosystem of the region. By taking proactive measures to support these iconic fish species, conservationists and authorities are working together to preserve the biodiversity of Kazakhstan’s vital waterways.
