A huge fish that outlived the dinosaurs is on the brink of disappearing from UK rivers, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) has warned.
The sturgeon, a Critically Endangered species covered in diamond-shaped armour, urgently needs the help on conservation efforts to secure its future.
That's why ZSL has unveiled a first-of-its-kind map charting centuries of sturgeon sightings across the UK, which aims to rally public and governmental support to protect this ancient creature. The map showcases historic hotspots for sturgeon and is a key tool for conservationists striving to restore these remarkable fish to British waters.
Restoring the royal fish
Globally threatened, the sturgeon has a special place in UK history. Once thriving in rivers across the country, it was so highly valued that King Edward II declared it a 'royal fish', decreeing that any sturgeon caught must be offered to the Crown – a tradition now largely symbolic.
Yet, overfishing and habitat destruction led to its decline, with the species vanishing from UK rivers during the 20th century.
The UK Sturgeon Alliance, coordinated by ZSL, is spearheading efforts to reverse this decline. In collaboration with Natural England, the alliance developed the historic sturgeon map to guide targeted conservation efforts.
The map reveals critical areas such as the Severn and Humber catchments, where sturgeon once spawned, and identifies key sites to restore habitats and remove barriers for migration.
What is the future like for sturgeon?
Sturgeon, which can grow up to five metres long, are often misunderstood as 'river monsters' due to their size and prehistoric appearance. However, these gentle giants feed on small fish and invertebrates along riverbeds and coastal waters. Their survival depends on clean water and accessible migratory routes – measures that benefit not just sturgeon but a host of other wildlife.
Recent conservation successes in France and Germany have seen sturgeon numbers increase, with sightings in UK coastal waters offering hope for their return.
"Our work to make the UK a suitable home for sturgeon once more relies on public and government support," explains Hannah McCormick, ZSL’s Conservation Project Manager for Estuaries and Wetlands, "so alongside developing a solid, evidence-based approach to recover sturgeon, we’re launching this map publicly to celebrate their history and inspire everyone to support the conservation of these impressive animals.”
Compiled by Steve Colclough of the Institute of Fisheries Management, the database behind the map provides critical insights into the sturgeon’s past, helping conservationists plan for its future. It forms part of a larger strategy launched by the UK Sturgeon Alliance in 2023, which outlines the science-led steps needed to recover Atlantic and European sturgeon populations in the UK.
Find out more about the Sturgeon Map.
Main image: Royal Sturgeon caught in the Hundred Foot River at Oxlode, Pymoor, 1906/Blue Marine Foundation
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