Acipenseriformes

Modern North American sturgeons and paddlefish are the result of 100 million years of evolution. Once an integral part of aboriginal culture, their numbers were decimated by overfishing and habitat destruction during the past two centuries. This book details the extensive science aimed at helping these remarkable species recover from the brink of extinction, and describes the historical, biological, and ecological importance of North American sturgeon and paddlefish. The text is enhanced by photographs and detailed line drawings. This comprehensive volume will be an invaluable resource for researchers, educators, and consultants, in academic and government settings, who work to further scientific understanding of these fishes. No other single compilation has documented current information in such detail.

Table of Contents
Inga Saffron - Introduction: The Decline of the North American Species; Tim E. Holzkamm and Leo G. Waisberg - Native American Utilization of Sturgeon; Jennifer A. Wilson and R. Scott McKinley - Distribution, Habitat, and Movements; Joseph J. Cech Jr. and Serge I. Doroshov - Environmental Requirements, Preferences, and Tolerance Limits of North American Sturgeons; Michael J. Miller - The Ecology and Functional Morphology of Feeding of North American Sturgeon and Paddlefish; Paul Vecsei and Douglas Peterson - Sturgeon Ecomorphology: A Descriptive Approach;
Jessica A. Bolker - Embryology; Stephan J. Peake - Swimming and Respiration; Thomas D. Singer and James S. Ballantyne - Sturgeon and Paddlefish Metabolism; Greg T. O. LeBreton and F. William H. Beamish - Growth, Bioenergetics and Age; Michael R. Robinson and Moira M. Ferguson - Genetics of North American Acipenseriformes; Nancy J. Léonard, William W. Taylor, and Christopher Goddard - Multijurisdictional Management of Lake Sturgeon in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River; Nancy A. Auer - Conservation; Joel P. Van Eenennaam, Frank A. Chapman, and Peter L. Jarvis - Aquaculture; Kevin G. Butterworth and Nancy J. Léonard - Conclusion: Ensuring The Future of Sturgeon; Martin Hochleithner and Paul Vecsei - Identification Key to Sturgeons and Paddlefish of North America;

NORTH AMERICAN STURGEONS: Biology and Aquaculture Potential
By Frederick P. Binkowski and Sergei I. Doroshov (Editors).
Papers from a symposium on the biology and management of sturgeon.
Hardcover, 163 pages.

Sturgeons are an important group of commercial and recreational fishes. These ancient fish evolved over 200 million years ago. Approx. 24 species have survived to the present time and all are found in the northern hemisphere. In some regions these fish are priced for their commercial value, including flesh and caviar through both natural harvest and artificial culture. Fishery management projects were initiated on several North American species, primarly for commercial and sport fishing. During this time few attempts were made to advance the progress on developing the start-of-the-art for the artificial propagation of sturgeons. There were specific problems with various species relative to fish culture and fish management. Some of these problems have been investigated and the research results are included in this book. The Symposium on the Biology and Management of Sturgeon of North America was the first of its kind. It brought together scientists from numerous states. They each told their story and concluded that most populations of sturgeon in US and Canada have declined severely in the past 100 years and less is known about their biology and management than was previously thought. This national meeting set a registered attendance record of over 815 people. Undoubtedly the sturgeon symposium contributed to the attraction of the overall programm. The selection of papers in this book includes genetics, reproductive physiology, taxonomy, culture, behavoir, development, and ecology and management of six species of sturgeon.

STURGEON BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
By Vadim J. Birstein, John R. Waldman and William E. Bemis (Editors).
Selected, Reviewed and Revised Papers form the International Conference on Sturgeon Biodiversity and Conservation.
Hardcover, 444 pages.

This volume presents a synthesis of basic biological and conservation data for all species of sturgeons (Acipenseridae), paddlefishes (Polyodontidae) and their fossil allies in the order Acipenseriformes. Since the Jurassic, the four families of sturgeon-like fish have been restricted to the Holarctic, where until very recently they flourished in most major river systems. Today, however, virtually all species of sturgeons and paddlefishes face difficult conservation issues.
Papers in the first section of this volume examine paleontology, systematics, evolution and basic biology of acipenseriformes. Recent evidence from fossil Acipenseriformes strongly supports a sister-group relationship of Acipenseridae and Polyodontidae as the suborder Acipenseroidei. New molecular and karyological data provide insight into longstanding questions concerning phylogenetic interrelationships within the genus Acipenser. Most sturgeons are benthic in orientation and diet, whereas most paddlefishes are pelagic, particularly the specialized filter-feeding North American paddlefish, Polyodon spathula. All extant species of Acipenseriformes spawn in freshwater, and many make lengthy upriver migrations to spawning sites, exceeding 2000 km in some systems. Maturation is often late (over 20 years in some species) and individuals usually do not spawn annually. Certain anadromous species of Huso and Acipenser historically achieved legendary sizes (6 m TL) and ages (over 80 years).
The second section of this volume details current conservation status for most of the world's living species of Acipenseriformes. These papers mark the first attempt to make such a global review of recent data from across the northern hemisphere. The emerging picture is discouraging, for negative anthropogenic impacts range from overfishing to water pollution, to dams and water diversion projects, and all species are threatened to some degree. Across Europe and Asia, many species are extirpated from large parts of their former ranges. A species from the Aral Sea basin, Pseudoscaphirhynchus fedtschenkoi, appears to be extinct. Populations of beluga sturgeon Huso huso, are sharply declining in their historic strongholds in the Caspian and Black Sea basins due to failures of natural reproduction, decreases in stocking (which until recently introduced tens of millions of young into the Volga-Caspian system annually) and poaching. The Chinese paddlefish, Psephurus gladius is also imperiled. Psephurus is restricted to the Yangtze River, and is now blocked from historic spawning sites by the Gezhouba dam; its small population is at best sporadically reproductive, and efforts to breed it in captivity have failed.
The third section of the volume considers specific human impacts and responses to conservation issues. These include: the Aral Sea ecological disaster and its impact on native sturgeons; a review of methods for restoring sturgeon populations; the use of molecular techniques in developing conservation strategies; the extreme sensitivity of sturgeons and paddlefishes to overfishing; and the history of a recently convicted caviar poaching ring.
The volume's summary reviews the status of all extant species and notes future directions for research on behavior, ecology and population biology that could lead to better co-ordinated international conservation efforts.

GREAT WHITE STURGEON ANGLING
By Bud Conner.
A valuable resource for anyone contemplating sturgeon fishing.
Paperback, 72 pages.

Sturgeon fishing is the ultimate type of bait fishing in fresh water and probably the fastest growing river sport in North America. The next bite might be a 36-incher or a 600-pound leviathan! This book tells you how to get started and guarantee your success. It is written in easy to understand, practical language with anchoring, tackle, rigging and baiting illustrations. In this book, Bud Conner shares his vast knowledge like: where to find fish, techniques, catch-and-release and more. The text includes a thorough angler's overview of sturgeon angling. It uses not only standard instructions on sturgeon fishing but throws in helpfull hints and even a few resipes for tasty dishes. It can also be used by begginers and produce excelant results.

CAVIAR: The Strange History and Uncertain Future of the World's most Coveted Delicacy
By Inga Saffron.
A fascinating journey into the hidden history, culture, and commerce of caviar.
Hardcover, 270 pages.

In this book, Inga Saffron tells the story of how the virgin eggs of the prehistoric-looking, bottom-feeding sturgeon were transformed from a humble peasant food into a czar’s delicacy – and ultimately a coveted status symbol for a rising middle class. She explores how the glistening black eggs became the epitome of culinary extravagance, while taking us on a revealing excursion into the murky world of caviar on the banks of the Volga River and Caspian Sea in Russia, the Elbe in Europe, and the Hudson and Delaware Rivers in the United States. At the same time, Inga Saffron describes the complex industry caviar has spawned, illustrating the unfortunate consequences of mass marketing such a rare commodity. Filled with lore and intrigue, this book is a captivating work of culinary, natural, and cultural history.
The story of caviar has long been one of conflict, crisis, extravagant claims, and colorful characters, such as the Greek sea captain who first discovered the secret method of transporting the perishable delicacy to Europe, the canny German businessmen who encountered a wealth of untapped sturgeon in American waters, the Russian Communists who created a sophisticated cartel to market caviar to an affluent Western clientele, the dirt-poor poachers who eked out a living from sturgeon in the aftermath of the Soviet collapse and the “Caviar Mafia” that has risen in their wake, and the committed scientists who sacrificed their careers to keep caviar on our tables.

CAVIAR: The Definitive Guide
By Susie Boeckmann and Natalie Rebeiz-Nielsen.
A sumptuously illustrated guide to all aspects of caviar.
Hardcover, 160 pages.

Caviar takes the reader on an enticing gastronomic journey, as authorities Susie Boeckmann and Natalie Rebeiz-Nielsen reveal how to distinguish between the different varieties, how to serve caviar for optimum flavor and enjoyment, which drinks to offer alongside it, and more. Illustrated with fascinating archive material and gorgeous full-color photography, this book offers a complete range of enticing caviar recipes, from a simple boiled egg with caviar, to exotic canapes, to sushi combinations, to the Russian essential, blini with sour cream and caviar. It covers the history, production, presentation, and consumption of caviar. Plus, this wonderful book offers quick, easy introductions to the four major caviar varieties - Beluga, Osetra, Sevruga, and Golden Caviar. Susie Boeckmann an established authority on caviar, has worked in the industry for more than a decade. Natalie Rebeiz-Nielsen is an acknowledged caviar expert and Director of the internationally renowned Caviar House. She has contributed her specialist knowledge of caviar to many newspapers and magazine articles.

The World of CAVIAR
By Frédéric Ramade.
Hardcover, 144 pages.

Caviar, the highly prized delicacy that is emblematic of luxury and fine taste, is lusciouly explored in this colorful, beautifully photographed volume. History, myth, and technology combine for a complete look at the often secretive industry which has supplied royalty and the wealthy with this sought-after treat for centuries.
Within these pages we board fishing boats traveling from the Caspian Sea to the limits of Siberia and to the Great Lakes in America, where the sturgeon are charted and caught. This allows for a close-up view of fishing, production, and canning methods. The various types and grades of caviar are identified and compared. We are further treated to tantalizing caviar recipes to enjoy. This book pays homage to and promotes the tiny eggs of sturgeon (and to a lesser degree the salmon) in a way that befits their reputation and clearly showes why they are still the luxury item of choice.

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