INRAE has been involved in European sturgeon conservation for over 30 years and is an institutional member of the World Sturgeon Conservation Society (WSCS).

In view of the decline in stocks, a few specimens of A. Sturio were captured in an attempt to reproduce their life cycle. The first experimental phase involved adapting the fish to captivity at the Saint-Seurin-sur-l’Isle station. Artificial reproduction and juvenile rearing were then developed. The team also developed in vitro ovulation of sturgeon oocytes. This technique provides an indication of the quality of the oocyte and enables the in vitro production of larvae.
Result: While in the 1980s the A. Sturio was no longer seen in its natural habitat, today its population is being restored in the Gironde estuary. Restocked fish have been caught along the Atlantic coast from Spain to the North Sea. Commercially, Aquitaine’s caviar producers now rank 4th in the world.

As INRAE has demonstrated its experience in artificial reproduction, restocking and sturgeon conservation, the institute is often called upon by breeders and academic bodies, including internationally. Patrick Chèvre has been involved in a number of consultancy projects, including :

• conservation and training projects: Azerbaijan: Total E&P Absheron in Baku ;
• alternative breeding project (control of maturation and reproduction): France: Biofry (Huso farm).

These projects have shown that the effects of global warming on stocks and breeding (poor maturation quality, new pathologies, etc.) can be reduced through the use of species that are more resistant to high temperatures, appropriate methods (use of closed circuits), and even the relocation of key activities. The main objectives have been achieved, in particular :

• a substantial increase in both wild and commercial stocks ;
• a range of effective farming methods and practices
• data sets ;
• public and private partnerships;
• education and training;
• scientific recognition.

In terms of education, two major sturgeon farming training campaigns were carried out in Azerbaijan and Georgia In April 2018, Patrick Chèvre, an expert in conservation biology/sturgeon zootechnics, carried out an expert appraisal mission in coordination with the Total Group and the French consultancy IDEE selected for the study funded via the Total Group’s CSR policy. The project, located in the Yenikend region, is designed to create a sturgeon breeding training centre with a preservation component for endangered species in the Caspian.
In March 2019, Éric Rochard also carried out an environmental assessment mission on the Rioni river in Georgia at the request of the international consultancy firm SLR. It should be noted that he was contacted following the work carried out in September 2017 by Hervé Capra (INRAE Lyon) for SLR on the lock operation of a large hydroelectric dam upstream.