More information

Beluga sturgeon (caviar)

Informatie over vissoort

Lees meer

General

Beluga sturgeon (caviar)

The Beluga, or European, sturgeon can be found in the Caspian and the Black sea. This species has a lifespan of up to 50 years and can reach a maximum length of over 3 metres. The beluga sturgeon is a predator and mainly lives in the sea. Mature sturgeons migrate upstream to reproduce in freshwater to then return back to sea. Unfortunately, the beluga sturgeon is listed as critically endangered due to the overfishing of this species. Fisheries for beluga sturgeon mainly target the eggs for expensive caviar. Nowadays, the Beluga sturgeon is also used for aquaculture in order to harvest the eggs.

Beluga sturgeon (caviar)

Huso huso

Origin

Mediterranean and Black Sea (FAO 37)

Farming- / Catch method

Cages (aquaculture)

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Minder tonen Toon beoordeling

Source usage

Impact on the environment

Management

Final assessment

Explanation assessment

Sturgeon is a fish with high dietary requirements and FFDRFFDR:
The Forage Fish Dependency Ratio (FFDR) quantifies the environmental impact of aquaculture feed based on the inclusion level of forage fish marine ingredients. , indicating that the feed is relatively high in fish mealfish meal:
Fishmeal is, together with fishoil, a very important ingredient used in fishfeed for aquaculture production. Fishmeal is derived from wild-caught fish which are often not caught sustainably. and fish oilfish oil:
Fishoil is, together with fishmeal, a very important ingredient used in fishfeed for aquaculture production. Fishoil is derived from wild-caught fish which are often not caught sustainably.. The main feed producers for sturgeon are certified, which improves the traceability of feed sources.

Farming in cagesCages:
A cultivation technique with open cages in the sea, lake or river. They are anchored to the bottom and are standing in places sheltered for storm and high waves. Most salmon is grown in this type of culture system. Because the cages are in open connection with the surrounding water, the impact on the environment is high. mainly takes place at sea. This type of farming can have a major impact on the ecosystem by releasing residual and waste products directly into the environment. In addition, escapesEscapes:
It may happen that farmed animals escape during the farming process, for example when farming at sea or in rivers. This can lead to genetic mixing between the farmed animals and wild populations and can have negative effects on the growth and fertility of wild animals. are also known to occur regularly. Both genetic mixing of farmed fish with wild fish and disease transmission can have a major impact on the ecosystem.

The legal framework in producing countries can address most environmental and social problems. The managementManagement:
The regulations surrounding fisheries and aquaculture that ensure that production is carried out within legal frameworks and that sustainability can be assured. of this species is partially effective.

ASC label

Fish with the ASC label is farmed in a sustainable manner.

MSC label

Fish with the MSC label is caught sustainably.

Good fish

This fish is not being overfished or is being responsibly farmed, with minimal impact on the environment.

Second choice

This fish is a second choice. There are still some improvements to be made in this fishery or fish farm.

Avoid

Do not buy this fish. It's being overfished or the way it's farmed or caught has a negative impact on the environment.

Welfare

There is fish available of this species that is farmed or caught using high welfare standards.

GlobalG.A.P.

GlobalG.A.P. certified farms are doing a step in the right direction in terms of sustainability. A few species with this label are getting a better score on the VISwijzer.

Organic

Organic standards are the strictest when it comes to fish feed. They also require certain measures for animal well-being.