Chongqing records 38 Yangtze River sturgeons at one time
On October 15, the Chongqing Forestry Bureau announced significant findings from a recent scientific monitoring initiative in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River’s national nature reserve for rare and endemic fish. During this survey conducted on October 14, researchers recorded an impressive 38 individuals of the national first-class protected species, the Yangtze sturgeon. This marks the highest number of sturgeons recorded in a single day from a single vessel since monitoring began in 2021.
For four consecutive years, the management authority of the Chongqing national reserve has collaborated with the Chongqing Institute of Fisheries Science to conduct these important scientific surveys. Their efforts have led to an encouraging increase in the populations of various nationally protected species, such as the Yangtze sturgeon, the Chinese paddlefish, and the rock carp.
The 38 Yangtze sturgeons were discovered in the Wenzhongba waters of the Yongchuan-Mongai section of the Yangtze River. The individuals ranged in size, with the smallest measuring 19 centimeters and weighing 30 grams, while the largest reached 88 centimeters and weighed 2,500 grams. Inspections revealed that the sturgeons were thriving and active.
Preliminary analysis suggests that these sturgeons are part of a population resulting from years of breeding and release efforts, indicating that this area serves as an optimal habitat for them. Following a thorough measurement and health check, all sturgeons were promptly returned to their river habitat.
Notably, in 2022, researchers made another significant discovery in the Jinjiang shoreline area, where they identified a larger population of Yangtze sturgeons, totaling 33 individuals. The ongoing increase in numbers within these monitoring sessions reflects the positive outcomes of years of breeding efforts and conservation management in the reserve.
