Floating hatchery in development
One of the six rescue measures of the LIFE-Boat 4 Sturgeon project is the construction of a floating hatchery station on the Danube in Vienna.
Big fish on board for the LIFE-Boat 4 Sturgeon project
A huge milestone was achieved at the beginning of May for the LIFE-Boat 4 Sturgeon project. After long preparations the team was finally able to obtain 21 mature beluga sturgeon (Huso huso) broodstock of Danube origin. The individuals were transported to a project facility in Hungary and will be tested for pedigree before being divided between locations in Austria and Hungary to minimize risks. Thereby, another step towards the projects conservation goals for sturgeons was made by creating the basis for a successful propagation of this endangered species.
Sturgeon offspring in Vienna
The sterlet hatchery on the Danube Island in Vienna, which was built and operated in the previous project, was put back into operation in mid-April 2023. The larvae were already released in the Austrian Danube. This measure is intended to contribute significantly to the highly endangered population of this last sturgeon species that still occurs naturally in Austria. This allows a self-reproducing population to develop.