On Danube Day politicians and researchers gathered to celebrate a significant milestone in the project: For the first time, the LIFE-Boat4Sturgeon project has successfully raised offspring of the stellate sturgeon—a scientific breakthrough with far-reaching implications for the long-term protection of this endangered species.
Sturgeon propagation is considered particularly challenging, as female sturgeons only produce eggs every two to four years. Scientists must therefore closely monitor the broodstock for months to determine the optimal time for successful reproduction. Breeding requires precise knowledge of the individual developmental stage and maturity level of the stock. The breeding success now achieved with the stellate sturgeon underlines the high level of scientific expertise of the project partners, led by BOKU University.
In addition, another milestone has been reached: With 150,000 Russian sturgeon released into the Danube, the project has already met its original stocking target for 2030 ahead of schedule. The released fish were reared aboard the MS Negrelli, a roughly 60-year-old former workboat that has been moored on Vienna’s Danube Island since spring 2025, serving as a floating hatchery.
