The Yangtze sturgeon (Acipenser dabryanus) is a critically endangered species endemic to the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. Since the late 20th century, its natural reproduction has ceased, making population recovery a central task in ecological conservation of the upper Yangtze River. To address the challenges of field reproduction, the Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute conducted a series of systematic breeding trials during 2023–2025. In 2023 and 2024, spawning grounds at Jiang’an were strictly reconstructed based on indoor experimental parameters, with each trial yielding approximately 500,000 eggs. In 2025, a trial in the Chishui River involved only 20 broodstock, yet produced about 200,000 eggs under rigorous habitat modification. However, a parallel trial in the historical spawning grounds of the Jinsha River, despite using 102 broodstock, did not achieve the expected outcome, suggesting that spawning ground functionality in this area has been severely degraded. These findings indicate that, unlike species such as the Adriatic sturgeon, which can restore natural reproduction through stocking and improved river connectivity, the Yangtze sturgeon cannot establish self-sustaining populations without functional spawning habitats. Therefore, systematic and scientifically designed implementation schemes should prioritize spawning ground restoration as the core measure to enhance natural reproduction and promote the long-term recovery of the Yangtze sturgeon population.

 

Yangtze sturgeon,Spawning Ground Restoration,breeding trials