Importance of environmental endocrinology in fisheries management and aquaculture of sturgeons

Less is known about the reproductive endocrinology of sturgeons compared to modern teleosts. However, tools to assess the reproductive endocrinology and effects of environmental factors on reproduction do exist. This review utilizes case studies to describe the parameters involved in environmental endocrinology and the management and recovery efforts for the phylogenetically ancient sturgeon and paddlefish (Clade Chondrostei). Specifically, we discuss the use of environmental endocrinology to determine sex and stage of maturity and identify oviposition on spawning grounds, the importance of understanding endocrine disruption pathways, the challenges and benefits of assessing stress in wild populations of sturgeon, and three major physiological events in the reproductive development of farmed sturgeon understanding of which appears to be crucial for improving sturgeon aquaculture.

Research highlights
► The use of environmental endocrinology to determine sex and stage of maturity and identify oviposition on spawning grounds.
► The importance of understanding endocrine disruption pathways.
► The challenges and benefits of assessing stress in wild populations of sturgeon.
► Discussion of three major physiological events in the reproductive development of farmed sturgeon understanding of which appears to be crucial for improving sturgeon aquaculture.