Siberian Sturgeon (<em>Acipenser baerii</em>, Brandt, 1869) The Relationship Between Genetic Resources and Acclimatization: Ecology, Conservation, and the Nutritional Significance of Meat and Caviar

<jats:p>The Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii, Brandt, 1869) is a potamodromous freshwater species with major ecological and commercial importance. Natural populations across the main Siberian River basins have declined so severely that the species is now classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. This narrative analysis synthesizes current scientific knowledge regarding the ecology, reproductive biology, conservation status, and nutritional value of products derived from A. baerii, with the aim of providing an integrated perspective on this species, which has recently been introduced into Romanian aquaculture and occupies the interface between biodiversity and human consumption needs. The species’ remarkable ecological and morphological plasticity, which underlies its wide natural distribution in the Ob, Irtysh, Yenisei, and Lena River basins, has also made it the dominant species in global sturgeon aquaculture, commercially farmed in Europe, Asia and South America. Reproductive management in farming systems relies on hormonal induction, non-invasive maturity assessment and controlled hatchery practices, while emerging no-kill technologies enable repeated caviar harvesting without sacrificing the female, improving both ethical standards and economic efficiency. From a nutritional standpoint, A. baerii yields two high-value products like caviar, a rich source of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPA and DHA) with recognized cardiovascular and neurodevelopmental benefits and meat, characterized by high biological value protein, a favorable amino acid profile, and significant omega-3 content. By products such as skin, swim bladders, glands and cartilage contribute to the higher value utilization of the species within the circular bioeconomy. Still, notable gaps remain in genetics and sex determination methods, in early life behavioral ecology and in cryopreservation protocols. Future work should also look at more sustainable feed formulations and new value added proucts.</jats:p>