A review on conservation issue in Chinese paddlefish, Psephurus glasius

Abstract

Chinese paddlefish, Psephurus gladius, is an extremely rare species native to the Yangtze River. Its main spawning grounds are located in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River whereas young sturgeons have been known to drift from the upper reaches down to the river s estuary. Due to the impact of Gezhouba hydraulic project construction, the paddlefish population has been divided into two population groups - one in the middle and lower reaches and the other in the upper reaches of the river, under the pressure of overfishing and environmental pollution, both of which are declining steadily. At present, the population in the middle and lower reaches is critically endangered, and the population in the upper reaches has not been successfully sighted in recent years. Since the 1980s, many protection measures have been implemented to protect the paddlefish, such as fishing restrictions, artificial breeding and habitat protection. However, with the deterioration of the overall ecological environment in the Yangtze River basin, it has proven difficult to reverse the decline in paddlefish population. Based on over 20 years of experience in paddlefish conservation, it is pointed out that more attention should be paid to the characteristics of the species as well as environmental protection in the whole basin. It is recommended that planning on the ecological rectification and restoration of the river basin that is centered on the conservation of fish species and their habitats be conducted.