Green Sturgeon Breeding, Physiology, and Behavior

Green Sturgeon Brood Stock

The UC Davis Green Sturgeon Broodstock program begin in 1999 in collaboration with the Yurok Tribe of northern California. Spawning green sturgeon from the Klamath River were captured by Yurok Tribe fishermen, and eggs were fertilized and brought to the UC Davis hatchery to be reared for conservation physiology research as well as for broodstock. This is the only captive breeding population of green sturgeon, giving us the unique and exciting opportunity to learn more about this ancient fish species. 

Green Sturgeon Physiology Research

Current and past green sturgeon physiology research has focused on many climate change stressors including temperature, salinity and feed ration. 

                              Photo credit: Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark

Green Sturgeon Behavior Research

Funded by the California Department of Water Resources, we have been investigating the effects that large scale pumping facilities may have on developing green sturgeon. At UC Davis' J. Amorocho Hydraulics Facility, an angled louver is placed in a large flume, and our researchers are assessing the behavior of juvenile green sturgeon at various temperatures, times of day, and water velocities

In addition, we hope to assess the vulnerability of juvenile green sturgeon to common Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta predatory fishes, including largemouth bass, striped bass and channel catfish. 

Largemouth bass waiting for food

Channel catfish