| Abstract |
The six species of sturgeon endemic to the Caspian are among the most critically endangered species in the world. Conservation of these species therefore entails balancing harvests and investments in rehabilitating wild populations. Using a semi-structured interview format, this study interviewed sturgeon aquaculture and hatchery managers in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan to explore how risks to Caspian sturgeon are understood and negotiated by employing Soviet-era and modern-day aquaculture techniques. The results highlight how manager risk perceptions for species conservation are increasingly tied to market risks rather than restocking risks. Recommendations for integrating commercial techniques with scientific research programmes are offered. |
