Bassin' USA - Bass Fishing Forum Archives

While this doesn't apply to bass, it's still an interesting topic.
Here, on the Mississippi river we are having problems with commercial and casual anglers catching sturgeon and gutting them solely for their eggs to be used for caviar. Since Russia, the primary provider for sturgeon eggs has disolved, Caviar makers are searching for alternate places to purchase these eggs. Who would have thought the Big river would be a target. Our DNR has reported finding several carcasses sliced open, stripped of eggs and discarded. The DNR says it is legal for commercial fishermen to do so, but not for recreational anglers. Any one have any thought on this topic?

Mr Crain my thoughts on this topic are so rotten I will not post them to be polite. To put it nicely what a waste of a fish. Its like those nuts who hunt and remove the deer antlers and toss the carcass. That is about as poor an example of shepherding the resources that we are blessed with. Crap like that keeps up and someone will set limits, maybe even make it illegal to fish these species. All in all shame on anyone who would do that.

I think the example the pros set with catch and release is not only admirable but also a valuable aid in preserving the resources for all to enjoy. Keep our fisheries healthy and open for all to enjoy.

Ed

Ed, couldn't agree more!!! The health risks alone are appalling.

This has been an ongoing problem in several states for some time now. With the loss of the Caspian Sea Sturgeon population due to decades of overfishing. And, more recently the overfishing/pollution of the Black Sea?Volga River fishery the demand for Caviar has far exceeded supply.

As with any situation such as this, the price offered for product had risen dramaticly. A single large female can be worth several hundred, if not thousand dollars. That kind of money attracts the worst kind of people.

In Oklahoma there has been a long running problem with Paddlefish (AKA Spoonbill.) poaching. Paddelfish roe are easily substituted for Sturgeon roe by unscrupulous vendors. Once processed it is virtually impossible to tell the two apart without serious scientific testing.

The people who took those Sturgeon likely got a wad of cash for their efforts, and will not hesitate to do it again unless they're caught.

Sadly many wild resources are taken for the sole purpose of making a buck, Legally, and Illegally. Like those who poach bear organ for the Asian herbal markets, Tigers for the same market. Elk and Deer antler, I could go on.

We're one of the main lines of defense. Don't hesitate to make the call, speak up about this.

As sportsmen it is part of our debt to those who made the sacrifices and effort to preserve our heritage, and duty to those yet to come.

If we don't .... who will?


Richard

I have already alerted my State Representitive, who happens to be friend, to this issue and it will come up next month in the Capitol. Paddlefish are being gutted as well, but in fewer numbers. I don't understand how it ever got legal for commercial fishermen to take only the eggs. Will keep you all informed as to the outcome.