Russian scientists now know how to define maturity of sturgeon

Russian scientists from the South Research Centre of the nation’s Academy of Science have worked out special physiologic tests for precise defining sturgeon maturity and readiness for spawning. The technology is being patented by the scientists.

The tests can be used to select mature female sturgeons both in the wild and on farms. The idea behind the new technology relies on changes in the water-salt metabolism of sturgeons, which reflects maturation of their gonads and causes changes in the metabolism of water and electrolytes.

Thus, the new method guarantees high technological accessibility and pin-point accuracy with zero damage to the fish (as compared to traumatic biopsy which is traditionally applied for such purposes).