Analysis on sturgeons from fish samples.
March – December 2025
Romania · Bulgaria · Ukraine
Skin Mucus & eDNA Monitoring
Successful Collection and Analysis of Sturgeons from Skin Mucus and eDNA Samples
SturNet partners successfully collected non-invasive biological samples and advanced molecular techniques for identifying endangered sturgeon species in the Black Sea Basin.
Project Update
Between March and December 2025, during the water sampling campaigns, project partners from Romania, Bulgaria, and Ukraine successfully collected skin mucus samples from sturgeon individuals captured as bycatch during routine fishing activities.
Following non-invasive sampling procedures, all fish were safely released back into their natural habitat, minimizing disturbance to the animals while enabling valuable genetic analyses.
Subsequent DNA extraction and molecular analyses allowed the research team to identify a total of 14 sturgeon specimens, confirming the value of genetic tools for accurate species identification and biodiversity monitoring.
8
Stellate sturgeons
Acipenser stellatus
3
Sterlet
Acipenser ruthenus
2
Russian sturgeons
Acipenser gueldenstaedtii
1
Hybrid individual
A. stellatus × A. ruthenus
These results demonstrate the effectiveness of non-invasive genetic sampling approaches for species identification and biodiversity monitoring of sturgeon populations in the Black Sea Basin. The collected data contribute to a better understanding of species distribution and hybrid presence in the wild, supporting ongoing conservation and management efforts.
Research Analysis Images
Supporting images from the analysis include sturgeon detection from fish samples and sturgeon species detection in water samples.
Sturgeon species detection in water samples.
Innovative eDNA Detection Technique
Beyond the analysis of skin mucus samples, the SturNet team achieved another important milestone by developing an innovative molecular technique capable of detecting and identifying multiple sturgeon species directly from environmental DNA (eDNA) present in water samples.
This breakthrough represents a significant step toward more efficient, non-invasive, and large-scale monitoring of endangered sturgeon populations. The methodology and its analytical framework are currently being prepared for publication in a scientific journal, where full details of the approach will be presented.
Stay tuned for upcoming publications and project updates!
Supporting Sturgeon Conservation Through Science
The SturNet monitoring activities strengthen regional cooperation and provide reliable scientific data for the conservation of endangered sturgeon species and the sustainability of the Black Sea Basin ecosystem.
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