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The Sturgeon Phantoms in the Guadalquivir River © Antonio Sabater/Enfoque 10 Until
1970, three species of sturgeons (Huso huso, Acipenser
naccarii, and Acipenser sturio) were considered as
autochthonous of the Iberian Peninsula. In the following years
this was called in question, and in
the late 80’s, a scientific project aimed at investigate the sturgeon’s
situation in the Guadalquivir river started with the collaboration of
experts from different Spanish universities and a private firm. With
the help of several techniques, including the more recent ADN studies,
scientists concluded that A. naccarii is, along with A. sturio,
autochthonous of the Guadalquivir. As
a consequence of this, the 14th January of 1999 an agreement
between the Official College of Spanish Biologists and the Community
Municipality of the Lower Guadalquivir is signed in Sanlúcar de
Barrameda (Cadiz, Spain). This agreement is meant to develop the project
“Recovering the Sturgeon in the Guadalquivir River”. The
Sturgeon and its exploitation are known in Andalusia from the
Phoenicians period. The Sturgeons were very appreciated by the Romans
conquerors. There are some documents about this species from 1600/1700.
During 1934 to 1970 there was a thriving caviar production Industry in
the Guadalquivir, considered as highest quality. This caviar was
commercialised in the Court and in the best European Restaurants. Nowadays, the recovery of this fascinating species is posed under the outlines of Support Development (Economy respectful with the Environment). In fact, after 15 years from the beginning of the sturgeon’s captive breeding, the first Spanish caviar with ecological certification is being produced. This means not only an ecological recuperation but also, through its integral exploitation, the economic recuperation of the Lower Guadalquivir. For more information:
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c/ Azafrán nº 5 - B. 41928 Palomares del Río
Sevilla - Spain
Tlf. 00 34 955.763.567
Fax. 00 34 955.763.117
e.mail: giulia@enfoque10.com