The fringebarbel sturgeon (*Acipenser nudiventris*), also known as the ship sturgeon, is a large, long-lived species native to the Caspian, Aral, and Black Sea basins, particularly in the rivers of Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Recognized by its distinctive fringed barbels and elongated body, this sturgeon is prized for its meat and caviar, making it a valuable target for commercial fisheries. Historically, the top countries involved in fringebarbel sturgeon fishing have included Kazakhstan, Russia, Iran, and, to a lesser extent, countries bordering the Aral and Caspian Seas such as Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. Overfishing, habitat loss, and dam construction have led to severe declines in wild populations, prompting strict regulations and international conservation efforts. Today, most legal harvests come from aquaculture and regulated fisheries, with Kazakhstan and Iran being notable producers, while wild catches are heavily restricted or banned to prevent extinction.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.