Sturgeon are ancient, large-bodied fish known for their distinctive elongated bodies, bony scutes, and prized roe, which is processed into caviar. These fish are primarily found in the rivers, lakes, and coastal waters of the Northern Hemisphere, especially in Eurasia and North America. The top sturgeon fishing countries historically include Russia and Iran, which have long dominated the industry due to their access to the Caspian Sea, home to the highly valued beluga, sevruga, and osetra sturgeon. In recent decades, countries such as the United States (notably in the Columbia River and Great Lakes regions) and China have also become significant players, both in wild capture and aquaculture. Due to overfishing and habitat loss, wild sturgeon populations have dramatically declined, leading to strict regulations and a shift toward sustainable aquaculture, particularly in China, Italy, and France, which now produce much of the world’s legal caviar.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.