C onservation aquaculture programs for white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) in American and Canadian waters of the Columbia River Basi n (Basin) have evolved considerably since their inception during the late 1980s. Early programs focused on assessing the feasibility of aquaculture to protect and restore imperiled or endangered populations. As the reliability of sturgeon culture techniques improved, p rograms diversifie d to address more specific demographic and genetic goals, increase year class representation and population viability, and support the reestablishment of multiple use fisheries. Despite multiple challenges and successes of these programs over the past 30 years, no inclusive review or synthesis of program design, operations, and outcomes has been produced.
To address this information gap, we summarized key aspects of 10 white sturgeon conservation aquaculture programs in American and Canadian waters of the Basin to facilitate communication and coordination and to guide ongoing and future programs. We report information gathered from a survey questionnaire regarding: 1) program history, 2) goals and objectives, 3) monitoring and e valuation programs, 4) s ignificant findings, 5) unexpected results, 6) lessons learned , and 7) future needs and concerns. The survey was sent to over 30 e ntities directly involved in white sturgeon hatchery programs including state, federal, and provincial fisheries agencies, Native American tribes and tribal commissions, federal, private, public and provincial hydropower companies and utility districts, and private sector and academic entities. As of 2019, the 10 reported programs have been operating from 6 to 30 years, with 8 of 10 the programs operating continuously since their inception . Significant accomplishments include the prevention of extinction, increased abundance and year class representation, incorporation of native genetic diversity into recipient populations, development and refinement of aquaculture, monitoring, and evaluation techniques for various white sturgeon life stages, successful implementation of repatriation programs and streamside rearing techniques, and the reestablishment of fishery opportunities.