Molecular identification of Acipenser sturio specimens: A warning note for recovery plans

Partial sequences of the cytochrome b gene were generated for six sturgeons caught recently in the historic range of Acipenser sturio. Four samples studied were identified as A. sturio: two individuals from the Gironde River (France), and two individuals caught in the North and Baltic Seas. Two remaining samples were identified as from the clade of fishes which includes the Adriatic sturgeon A. naccarii and Siberian sturgeon A. baerii. Several DNA sequence differences were found between individuals of A. sturio from the Gironde River population and from the North and Baltic Seas. A careful genetic evaluation of each captured putative A. sturio individual which potentially can be used for breeding in restoration projects is recommended.