Sturgeon are the most critically endangered group of species on the planet, in the UK they are closer to extinction than rhinos in Africa. Sturgeon were on Earth at the same time as dinosaurs and have survived ice ages and mass extinctions, but are finally reaching the end of the line due to overfishing, destruction of their spawning grounds, dams and weirs and pollution. This remarkable fish is on the brink of extinction, with only around 750 individuals remaining.

BLUE plans to restore this ancient and extraordinary species in a programme which reflects terrestrial rewilding of bison and beavers. We aim to restore self-sustaining UK populations of our two native sturgeon as flagships for healthy river systems and for their unique biological and historic significance. We will: 1. Restore and protect spawning and feeding grounds; 2. Reduce non-native sturgeon; 3. Connect communities with sturgeon conservation; 4. Prepare rivers for release of juvenile fish.