Atlantic sturgeon is one of the larger fish that can be found living in the Raritan Bay. Frequently reaching over 6 feet long, sturgeon can be used in a multitude of ways. When Atlantic sturgeon were first discovered on the east coast of the states in colonial times, the settlers regarded the fish as useless and fishermen did their best to avoid them because their rough skin often ripped their nets. However, as time went by, the many uses of sturgeon became evident. Sturgeon started to be used for clothing, book-binding, glues, wine, and especially caviar. The value of sturgeon was placed at number two, right under lobster. Unfortunately this sudden increase in sturgeon fishing drastically depleted the population, and efforts are still put forth today in order to rebuild it. Currently Atlantic sturgeon are under a forty year protection program which bans any fishing of the species. For this reason sturgeon cannot be found at Belford Seafood Co-op even though it once was a common table fish. Sturgeon have firm, mild tasting, white meat that can be prepared into magnificent fillets.

Latin name: Acipenser oxyrinchus

Taxonomy, classification: Acipenseridae family

Size: 6-8 feet long

Weight: can reach 300 pounds

Season: summer to early fall?

Catch Method:

Catch Restrictions:

New Jersey: no fishing

New York:no fishing

Federal:

Sustainability: species of concern

Landings (tonnage)

Belford: None Raritan Bay: None

Food Description: firm, mild, white meat, fillets, caviar