Species that are considered uncertain risk need a more in-depth assessment beyond the Risk Summary to better define the species’ risk to U.S. environments.
The history of invasiveness for Acipenser ruthenus is not documented. Acipenser ruthenus, like many of the sturgeons, is an extremely popular fish for human consumption, either for meat or caviar. For this reason it is being farmed in many places throughout Europe. Introductions have occurred in parts of Europe due to escapees, but no known impacts from these escapes have been reported. The climate match is high. The areas of greatest climate match are around the Great Lakes and Northeast. If this species was to be introduced into the Great Lakes there is the potential for competition with the threatened Lake Sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens. The certainty of assessment is medium. The overall risk assessment category is uncertain. There is a history of introductions, usually the result of some intentional activity such as stocking for aquaculture, but there are no records of adverse impacts from those introductions.
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Uncertain Risk
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