There are two species of sturgeon that are native to UK waters: the European sturgeon and the Atlantic (Baltic) sturgeon. Historically, these fish would be found in UK fresh, estuarine, and marine waters. However, due to population declines caused by overfishing and other human impacts such as barriers to migration, there have been no native sturgeon records in UK freshwater since 1994. Native sturgeons have not entirely disappeared from all UK waters as occasional sightings are reported in UK coastal waters. A group of environmental Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) formed the UK Sturgeon Alliance in 2020 to champion sturgeon conservation in the UK. Together with government agency representatives, experts, and other interested NGO’s, the Sturgeon Alliance developed this Action Plan in accordance with the Pan-European Action Plan for Sturgeons under the Bern Convention.
Key criteria for successful MPAs in Europe and an assessment of the costs and benefits of functioning well-managed MPAs
An analysis to provide a clear understanding and assessment of the needs, gaps and key criteria associated with the successful implementation and management of Marine Protected Areas in Europe and the key associated benefits and services they provide for people.
29 September 2026