The LA House of Representatives Natural Resources and Environment Committee voted last week to reject a proposal to allow commercial farming of non-native sterlet sturgeon for caviar in Louisiana, agreeing with the comments of the Sierra Club Delta Chapter and other environmental organizations and specialists who feared that:
"Given the numerous examples of escape of non-native species into the Louisiana natural environmental we must register our objection to introduction of the starlet sturgeon. We suspect that such introduction could constitute a serious threat to Louisiana native species including gulf sturgeon, which is federally listed as a threatened species, freshwater shovelnose sturgeon, and pallid sturgeon, which is federally listed as an endangered species and found in the Mississippi, Atchafalaya and Red rivers.
We are in agreement with Louisiana Wildlife Federation’s conclusion that there are too many examples of negative outcomes when introducing a non-native species for us to be assured that the benefits of introducing sterlet sturgeon for commercial aquaculture outweighs the potential costs to Louisiana’s natural resources." (Woody Martin, Sterlet Sturgon Public Comment Letter)
This success shows how sound science, informed decision makers, and collaboration among environmental organizations can significantly protect our state's environment. We would like to thank all members and activists who contacted committee members about this issue; know that your voice is heard, your opinion matters!