Life Restore
Recovery of Endangered Sturgeons Through Optimized Restocking Efforts
LIFE24-NAT-IT-LIFE-RESTORE
The objective of LIFE RESTORE is to improve the conservation status of the priority species Acipenser naccarii, the Adriatic sturgeon. Guided by the Pan-European Action Plan for Sturgeons (adopted in 2019 under the Bern Convention and recommended for implementation by experts under the Habitats Directive), LIFE RESTORE carries out coordinated actions to restore wild populations.
The project's goal is to improve the species' conservation status by increasing the population to approximately 14,000 individuals by the end of the project. Considering that the current wild population is estimated at around 700 individuals, according to the 2013–2018 Habitats Directive report, this represents an increase of approximately twenty-fold.
Another key objective is to enhance the species' genetic diversity through captive breeding, following a dedicated breeding and cross-mating plan.
Objectives
- Develop a shared national strategy and National Guidelines for Acipenser naccarii, in line with the National Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and the Pan-European Action Plan for Sturgeons.
- Establish breeding plans based on genetically diverse individuals to support restocking campaigns.
- Increase the existing population and improve its conservation status through restocking campaigns using individuals of an appropriate size to maximize reproductive success.
- Establish a single monitoring network by training and engaging inland, transitional, and marine fishers.
- Control populations of Silurus glanis (European catfish) and implement a release strategy using appropriately sized sturgeon.
- Expand knowledge of the species and its habitat (know-how) to support the continuous improvement of conservation actions.
- Raise public awareness and promote the transfer of best practices for the conservation of Acipenser naccarii.
Coordinator: University of Padua (UNIPD)
Beneficiaries: University of Ferrara (UNIFE), Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Lombardo Ticino Valley Regional Park (TICINO), Po Delta Regional Park Authority (PDPV), Po Piemontese Protected Areas Management Authority (PARCOPO), Delta Institute of Applied Ecology Ltd. (IDECO), G.R.A.I.A. Srl – Environmental and Fisheries Research & Management (GRAIA), Storione Ticino – Società Agricola Semplice (STORIONE), Fish Heritage Protection Authority (ETPI).
Project duration: 1 September 2025 – 31 December 2031 (76 months).
