On Thursday, federal lawsuits were filed against the states of New York, New Jersey, and Delaware, claiming that these states have compromised the survival of Atlantic sturgeon due to commercial fishing practices. The lawsuits, initiated by both the Delaware Riverkeeper Network and Hudson Riverkeeper, allege that the states have failed to secure essential permits mandated by the Endangered Species Act. These permits are crucial for ensuring that the Atlantic sturgeon, which is on the verge of extinction, is not harmed during commercial fishing activities aimed at other species like striped bass and summer flounder. Environmental advocates warn that the fish, which once thrived, is now struggling for survival due to unintentional captures, referred to as “bycatch,” in commercial nets.

The Atlantic Sturgeon, found in the Delaware and Hudson Rivers, was designated as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 2012. Maya van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper, expressed deep concern during an online press briefing, stating that the Atlantic sturgeon in these rivers could face extinction within a single generation if current trends continue. The associating environmental advocacy groups aim to push the states to adhere to the regulations outlined in the Endangered Species Act. They are hopeful that compliance will lead to a reduction in bycatch and provide the necessary support for the recovery of the Atlantic sturgeon population.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, however, chose not to comment on the allegations presented in the lawsuits. Meanwhile, attempts to gather responses from the environmental authorities in New York and Delaware were made through emails.

Atlantic sturgeon, characterized by their bony plates that cover their bodies, are a species that dates back to the age of dinosaurs. These fish are born in fresh waters before migrating to the sea. Unfortunately, over the last century, sturgeon populations have drastically dwindled due to a mix of factors including pollution, damming of rivers, and unsustainable fishing practices. A significant aspect of their decline can be traced back to the 1800s when there was a high demand for caviar — a luxury made from sturgeon eggs.

Rossum highlighted alarming statistics, revealing that the once plentiful Delaware River population, which once included around 180,000 females, now boasts fewer than 250 spawning adults. Meanwhile, Tracy Brown, representing Hudson Riverkeeper, indicated that the situation in New York is similarly troubling, noting a lack of improvement in the sturgeon population within the Hudson River. She expressed disappointment, stating that despite the species being listed as endangered, there has been little to no progress made toward their recovery, calling the lack of actions taken thus far “disgraceful.”