Only female sturgeon produce caviar.
AZTI
The Basque technology center AZTI, in collaboration with the Spanish caviar producer Caviar Riofrío, has patented the first real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-based method for early sex identification in sturgeon.
This technique will enable aquaculture producers to optimize breeding processes for caviar production by identifying the sex of sturgeon as early as 1 to 2 years of age.
Although only female sturgeon produce caviar, producers raise both sexes, leading to significant costs in feeding, space, and management. Until now, sex identification was done using ultrasounds, a more invasive technique that is only viable at later stages of development.
"There was a clear need in the industry for an efficient and accurate method to determine sturgeon sex at early stages. This tool enables more sustainable, cost-effective caviar production," said Miguel Ángel Pardo, AZTI researcher and specialist in food traceability and genetics.
AZTI es uno los organismos que aboga por ofrecer nuevas innovaciones y soluciones tecnológicas that enhances sustainability and competitiveness in the sector.
For example, it launched a tool to help marine planning professionals and competent authorities apply ecosystem-based approach principles more effectively in the marine spatial planning of uses (MSP).
Furthermore, in collaboration with the Spanish tuna industry groups OPAGAC and ANABAC, the Basque center developed a system to improve the safe release of vulnerable elasmobranchs (sharks and rays) accidentally caught in tropical tuna purse-seine fisheries.