Environment Minister Axel Vogel (far right) and pupils from the Burgschule Lebus release a Baltic sturgeon into the Oder. I Photo: Angelina Tittmann
"We are all sturgeon parents today," said Brandenburg's Environment Minister Axel Vogel (MLUK) on 22 October during the joint stocking with the IGB. And that's how the primary school children from Lebus, who helped to release about 500 young Baltic sturgeon into the river, felt. The stocking was part of the reintroduction programme coordinated by the IGB.
Efforts have been underway for years to reintroduce the sturgeon to the Oder. The so-called stocking fish were raised in Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The released fish now spend about 2 years in the Oder before they migrate further into the Baltic Sea. Then, hopefully, they will return to Lebus as adults to spawn.
A comprehensive insight into the goals, successes and hurdles of the sturgeon reintroduction can be found in the interview with Dr Jörn Geßner >
Pupils at the Burgschule in Lebus experienced first-hand how important the river is on their doorstep. I Photo: Angelina Tittmann
rbb weather forecaster Joanna Jambor (pictured right) also released small sturgeon into the Oder. I Photo: Angelina Tittmann
One sturgeon after another found its way into the water. I Photo: Angelina Tittmann
When they are ready to spawn, the sturgeon will hopefully return to Lebus. I Photo: Angelina Tittmann
