The whole sturgeon world meets once a year in November during the International Sturgeon Conference organized by Aller Aqua. This year it took place on 23rd November 2011 in Warsaw. Over 130 sturgeon farmers, enhusiasts, scientists from 18 different countries has met that day to speak about sturgeon diseases.

The whole sturgeon world meets once a year in November during the International Sturgeon Conference organized by Aller Aqua. This year it took place on 23rd November 2011 in Warsaw. Over 130 sturgeon farmers, enhusiasts, scientists from 18 different countries has met that day to speak about sturgeon diseases.
A three part workshop was held by dr Scott LaPatra from Clearsprings, USA. He spoke about the most problematic sturgeon infections caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi. The last part of the workshop was dedicated to management practices in the farm which may prevent the diseases outbreaks or limit the risk of it. Oliver Brunel from Sturia – world known sturgeon producing company, spoke about his experience with Flavobacteriosis and other diseases and practical solutions that solved the problems. His lecture, prepared in cooperation with veterinary service was very much appreciated by the participants. One of the elements in responsible management of the farm is also feeding. Hanno Slawski from Aller Aqua summarized the substances, which positively influence sturgeon health. It is proved that brewer’s yeast used in the feed are a rich source of vitamin B and beta-glucans in the diet, which have good effect on the immune system. Vitamine A reduces malformations and Vitamine C supports the immune system. All these combined with a relevant level of phosphorus in the diet shall improve the health condition of the fish.
The conference could not happen without the market analysis of sturgeon and caviar. Excellent lecture was held by dr Paolo Bronzi from WSCS. The future of sturgeon farming is also connected with conservation of its natural resources, which was the main issue of the presentation done by prof. Harald Rosenthal, the President of World Sturgeon Conservation Society (WSCS).
The conference was chaired by prof. Ryszard Kolman who gave a valuable input by his professional comments to the lectures.
There are certainly big challenges, which sturgeon farmers worldwide have to face. It can be discussed which of them are more important, market, economy, technology or health. All of them are interconnected. Each species has its weak points and learning how to minimize the risk of losses is important for every practitioner.

Sturgeon conferences are organized once a year to discuss the most relevant problems for sturgeon farmers. Our ambition is to make them valuable for sturgeon farmers and bring a very practical knowledge. At the same time we are open to suggestions and cooperation from all who have ideas for interesting lectures and topics to be discussed in the incoming years – please contact Anna Pyć (ad@aller-aqua.pl).