Background The Adriatic sturgeon (Acipenser naccarii), a fish present only in the north-eastern Adriatic sea basin, migrates every year from seawaters to the Po, Adige, Piave and Brenta river basins, which are the largest part of its distribution range and its main reproductive areas. The species is at risk of extinction, however, due its limited distribution, its particular lifecycle and its specific ecological requirements. In addition, excessive capture and the environmental changes have led to a severe decline throughout its distribution area. Lower population densities leading to a reduction in the breeding performances of the sturgeon have added to this negative trend. A first important step for the protection of the species in the area was to declare fishing of the sturgeon off limits, with the adoption of regional laws in Veneto, Lombardy and Emilia Romagna, in compliance with article 12 of the Habitats Directive. But this is not sufficient to protect the species. Other actions are urgently needed. Objectives The overall objective of the project was to establish a long-term conservation strategy of the Adriatic sturgeon throughout its Italian area of distribution. The starting point of this strategy would be the preparation of an Action Plan for the species, which will be adopted by the competent authorities, all of which would be involved in the project. A large-scale restocking programme aimed at restoring viable populations of Adriatic sturgeon would be carried out: about 30 000 specimens would be released in ten rivers. Considering the normal mortality levels, more than 2 000 sturgeons are expected to reach sexual maturity. Reinforcement of two existing breeding centres in Lombardy and Veneto would be carried out to adapt the structures to the production of the sturgeons and to ensure steady supply of specimens for future restocking. Genetic characterisation would be performed on the fishes and the results, together with those of the restocking operation, would be included in two data banks available on a website. Before their release in the wild, individuals would be equipped with electronic tags to ensure a proper follow-up of the restocking operation. A network of provincial guards, volunteers, fishermen, both inland and at sea, would track the specimens. Awareness-raising activities were planned, targeting stakeholders and schoolchildren to reinforce a positive attitude and gain the support of the local population. Results The project focused on an area that corresponds to most of the distribution area of the species in Italy and involved 13 different bodies in three different regions (Northern and central Italy). Restocking activities were carried out in 12 different rivers: 162 496 sturgeons were released, 23 496 of which were of medium size and 139 000 were post-larvae. The breeding centres of Treviso and Orzinuovi were improved and the reproduction of sturgeon was carried out. (Genetic analysis of wild sturgeons at Orzinuovi had already been conducted in 2003, but not at such a specific level as it was made with the project.) During the first months after the reproduction the mortality rate was high at the centre of Treviso – genetic analysis showed a very low genetic variability in the sturgeons of the first generation, in contrast to the wild individuals of the Orzinuovi centre – but this rate declined in the following years and by the end of the project the reproduction and the breeding activities in the centre were running smoothly. Following restocking, a monitoring network was established consisting of fishermen, rangers and volunteers (around 500 people in total). Around 850 observations/captures of sturgeons were obtained in total. A GIS database was set up with about 20 000 data on sturgeons. The characterisation of each individual is needed for the identification of captured individuals. The method for the “cryo-conservation” of the breeders’ sperm and a germoplasm bank were established. Dissemination of the project results was carried out through an environmental education programme with the schools (more than 5 000 students participated) and a range of dissemination tools (newsletters, info panels, gadgets, posters, leaflets etc.). Moreover, a sturgeon Action Plan, which is the legal instrument for the future management of the species, was drawn up and approved by all the bodies involved in the project. An important feature of the project was the involvement of 11 different bodies in a single project aimed at the conservation of a species. The project structure could be applied to similar conservation initiatives. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).