Paddling Ahead

The American paddlefish is the only remaining paddlefish species in the world and the oldest surviving animal species in North America. Populations have declined due to overfishing, pollution, and habitat obstruction. Overfishing occurs because paddlefish are highly sought after for their caviar. Habitat obstructions like dams and levees block them from moving upstream to the gravel bars where they would lay their eggs, making it difficult for them to reproduce. Fish hatcheries work to maintain the species by hatching, raising, and releasing paddlefish into the wild and providing researchers with fish and eggs to study. Zoos feature American paddlefish in their exhibits to help preserve the species and educate people about sustainable fishing practices.