Impact of the Three Gorges Dam on the spawning stock and natural reproduction of Chinese sturgeon in Changjiang River, China

摘要: Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis) is the flagship species of Changjiang River. The migration route this blocked by first dam, Gezhou Dam, and its reproduction affected Three Gorges Dam (TGD), one largest dams in world. We studied impact impoundment Reservoir (TGR) since 2003 on spawning stock natural using our monitoring data from 1997 to 2013. Results indicate that TGR has delayed dates fish middle-late October late November, decreased amount activities twice only once each year, significantly reduced egg production. In particular, did not demonstrate any Therefore, affects downstream TGD. size also predicted further decrease future, which will lead a risk population extinction. Ecological regulations must be imposed decreasing water temperature 20°C before mid-October increasing discharge TGD induce sturgeon.