The original and most significant threat to Atlantic sturgeon was commercial fishing. Records show that sturgeon were fished for in every major river along the Atlantic coast. Currently, there is no legal commercial fishery for Atlantic sturgeon, and retention of sturgeon caught as bycatch is prohibited. Atlantic sturgeon stocks may have been further impacted through habitat degradation, especially in the early to mid 1900's. However, the species persisted in many rivers, and populations rebounded to the point where commercial fisheries occurred in many rivers until 1996.
Habitat degradation includes dams, river dredging, and degraded water quality.
Analysis shows that dams do not significantly limit access of spawning habitat since most dams are built on the fall line. While sturgeon are sensitive to a variety of water quality problems, including changes in temperature, decreases in dissolved oxygen, additions in nutrients, and the presence of contaminants, available evidence shows that overall water quality in Atlantic sturgeon habitats is substantially better than it was through the 1970's and is continuing to improve, especially in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. Other organizations involved with Atlantic sturgeon conservation include, but are not limited to, State and local governments, private and conservation organizations which would include the Hudson River Foundation . Gilbert, C.R. Rare and Endangered Biota of Florida . Gilbert, C.R. 1998.