In recent years, Oregon and Washington lawmakers have considered legislation that would curtail or even eliminate the non-Indian commercial fishery. The white sturgeon has also become a prime candidate for commercial aquaculture ventures. With fishermen's help, the scientists captured ripe, wild sturgeon, which they were able to keep and successfully spawn in captivity. In subsequent years, the Davis researchers further demonstrated that sturgeon fry and fingerlings can be successfully reared in captivity on artificial feed. The development of successful hatchery technology for white sturgeon has created a growing commercial sturgeon aquaculture industry in California.
Several farms are currently in production and others are planning to enter the field.
Although still largely in a research and development phase, the emerging sturgeon aquaculture industry in California has attracted considerable attention from both the general public and private aquaculturists. Sturgeon from the Columbia River are now being viewed as potential broodstock for similar ventures in the Pacific Northwest. Despite is unique aquaculture potential and its importance to the Columbia River fisheries, little is known about the white sturgeon in nature. Literature on the biology, life history, and habitat requirements has been limited and generally inaccessible to the public. Furthermore, information on recent aquaculture developments often remains too technical to be understood by the general public.