A new generation of Russian sturgeons (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) is now swimming in the Danube.

On 18 September, more than 3,000 juvenile Russian sturgeons were released into the river at Gruia, Romania, as part of the LIFE-Boat4Sturgeons project. At approximately 20 centimetres long, the young fish were marked before release, allowing researchers to identify them if they are encountered again and gather valuable information about their survival and movements. The release is part of a wider effort to support the recovery of one of the Danube's most threatened groups of migratory fish.

Saving the sturgeon takes far more than one isolated project, it demands a continuous, collaborative synthesis of diverse initiatives, pooled resources, and shared dedication. And while LIFE-Boat4Sturgeons physically releases fish into their native habitat, DANUBElifelines works to open their way upstream - so they can survive, migrate and reproduce.

In the Lower Danube, Demo Site III focuses specifically on sturgeons and Pontic shad, addressing pressures such as habitat degradation, poaching, by-catch and fishing pressure and strengthening cooperation across the Romanian - Bulgarian section of the river.

From restoring habitats and river connectivity to reducing human pressures, monitoring fish and supporting populations at risk, these efforts are different pieces of the same puzzle: bringing migratory fish back to a healthier, more connected Danube.

For the young sturgeons released at Gruia, the journey has only just begun.