Analysis of publications on sturgeon research between 1996 and 2010

Abstract

Sturgeon species are among the commercially most valuable and the most endangered groups of fish. To assess the existing literature published within the field of sturgeon research over the past 15 years (1996-2010) we applied a bibliometric approach, in order to identify patterns and trends of the published research in this field. The analysis was performed based upon articles obtained from the ISI Web of Knowledge online database. The results revealed that although all 27 sturgeon species have been objects of the research, species that are endangered or facing a high probability of extinction have received disproportionately less attention. White sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) was the most frequently studied species, but it was recently surpassed by Persian sturgeon (A. persicus). Early life phases have been among the central objects of the research, and genetics, especially the use of microsatellite DNA, is becoming increasingly popular and had the highest impact. Research related to aquaculture was prominent, while the research related to hybrids (as a commodity of aquaculture production) was decreasing in popularity. Papers dealing with conservation issues were most frequently focused on European sturgeon (A. sturio). A steady increase in the number of published articles over time was observed. However, the overall citation rate declined significantly over time. During the period reviewed, the sturgeon research published in peer reviewed journals dominantly originated from the USA and EU. Nevertheless, considering the current trend in output, it is very likely that the Asian countries, mainly Iran and China, will surpass them within the next 5-10 years. International and inter-institutional collaboration both tended to increase the impact of the research. Stimulation and improvement of the international cooperation should be considered as future priorities.

Farming different species in RAS in Nordic countries: Current status and future perspectives

“…Sturgeons are, however, also among the most endangered group of fish due to overfishing, poaching, pollution, damming, habitat deterioration, etc. (Bronzi et al, 2011;Jaric and Gessner, 2012;Litvak, 2010). Since 1998, all extant species including those commercially reared have been listed in CITES Appendix I or II (i.e., threatened by extinction or in risk of becoming so), and trade of fish from the group has since been regulated under CITES.…”

Sturgeon and paddlefish research focuses on low risk species and largely disregards endangered species

“…A recent bibliometric study on sturgeon and paddlefish research reviewed the Web of Knowledge listed literature published between 1996 and 2010 (Jarić & Gessner 2012), revealing a steady increase in peer-reviewed publications over time. However, although all 27 sturgeon and paddlefish species have been objects of research, species that are endangered or face a high probability of extinction have received disproportionately little attention.…”

“…However, although all 27 sturgeon and paddlefish species have been objects of research, species that are endangered or face a high probability of extinction have received disproportionately little attention. On average, species classified by the IUCN as Near Threatened (NT), Vulnerable (VU), Endangered (EN) and Critically Endangered (CR) have been the subject of 157, 97, 53 and 12 scientific publications, respectively (Jarić & Gessner 2012). In addition, with increased conservation status of a species, the impact of the publications decreased (i.e.…”

“…In addition, with increased conservation status of a species, the impact of the publications decreased (i.e. on average, these studies received a lower number of citations; Jarić & Gessner 2012). Over the last decade, the focus of research has shifted to some extent towards Vulnerable and Endangered species but it has remained practically unchanged for those species classified as Critically Endangered.…”

“…The reasons for biased scientific focus might be associated with the regional economic value of the respective species, which probably acts as a driver for aquaculture and fisheries-related research funding, given that the most important aquaculture species are less endangered (Jarić & Gessner 2012). Limited access to specimens plays a considerable role in the involvement of scientists in research on highly endangered fish, while the utilization of model species might also disguise the direction of research in other cases (Williot & Castelnaud 2011).…”