The state’s population estimates have been calculated through the standard method of catching fish, attaching dime-size metal tags at the base of their dorsal fin, and releasing them. In past years, those who catch the fish have turned in the tags for cash rewards, helping biologists calculate estimates of how many fish there are in the estuary.

“There have been persistent long-term declines,” said John Kelly, the statewide sturgeon coordinator for the Department of Fish and Wildlife. “They face a number of challenges.”

The review will involve analyzing available data from agencies, academic researchers and other sources, Kelly said, and will also undergo a peer-review process.

White sturgeon can venture from San Francisco Bay into the ocean, but they are thought to spend most of their lives in the estuary. There are other populations of the species in the Pacific Northwest, including in the Columbia River as well as British Columbia’s Fraser River.

Rosenfield said one way to help California’s white sturgeon would be to allow only catch-and-release fishing, which is popular on the Fraser River.

“It’s been very, very successful. The fish are much bigger than our fish because they live longer,” he said.

“People can still enjoy fishing for these fish,” he said. “They can enjoy them without killing them.”

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