In June 2023, WWF Caucasus launched the initial phase of the implementation of the Sturgeon Monitoring Programme in Georgia. The initial phase of the implementation covered the Rioni River (the lower section of the river, the river mouth and the spawning grounds) and adjacent sea area through the application of the standardized methods defined by the monitoring programme.  

The initial phase of the sturgeon monitoring was carried out with the support of international and national experts together with scientists and researchers from Ilia State University and the relevant representatives from the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia.

Despite the limited time allocated for the fieldwork and unfavorable environmental conditions, an individual of Colchic sturgeon (Acipenser persicus colchicus) was recorded at the confluence of the Black Sea and the Rioni River. Following the standardized observation and sampling, the Colchic sturgeon was safely released into the water.

The development of the Sturgeon Monitoring Programme is part of WWF Caucasus project on sturgeon conservation that is financially supported by WWF-Switzerland and implemented in close cooperation with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia.