Polyodon spathula (Paddlefish)

As in 2010, P. spathula was selected on the basis of high volume trade in a globally threatened species, consisting of 1395 kg wild-sourced caviar traded for commercial purposes and 750 live, captive-bred eggs traded for scientific purposes, all imported directly from the United States. Imports of caviar decreased by 38% while imports of live eggs decreased by 99%.  The species was reviewed for SRG 44 and a positive opinion was re-confirmed for the United States on 12/03/2009. The conservation and trade of Acipenseriformes are discussed at each meeting of the Animals Committee in accordance with Resolution 12.7 (Rev. CoP16).

2010 Summary for Polyodon spathula (Paddlefish)

Criteria met:  High volume (globally threatened)

Principal trade term to the EU:  caviar

Principal source:  wild

Top EU importer:  Poland

Top Trading Partner:  United States

CITES Appendix:  II

IUCN Status:  Vulnerable

EU-reported imports of wild-sourced Polyodon spathula caviar (kg), all purposes, 2001-2010.

In 2010, EU imports consisted of 2,239 kg of wild-sourced caviar and 55,000 captive-born (source ‘F’) live eggs imported directly from the United States; all of the trade was for commercial purposes, with the exception of 5,000 live eggs imported for scientific purposes.

EU imports of wild-sourced caviar have declined every year since 2008, with a 16% decrease between 2009 and 2010.

The SRG reconfirmed a positive opinion for the United States on 12/03/2009. The conservation and trade of Acipenseriformes are discussed at each meeting of the Animals Committee in accordance with Resolution Conf. 12.7 (Rev. CoP14).