White (Acipenser transmontanus) and green (Acipenser medirostris) sturgeon are native to California. They are anadromous, meaning they move from the salt and brackish water to freshwater to spawn. Sturgeon are long-lived and can live to be 100 years or older. Sturgeon reach sexual maturity at around 15 years old. Mature females spawn every 2 to 4 years. Large females produce many more eggs than their smaller counterparts. Very high flow years lead to sturgeon spawning success. Long life, late sexual maturity and infrequent spawning contribute to the vulnerability of the sturgeon population.