The Chinese sturgeon A. sinensis occurs in the Yangtze and Pearl rivers and seas of
east Asia. There is still disagreement about the taxonomy of the Pearl and Yangtze River populations. The
Yangtze River population is anadromous. Adults begin spawning at about age 14 years (males) and 21 years
(females), and adults spend over 15 months in the river for reproduction. Spawning sites of A. sinensis were
found every year since 1982 below the Gezhouba Dam, but it seems that insufficient suitable ground is available
for spawning. Since 1983, commercial fishing has been prohibited but more measures need to be taken
such as establishing protected areas and characterizing critical spawning, summering and wintering habitats.