Siberian Sturgeon from MOTE
(Acipenser baerii): FARMED
Sturgeon are one of the oldest fish species in the world, evolving more than 250 million years ago. Historically, sturgeon species have been a most sought-after fish, prized for their precious caviar and delicious filets served to royalty and in the world’s finest restaurants. Unfortunately, their reputation as a delicacy has led to overfishing and a depletion in wild stocks worldwide. Native in the wild to freshwater rivers in Russia, Mongolia and China, the “Siberian Sturgeon” (Acipenser baerii) is no exception to this strain.
More than a decade ago, Mote Marine Laboratory— an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to marine research and conservation — began exploring ways to remove fishing pressures from wild sturgeon stocks by developing innovative aquaculture techniques to produce a superior product in an environmentally responsible fashion. The Siberian Sturgeon, a smaller species than some of its wild cousins like the Beluga, was a proven success in aquaculture, thriving in artificial conditions, and a perfect candidate for Mote’s mission. In 2005, Mote was the first aquaculture farm in the U.S. to provide Siberian sturgeon to the marketplace. Today, Mote produces high-quality sturgeon meat and caviar served in fine restaurants and distributed through such purveyors as Browne Trading.
Mote’s sturgeon are raised and processed in a state-of- the-art modern farm that focuses on developing and perfecting their ability to re-use water to grow fish in order to minimize our environmental footprint. Following strict food safety guidelines, the Siberian sturgeons are grown indoors where all parameters — from diet to water quality — are strictly controlled, allowing them to produce sturgeon and caviar with a consistent flavor and quality. All sturgeon are produced in accordance with all Country-of-Origin- Labeling standards and are classified as U.S.- produced, meaning that their products are hatched, raised, harvested and processed in the U.S. And while some aquaculture facilities may use “new” water as quickly as every 5 to 7 minutes, the technology in place at Mote allows them to clean and re-use water for 5 to 7 days, protecting a precious natural resource.
Siberian sturgeon is a firm-fleshed fish similar in consistency to swordfish and stands up to many different preparation methods, including grilling, sautéing, poaching and baking. Because of this similarity to meat and chicken, it is an excellent menu option for diners who do not like “fishy” tasting seafood selections. Smoked sturgeon is also quite excellent. Fresh Siberian sturgeon is sold in a “bullet” cut, which offers a generous yield of delicately rich, pink flesh, and is a wonderful year-round menu item with consistent supply.
Harvest Region
Hatched, Raised, Harvested and Processed at Mote Marine, Sarasota, FL
Seasonality
Year Round
Yield (Fillet Percentage)
80%
Flavor Profile
Mild, Delicate
Texture Profile
Very Firm
Substitute
- Tuna
- Swordfish
- Cobia