Explore the rich history of Caspian caviar, from its peak in the early 20th century to its near collapse by 2000.
Explore the rich history of Caspian caviar, from its peak in the early 20th century to its near collapse by 2000 due to overfishing, geopolitical factors, and environmental changes, leading to strict regulations on sturgeon trade.
Learn MoreThe variety of caviar products we offer are comprised of a distinct Caspian character, ranging from delicate to powerful, textures that delight the palate, tastes and aromas that excite the senses and aesthetic qualities that make our caviar the jewels of the Caspian Sea.
Oil and geopolitics took their toll. Sturgeons feed near the contaminated bottom, worsening conditions. The Caspian Sea warmed and shallowed, cutting reproduction rates. Post-USSR, several nations in the region fished heavily. Smuggling, overfishing, and unregulated harvesting pushed sturgeons toward extinction.
In a decade, the region exported as little as 80 tons of the sturgeon roe, 14 times less than 1989. In previous years, the Caspian Sea produced about 98% of the world total harvest of the black caviar. For the next 15 years, according to one regional agency, the sturgeon population of the Caspian Sea dropped by shocking 99%.
Its policies cover 25 of 27 sturgeon species. In 2005, nations enforced strict penalties for illegal activities involving rare animals and aquatic resources as regulated by international treaties. Caviar export from the Caspian region was nearly halted.
