'The sterlet belongs in the river, not on your plate': In Serbia, it is banned from rivers

In Serbia, the sterlet sturgeon, known locally as 'kečiga,' is strictly prohibited from both recreational and commercial fishing. This ban has been in effect since January 1, 2019, yet reports indicate that illegal fishing and consumption persist. The fish has gained a reputation as a delicacy, particularly among those who disregard legal restrictions.

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The belief persists that a philosophy degree is a ticket to living in underemployment.

Vladimir Stakić, editor-in-chief of "Ribolov" magazine, explained that while wild sterlet caught from rivers must be immediately returned to the water, artificially farmed sterlet is legally available in restaurants and fish markets. This distinction is crucial, as only sterlet originating from aquaculture facilities can enter the legal market.

A campaign by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) used the slogan "The sterlet belongs in the river, not on your plate," highlighting conservation efforts. However, the allure of the fish remains strong.

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The sterlet belongs in the river, not on your plate.

Recently, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić posted a video on Instagram from a Sava River raft, where he mentioned a dish containing sterlet. He stated that others had eaten it and acknowledged its delicious taste, while also noting that its consumption is restricted. "This is sterlet, and now who knows what I should decide. Some other people ate this, not me, they say it's not allowed, but there is no tastier or better fish than sterlet," Vučić said in the video.

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This is sterlet, and now who knows what I should decide. Some other people ate this, not me, they say it's not allowed, but there is no tastier or better fish than sterlet.