SHORT-TERM COLD-STORAGE OF ATLANTIC STURGEON SPERM

Short-term cold storage of fish sperm with oxygen, an established fish eries technique, was successfully used to preserve milt from Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrhynchus oxyrhynchus). AH mdt samples stored fo r 5 d on ice and replenished daily with oxygen retained at least 80% m otility and at least 99% viability. One sample exhibited 40% motility after 17 d. For management personnel involved in restoration of this r are fish, this technique offers an alternative to dependence on the si multaneous capture of ripe males and females from severely depleted st ocks. It may also be used during transport prior to fertilization or c ryopreservation.