Known from the Gironde-Garonne-Dordogne basin (Ref. 26160, Ref. 51407, Ref. 51442) and the Atlantic coast (Ref. 51346, Ref. 51442). It enters the Gironde-Garonne-Dordogne basin for reproduction (Ref. 51439). Juveniles stay in the fresh- and brackish water for one or two years before moving to the marine environment (Ref. 51439). Capture, transport and commerce are strictly prohibited (Ref. 2163, 26160). Considered endangered (Ref. 30578, 74334) and fully protected since 1982 by a government measure (Ref. 51407, Ref. 51439, Ref. 51442). It has been threatened mostly by gravel extraction on spawning ground and unadapted fishing regulations that lead to overfishing (Ref. 51407, 52787). Other threats are the marine catches and the accidental introduction of Acipenser baeri in the Gironde basin (Ref. 51439). Limited regulatory measures have been implemented to protect certain potential spawning grounds, especially regarding extraction of gravel; public awareness campaigns have been carried out among fishermen, administrators, media and the scientific community which resulted to reduced poaching in the Gironde estuary and many fishermen now report accidental catches and put the fish back into the water (Ref. 26160, Ref. 51346, Ref. 51439). Recent assessment of abundance in 1988 for the Gironde population is about a few thousand individuals (Ref. 26160). Also Ref. 11941, Ref. 4645, Ref. 30578, Ref. 51346, Ref. 82476.

Status of threat: Endangered (Ref. 74334).