Several thousand juvenile Atlantic sturgeon have been released into Poland’s Ina River, marking an important step forwards in the return of this iconic species across the Oder Delta. Their comeback is part of wider efforts to restore free-flowing rivers rich in fish and other wildlife — healthier, more resilient waterways that are essential for both nature and people.

Programme’s proposed measures would have a catastrophic impact on biodiversity and negatively impact the work of Rewilding Europe and its partners.

During my pre-mission research I realised that the chance of meeting a sturgeon in the delta was close to zero. Unfortunately. So I took the chance to dive with the sturgeons at the Danube Delta Eco-Tourism Museum Centre in Tulcea before setting out in the delta. They have a special sturgeon aquarium including the largest and most sought-after species of them all, the great beluga.