Tsar Nicoulai's new sturgeon farm in Wilton, California is designed on the principles of Organic Food Production which requires fostering of biodiversity, biological cycles and biological activity in an integrated system that is ecologically sustainable.

Natural sturgeon stocks are protected worldwide because of over exploitation and loss of natural habitats. So farming the sturgeon is imperative for protecting and saving the species. Wild sturgeons have the best quality meat and caviar because of the 'naturalness'of the ecosystem in which they live. Therefore, sturgeon farms must be designed as an ecological system to produce the best caviar and meat. This is the guiding principle of Tsar Nicoulai's farm design and operations. In this respect, Tsar Nicoulai's farm is unique among the six sturgeon farms in the US and the three found in the rest of the World.

Our White Sturgeon stock belongs to the species Acipenser transmontanus and is originally from the San Francisco Bay waters of California. We have a breeding program that is permitted and administered by the Department of Fish and Game of California. We are a member of the Domestic White Sturgeon Broodstock program of the University of California, Davis.

Our farming system is ecologically conditioned to take advantage of local resources including an abundant supply of California sunshine. Our water comes from uncontaminated deep wells thus ensuring good quality water throughout the growing period. In order to conserve our water resources, we practice zero discharge with total re-circulation of water and use reservoir ponds that allow recharge of this valuable renewable resource. We have a large integrated water treatment system that includes filtration, natural biological processes and aquaponic uptake of nutrients through the production of herbs and lettuce.

A rich bloom of planktonic algae is maintained along with a diverse assemblage of beneficial bacteria, aquatic plants and animals that interact to convert and remove waste products and nutrients in a natural micro-ecosystem. Three species of compatible food fish are maintained in our treatment system for the total utilization of excess feed and algae production. Water quality is monitored daily and managed to ensure optimal conditions for the fish. In this probiotic ecosystem, fish are free from disease and stress.

A well researched formulated feed which is both organic and wholesome is provide daily to meet all the energy and nutritional requirements of the sturgeon. We do not use any antibiotics, growth hormones, pesticides, biocides, bioengineering, ionizing radiation or fertilizers in compliance with the principles of Organic Food Production and Organic Food Processing. The fish farm is monitored 24-7 to ensure optimal water quality and routinely inspected for health conditions.

Our farming operations are based on strict Best Management Practices established by EPA for aquaculture facilities. We have a highly qualified and experienced technical staff that take good care of the fish and maintain daily records. Our work has been made easy because we have designed a system where nature does most of the hard work.

This is a new farm and we are in the process of getting our production process certified as 'Organic' by USDA.

— Dr. David Stephen
Scientist and Manager
December, 2003

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