Shortnosed Sturgeon have become so rare that they are on
both the Federal and State list of endangered species.
Shortnosed sturgeon mature at 4 to 16 years of age and live
to 50 - 60 years.  Shortnose sturgeon are primitive fish and
the eggs or roe of the sturgeon family are highly valued and
are marketed under the name caviar.

A related species, the Atlantic Sturgeon, should also
benefit from the dam removal.  There is presently a
moratorium on harvest of the species, and a review is
underway to determine whether the Atlantic Sturgeon should
also be listed as endangered or threatened.  Atlantic
Sturgeon historically occurred in the Neuse River, and
formed the basis of an important commercial fishery.