Target Marine Products LTD.

Caviar

We expect to begin caviar production in early 2009.

Challenges:
The first hurdle to overcome in the production of caviar is separating the boys from the girls. Sturgeon have no sexual dimorphism, or known external indicators of their sex. Currently the only certain method of sexing the fish is through surgical incision and visual examination of the gonads. Other less invasive methods such as blood screening and ultrasound are currently being researched.

The second obstacle in the production of caviar is time. Sturgeon are a relatively slow animal to reach sexual maturity and some females may not produce eggs until they reach an age of thirty years or more in the wild. With ample food, proper nutrition, and some warm water, these fish should mature at 8 years of age.