The “Assessment of sturgeon resources in China and sturgeon gonad development research and application” project co-submitted by Guangdong Province Biological Resource Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences Heilongjiang Institute, Hangzhou Qiandaohu Xunlong Sci-tech Co. Ltd., and Guangzhou Xianbu Agriculture Sci-tech Co. ltd. got a second prize of Guangdong Science and Technology.

    The project researched key technological problems in early sexing of sturgeon and caviar production procedure. Through this project, mitochondrial whole genome amplification method and microsatellite molecular genetic markers for all sturgeon were developed for the first time, and the identification and genetic evaluation system of sturgeon varieties were established,  genetic background identification of main cultured sturgeon species (pure breed and hybrid) in China and caviar product species origin identification were realized, technical difficulties in non-invasive early sex identification and year-round caviar production were solved, and a new species “Xunlong No. 1” was cultivated. The results have been applied in large-scale industrialization and have extended the sturgeon industrial chain. Up to now, the results have been put to use in six sturgeon farming and caviar producing companies which in combination outputs 50 tons of caviar annually, accounting for 80% of the country's total. The industry's technological level was greatly uplifted, together with significant economic and social benefits.