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1.2.6. Include the pallid sturgeon in Appendix I to the Convention on <br />International Trade in Endangered Species of Wildlife Fauna and <br />Flora (CITES). <br />Pallid sturgeon are considered a fine eating fish, although its <br />greatest value on the commercial market comes from its roe, <br />which is suitable for caviar. The pallid sturgeon must be <br />included in Appendix I to CITES as soon as possible, to further <br />regulate foreign trade and impose additional penalties for <br />illegal activities. Additional research may be needed to <br />distinguish eggs of North American sturgeon species and <br />paddlefish for enforcement of CITES. See Task 2.2.7. • <br />1.2.7. Remediate sources of environmental contaminants. <br />After contaminants affecting pallid sturgeon recovery are <br />determined through Tasks 2.5.1., 2.5.2., and 2.5.3., the source <br />of problem contaminants must be removed, if possible. <br />(Naturally occurring contaminants and those originating from <br />nonpoint sources may be impossible to eliminate.) Eliminating <br />sources of contaminants polluting the Missouri and Mississippi <br />Rivers will not only help to recover pallid sturgeon, but will <br />also help to reduce the human health risk associated with <br />polluted water supplies and consumption of contaminated fish <br />products. These actions will be conducted in coordination with <br />the Environmental Protection Agency and with other Federal and <br />State agencies responsible for control or remediation of <br />environmental contamination. <br />1.2.8. Provide protection for important habitat areas and needs of <br />pallid sturgeon. <br />High value habitats should be identified and given top priority <br />for protection. Protection of water rights, through <br />acquisition or formal agreements, may be needed to enstire that <br />instream flows within important habitats are legally protected. <br />Land acquisition or conservation easements also may be needed <br />to help protect and restore the diversity of riverine habitats. <br />1.3. Increase public awareness of the laws and needs for protecting <br />pallid sturgeon. <br />1.3.1. Develop and distribute information and education materials on <br />the plight of the pallid sturgeon and its ecosystem. <br />In order for pallid sturgeon recovery to be successful, an <br />informational and educational program must be developed to <br />inform the public of the importance of preserving pallid <br />sturgeon and the Missouri and Mississippi River ecosystems upon <br />which they depend. Educational materials such as brochures, <br />newspaper and magazine articles, publications, poster displays, <br />28 <br />