A virtually extinct European sturgeon – famed for producing caviar – has been caught by stunned fisherman.
The species are so rare, as few as 800 are left in the wild.
They are critically endangered partly due to being overfished because of the posh caviar.
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The fish were granted ‘royal’ status in the 14th century by King Edward II.
It means they are technically now owned by King Charles.
Sean Beck, skipper of the trawler Julie of Ladram, caught the European sturgeon 15 miles southeast of Dartmouth, Devon.
He said: “I’ve been fishing from Brixham since I was a very young boy and this was only the second I’ve ever seen.
“Fortunately it was alive and strong so we let it go.
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“There was no caviar for tea on Julie that night.
“It swam away quite happily and carried on its life.”
Sean, of Brixham told What’s The Jam.: “If you bring them ashore there is a tradition you have to offer them to the Monarch.
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“So we’d have had to give it to the King.
“Because it was alive we decided to let it go.
“And I’m sure he won’t be upset by that.
“It is not something you see every day.”
He said the first sturgeon he caught was about three years ago and it took two people to lift due to its size.
Local Chris Matthewson said: “That’s a strange looking fish and what a size.
“Well done for putting it back.
“If it has eggs, they are better for producing more fish than on a rich person’s plate.
“Thank you for educating me.”
Maggie Donaldson added: “What a beauty.
“Glad it’s been returned to swim on.
“Charlie would approve I’m sure.”
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