dˈuː tʊ ˌoʊvɚfˈɪʃɪŋ fɔːɹ ɪts flˈɛʃ, kˈævɪˌɑːɹ, ænd ˈɪsɪŋɡlˌæs, pəlˈuːʃən, ænd dˈæmz, ðə stˈɜːlɪt hɐz dᵻklˈaɪnd θɹuːˈaʊt ɪts nˈeɪɾɪv ɹˈeɪndʒ ænd ɪz kənsˈɪdɚd vˈʌlnɚɹəbəl baɪ ðɪ ˈɪʌkən.
Due to overfishing (for its flesh, caviar, and isinglass), pollution, and dams, the sterlet has declined throughout its native range and is considered vulnerable by the IUCN.