Experts believe shipping along the Yangtze River is the biggest threat to the endangered Chinese sturgeon.
       
Ten sturgeons surpassing three meters in length have been found injured along the river so far this year, and nine died.
       
The number of injured fish found to date this year surpasses the 2005 total.
       
Experts say ship propeller strikes were responsible for about one-third of the 20 Chinese sturgeons killed in the river since 2002.
       
They add illegal fishing was to blame for just over 20 percent of the deaths. 

Authorities are considering a speed limit for ships during the period when the fish gathers in the river mouth.
       
Experts also voiced their worries about the deteriorating environment along the river.