Environmental protection and luxury goods

I've only eaten real caviar once, when I bought a one-ounce jar at Trader Joe's for twelve dollars. It was tasty, and might have been better, for all I know, with ice cold vodka. Still twelve dollars a pound is pretty expensive. I'm not upset, consequently, with the decision to ban the trade in caviar in order to protect the sturgeon.

Protecting the sturgeon is certainly a nobler and worthier action than allowing people in the West to show off their wealth by serving fish eggs as a hors d'œuvre. I wonder, though, if it will make a difference, or if black market caviar collectors will push the sturgeon even closer to extinction.