Caviar (sturgeon roe) was a common food in California during the gold rush days, until overharvesting led to the decline of sturgeon and its eventual protection. Until recently, most of the world's caviar has come from areas bordering the Caspian Sea. However, these countries are now cutting exports by 80% because of short supplies. To complete the circle, California fish farmers have now developed a way to farm sturgeon and are preparin g to ship their first harvest.