The natural spawning activities of the China top-level protected animal, Chinese sturgeon Acipenser sinensis, has been interrupted for three consecutive years (2017-2019) with its natural population on the verge of extinction. Based on the analysis on the life history of fish, the author pointed out that the migratory pathway blocked by the Gezhouba Hydroelectricity Dam is the root cause of the natural population decline. The operation of the Three Gorges Project (TGP), as well as the Xiangjiaba and Xiluodu hydro-dams, results in the water temperature hysteresis in the spawning ground below the Gezhouba Dam, being the fatal factor for the interruption of the natural reproduction. Additionally, river channel erosion by TGP, sand-excavating, flood control & urban landscape engineering, dredging and other human activities along the river constrains the offspring habitat and then leads to decrease in recruitment, which in turn make the spawning stock continues to decline. In the past 40 years, the restocking program, as a measure which has been given high expectations to compensate for the decline of the natural population of Chinese sturgeon, has not been scientifically and effectively implemented, resulting in the near-collapse of the hope by artificial intervention to ensure the continuation of the natural population of the fish. Under the current situation, it is urgent to take the “Chinese sturgeon rescue action plan” as a guideline, to promote the implementation of 5 key protection measures urgently: 1) implement “land-sea-land” seeding project to restore species biological trait in cultured Chinese sturgeon, 2) strengthen restocking program, 3) improve the existing spawning conditions to promote natural reproduction, 4) seek alternative natural spawning grounds, 5) restore feeding grounds and other critical habitats. Only by long-term efforts (15 years) and protect of fish from birth to individuals breeding, can it be expected to continue and restore the natural population of fish. With huge body size, long life and a wide range of migration, the Chinese sturgeon is undoubtedly the flagship species and umbrella species of the Yangtze River ecosystem. The successful protection of Chinese sturgeon is significantly important to achieve harmonious coexistence between human and nature, and promote the sustainable development of the Yangtze River Basin.