Big Fish Back in the Nechako

Monday, June 01, 2009 11:56 AM

Vanderhoof, B.C.- A 170 pound sturgeon was released back into the Nechako River today as part of the effort to save the species from extinction.

The Nechako White Sturgeon Recovery Initiative has been working to protect the habitat of the fish and restore declining stocks. Officials with the program say the return of the fish, which was used as part of a conservation hatchery program, is a step towards the recovery of the iconic BC fish.

“This magnificent female sturgeon was captured in the Nechako River several weeks ago and successfully spawned by our staff a few days ago,” said Don Peterson, president of Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. “The spawning of this and several other wild brood fish has produced two hundred and eighty thousand fertilized eggs which will be released as larvae into the river next month to support population recovery research. We are hoping to be able to continue our stock restoration work in the future, but long term funding for Nechako sturgeon recovery by government and industry remains a question. Unfortunately, time is quickly running out for the Nechako white sturgeon.”

Additional research and projects to be undertaken by the NWSRI this year include juvenile sturgeon habitat research, tracking of juvenile and adult migration, harm reduction and outreach.

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