Nechako River White Sturgeon
In November 2003, the white sturgeon was listed as an Endangered Species by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). White sturgeon, which occur locally in the Nechako and Fraser rivers are North America’s largest and longest-lived freshwater fish. This species has survived 175 million years, including ice ages, volcanic eruptions, flooding and eras of mass extinction. Long-term research has shown that Nechako White Sturgeon are reproducing very slowly (or unsuccessfully) so that fish numbers are rapidly declining (see Figure 1 at bottom of page). It is estimated that the population consists of approximately 570 fish. The causes of the white sturgeon’s decline are not fully understood. However, human development, construction of dams, changes in river flow patterns and water temperature, loss of habitat and harvesting are some of the factors that may be affecting the white sturgeon.
In 2000, the Nechako White Sturgeon Recovery Initiative was established. This initiative consists of two committees, the Recovery Team and the Action Planning Group. These two groups are made up of individuals that represent First Nations, non-government environmental organizations, industry, local and regional governments and affected public stakeholders. Both groups are working towards the long-term goal of returning the Nechako white sturgeon to a self-sustaining population. In the short term (5 years), the Initiative’s goal is to develop a conservation fish culture program; in other words, a sturgeon breeding program that will rebuild and maintain the population until the cause of the decline can be determined and corrected.
How can you help?
- Report all sturgeon sightings. This information will help biologists to better understand the species
- Report all sturgeon fishing. Fishing white sturgeon in the Nechako/Stuart watersheds is illegal and has been completely closed since 2000
- When fishing other species use 15lb. Line or less, only single barbless hooks and artificial baits
- Avoid bottom fishing in areas where sturgeon frequent (deep pool areas)
- Avoid polluting rivers in any way
More Information
For more information please visit www.nechakowhitesturgeon.org.
The Nechako River White Sturgeon Recovery Initiative RT and APG did provide financial support to the 2003 and 2004 BC Rivers Day Celebrations and will be setting up an informational display at the event. We invite you to visit our display booth, and we will be available to answer any questions that you may have regarding regional white sturgeon populations. We hope to see you there!
Age-class distribution
Figure 1. Age-class distribution of Nechako River white sturgeon compared to that of Fraser River white sturgeon. Note that the Fraser River population is represented by a large proportion of younger fish that will reproduce in future years. By comparison, the Nechako population has very few young fish. Thus, there is great concern that the Nechako population is not reproducing at sufficient rates to sustain the population.
