About Nechako White Sturgeon
Dwelling in the waters of Nechako River watershed is a survivor from the age of the dinosaurs – White Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus). This magnificent animal is the largest freshwater fish in Canada, and has existed relatively unchanged for millions of years. It is likely that White Sturgeon arrived to the Nechako watershed from the Upper Columbia River system when the two were connected over 10,000 years ago after the last ice-age. Since that time, the White Sturgeon in the Nechako River appear to have remained almost exclusively within its waters, using the deep waters of the river and lakes for winter refuge and, in late spring, congregating to spawn in the river. Research to date indicates the Upper Fraser Designation Unit (DU) of White Sturgeon (Upper Fraser, Middle Fraser and Nechako River populations) is genetically distinct from other populations and within that DU, the Nechako River White Sturgeon is a unique group.
It is unknown how many adult sturgeon historically inhabited the Nechako watershed. Dakelh Elders share that for centuries their people caught White Sturgeon, and a record from the Hudson Bay Company from 1818 reports 21 sturgeon 2.2-3.6m in length being caught in Stuart Lake. The most recent estimates suggest there are 630 adult sturgeon[1] and very few naturally-spawned young sturgeon in the Nechako River. Since sturgeon do not begin spawning until 20 to 40 years of age, the lack of young sturgeon means that an entire generation is missing. If nothing changes, there may be too few mature animals to sustain the population and Nechako White Sturgeon could become extirpated. This has led to Nechako White Sturgeon being listed as Critically Imperiled by the British Columbia Conservation Data Centre, as Endangered according to the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), and as an Endangered Species under the Species at Risk Act (SARA).
[1] Carruthers et. al. in preparation. 2012 estimate.
Explore this website to learn all about Nechako White Sturgeon and the projects, programs, and educational resources of the Nechako White Sturgeon Recovery Initiative.
Nechako White Sturgeon Recovery Initiative
The Nechako White Sturgeon Recovery Initiative (NWSRI) was formed in 2000 with the goal of returning the Nechako White Sturgeon to a self-sustaining population. The NWSRI has a Recovery Plan that guides projects and further research.
The NWSRI has many recovery projects underway that involve hands-on stream-level work, to multi-year research projects.
NEWS - August 2018 NEWS Release regarding Cupcake - the first verified sturgeon raised at the Nechako White Sturgeon Conservation Centre to migrate into Stuart Lake.
Nature Guides - more for schools!
Due to popular request, we have printed more copies of the Nature Guide and Educational Resource and will be distributing them to schools in April. If you haven't seen a copy of the Nature Guide at your school, please check with your librarian or school Principal. Contact the NWSRI Coordinator for more information.
Every Sturgeon Counts!
Emergency Sturgeon Live Release Boat Kit Program is gearing up for another year of fishing. If you are a fisher family that is interested in participating in this program, please contact us at info@nechakowhitesturgeon.org. Learn more about this project.
Nechako White Sturgeon Conservation Centre
HATCHERY SUMMER TOUR Schedule:
Hours starting May 5, 2018 are:
Monday - Friday: 2:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
Meet the tour guides by the benches at the main entrance of the Conservation Centre.
The inside of the Conservation Centre may be closed to the public for biosecurity purposes until June. If so, tours will take place outside the hatchery and along the Nechako River.
Due to the limited parking space at the Conservation Centre, please park at Riverside Park or the boat launch area and walk back to the Conservation Centre.
Funding for these tour guide/intern positions has been generously provided by Rio Tinto through their Donations and Sponsorships Program, which contributes to community-building initiatives in their host communities. Funding is dedicated for a program to increase opportunities for those interested in career paths in the fields of fisheries, fish culture or teaching for people in the communities of the Nechako Watershed. This is year two of this funding.
Souvenirs
One way for you to be a part of the recovery process of Nechako white sturgeon is to support us through cash donations and/or purchasing some great souvenirs! We have lapel pins, sturgeon stuffies, and t-shirts. Check with our tour guides for the suggested donation price of these items.
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For more information on any of our programs please visit the individual web page tab.
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CONGRATULATIONS!! On January 31st 2008, at the regional Premier's Awards in Prince George, the NWSRI won a Silver Award in recognition of our our teamwork and success in promoting white sturgeon stewardship and work towards recovery of the population.
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