In Richmond, B.C., a team of four individuals recently removed a sturgeon carcass from the Fraser River as part of ongoing research efforts by the Tsawwassen First Nation. The fish, measuring about 1.6 meters in length, was frozen for further study to uncover the reasons behind sturgeon mortality and aid in conservation initiatives. Once processed, the carcass will be released back into the river with an electronic tracker attached.
Biologist Kelly Scott, representing the First Nation, emphasized the significance of sturgeon, ancient creatures dating back millions of years, and expressed concern over the increasing number of sturgeon sightings and deaths reported this year. The British Columbia Ministry of Land, Water, and Resource Stewardship highlighted a rise in sturgeon mortality but noted challenges in accurately assessing the extent of the increase due to improved tracking and reporting methods over time.
Reports indicate a total of 71 dead sturgeon found in B.C. since July, with a majority discovered in the lower Fraser River, particularly in the past four weeks. This surge in mortalities surpasses previous years, with 49 incidents recorded in the recent period compared to 42 in all of 2024.
White sturgeon, known for their large size and long lifespan, hold cultural significance for First Nations communities like the Tsawwassen, who historically harvested them for sustenance and traditional practices. Although sturgeon harvesting has been prohibited since 1994, catch-and-release angling remains a common activity in the lower Fraser River.
Various factors contribute to sturgeon deaths, including climate change-induced stress from rising river temperatures and threats like propeller strikes from vessels. The Tsawwassen research team aims to collect and study sturgeon carcasses, implementing telemetry trackers to monitor their movements under different conditions.
While investigations continue to determine the root causes of sturgeon fatalities, officials have not found direct links to the recent salmon fishery activities. The overlapping impacts of disease, warmer waters, and increased fishing activities pose challenges to sturgeon survival, prompting the need for further examination of contributing factors.
Sturgeon populations in select rivers across British Columbia have been designated as endangered under federal species-at-risk legislation, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts. Ongoing collaborations between government bodies, First Nations, and research institutions seek to protect sturgeon habitats and promote sustainable management practices to safeguard these iconic fish species.
