A River Never Sleeps

White Sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus are an ancient species that first appeared in the fossil record 175 million years ago. They are North America’s largest freshwater fish species, reaching a maximum size of up to 6 metres (19 feet) and 800 kilograms (1,800 pounds). White Sturgeon can live up to 100 years or more.

The white sturgeon populations that utilize Canadian portion of the Columbia River (and reservoirs) is considered distinct from other populations and, based on detailed research, has shown no significant evidence of successful reproduction since the early 70’s.

Faced with the serious threats to the continued existence of the Canadian Columbia River white sturgeon population, several Columbia Basin region organizations have joined together to implement the white sturgeon recovery initiative. Led by the Province of British Columbia, the project will bring together representatives from regulatory agencies, First Nations, public and industrial stakeholders, and U.S. regulatory and tribal agencies.

An existing fish hatchery (Hill Creek Hatchery, Nakusp, British Columbia) has been converted to a conservation hatchery to rear sturgeon (it formerly produced a variety of salmonids including bull trout, rainbow trout and kokanee). Progeny from the facility will be used in research projects aimed at determining the nature of bottlenecks affecting the survival of young sturgeon. In addition, the facility will serve as a conservation tool to ensure the population does not go extinct while issues of reproductive failures is being determined and addressed. (The staff of the Hill Creek Hatchery welcome visitors from 8:30am to 3:00pm every day except Fridays. To schedule a group tour please call 250-369-2234.)

Most recent estimates put the upper Columbia population, between Hugh Keenleyside Dam and the Canada/US border at approximately 1,100 sturgeon. Nearly all of these are likely greater than 30 years of age, suggesting a population of aging fish with relatively few young to replace the old. This puts in question reproductive success, and survival of the young fry.

Bringing the white sturgeon back to the upper Columbia River is a large and difficult undertaking. Your participation can help the Recovery Initiative reach this worthwhile goal. There are several things the public can do. Report any illegal white sturgeon captures to Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection’s Observe Record Report hotline at 1-800-663-WILD (9453). On the US side, the hotline at 1-800-477-6224 can assist to access a Washington State Patrol Fish & Wildlife Enforcement Officer. What you know about the white sturgeon may be useful. Contact Recovery team members Colin Spence (250-354-6777), or Bob Hallock (509-893-8013) to pass on any new or historical information. If you see a dead or dying sturgeon, report it immediately to Colin Spence or the ministry office in Castlegar, BC (250-365-8611). White sturgeon carcasses have been reported in the Columbia River in the past, particularly near Castlegar and Trail, providing valuable information.

It may take years to bring white sturgeon populations back to a healthy number, and the costs will be significant. A number of organizations have already committed financial and inkind support towards the Recovery Initiative, and the list is growing. In the first year (2000-2001), $1.2 million was expended on research programs and modifications to the Hill Creek Hatchery. During year two (2001-2002), more than $900,000 will be spent. In the coming year (2002-2003), it is anticipated that an additional $1 million or more is needed to address recovery projects being planned. It is critical that we acquire enough funding to ensure the white sturgeon has a good chance of survival.

Financial contributions will help support research, public education, and other efforts. You can make a contribution to the Upper Columbia White Sturgeon Recovery Initiative by contacting one of the UCWSRI members listed below. All funds are managed by the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund (www.hctf.ca) for the initiative.

Research update

During 2001 14 projects were launched and the following have been completed:

In Nakusp, the Hill Creek Hatchery has been modified to raise white sturgeon fry as insurance against the possibility of extinction and to help researchers learn how to ensure reproductive success. Broodstock was captured and taken to the Hill Creek Hatchery for spawning, and then released near the catch sites. Two of the captured fish, a female which should spawn next year and a male, remain at the hatchery.

At Hill Creek, two female white sturgeon spawned successfully, and their eggs were fertilized by several males to create six separate families. The hatchery is now teaming with thousands of young sturgeon. In the spring of 2002, over 5000 sturgeon juveniles will be tagged and released into the upper Columbia River. Spawners (sturgeon that are ready to reproduce) were monitored near Waneta Dam in the spring of 2001 to determine the extent of spawning activity. More than 600 wild eggs were collected and 340 taken to the hatchery. While survival rates were low, 27 juvenile fish, about the size of large minnows, are alive today. Once they are larger, the juveniles will be tagged and released. Sampling activities have been conducted throughout the Lower Arrow Lake and at the mouths of tributaries to find and count spawning sturgeon.