White sturgeon are North America’s largest and longest-lived freshwater fish, reaching a maximum size of six metres (19 feet) and 682 kilograms (1,500 pounds). Their bony bodies and massive size make them seem like a throwback to dinosaur days, but these unique creatures are still swimming in the depths of local lakes.
Not only do they look ancient, they can live to be very old as well. It has been estimated that the life expectancy of the prehistoric-looking fish can exceed more than a century.
Current population estimates show that within the Canadian portion of the upper Columbia River basin approximately 50 adults reside in the Arrow Lakes Reservoir, with an additional 1,500 wild fish downstream of Hugh Keenlyside Dam in Castlegar. Researchers have recorded spawning, but have found very few young fish, indicating that few young sturgeon are surviving to adulthood.
This year marks the fifth year that BC Hydro, the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. in partnership with the Revelstoke Rod and Gun Club will be hosting a release event downstream of Revelstoke Dam. A total of 7,500 ten-month old juvenile white sturgeon raised from eggs collected from wild white sturgeon will be released during the event to help recover Columbia River white sturgeon populations.
The release of the juvenile sturgeon is a free public event, and runs between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Tuesday May 8, at the Shelter Bay Provincial Park boat launch just north of the Shelter Bay ferry landing, approximately 50 kilometres south of Revelstoke on Highway 23. If you’re planning to attend the event, keep in mind you can reduce your footprint by carpooling.
For more information contact BC Hydro at 250-814-6645.
