The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC has recognized a Vanderhoof local for his commendable contributions to the recovery of the Nechako white sturgeon.
The FFSBC worked with a number of partners over an eight-year span to raise enough money to build the Nechako White Sturgeon Conservation Centre. It opened in June of 2014 to help mitigate the lack of successful spawning by the remaining sturgeon. Although a number of people contributed to bringing this project about, Brian Frenkel was particularly active in providing leadership to promote the recovery initiative, said Don Peterson, president of the FFSBC.
“He is a voice within the Vanderhoof community for supporting the development of the NWSCC and Nechako white sturgeon recovery in general,” said Mr. Peterson. “One of Mr. Frenkel’s roles as chair of the Community Working Group (part of the Nechako White Sturgeon Recovery Initiative) and councillor of the DOV, has been a strong voice for sturgeon conservation and recovery. For all of his efforts we want to recognize him for that by presenting him with a special White Sturgeon Pin.”
The pin is primarily used to recognize employees of the FFSBC that have completed 35 years or more of dedicated service to fisheries in BC. On rare occasions private individuals are presented the pin to recognize their acute contributions.
The board of directors of the FFSBC made the decision to recognize Brian Frenkel this past summer but decided to wait until Mr. Peterson was able to visit Vanderhoof and present it to him in person. The pin was given to Mr. Frenkel Nov. 19 during a congratulatory dinner hosted by the president of the FFSBC and Gerry Thiessen, mayor of Vanderhoof.
