White Sturgeon of the Nechako and Stuart Watersheds; A Conservation Crisis Presentation by: Christina Ciesielski Presentation by: Christina Ciesielski Carrier Sekani Tribal Council Carrier Sekani Tribal Council

White Sturgeon Distribution Nechako River White Sturgeon In the Fraser, there are 4 distinct stock groups In the Fraser, there are 4 distinct stock groups Genetically distinct, uniquely adapted to Nechako; Genetically distinct, uniquely adapted to Nechako; Approximately 350 wild fish remain; Approximately 350 wild fish remain; –Few juveniles ever captured; (3 in 2007) - Will likely be “genetically extinct” (unrecoverable) within 20 years without some form of intervention; Cause of “Recruitment failure” appears to be habitat related; Cause of “Recruitment failure” appears to be habitat related; One spawning site identified at Vanderhoof One spawning site identified at Vanderhoof

The white sturgeon conservation issue; What the CSTC is Doing About it Adult Sampling Adult Sampling –Monitoring and learning more about the Nechako’s population –The relationship of the Stuart system and Fraser Lake Assisting with other research initiatives Assisting with other research initiatives –Spawn monitoring –Larval studies Juvenile Sampling Juvenile Sampling –Monitoring juvenile numbers is key to understanding the population’s status

The white sturgeon conservation issue; What the CSTC is Doing About it Pilot hatchery operations – very specific purpose – 6 month rearing period – 100% marked Pilot hatchery operations – very specific purpose – 6 month rearing period – 100% marked

What you can do to help What you can do to help FSC fisheries for sockeye have an impact FSC fisheries for sockeye have an impact –Modify your FSC fishing activities Frequent checking of nets (100% observation if possible) Frequent checking of nets (100% observation if possible) Don’t fish in locations where by-captures are frequent if possible (i.e. fish cleaning stations) Don’t fish in locations where by-captures are frequent if possible (i.e. fish cleaning stations) –Release all live by-captured sturgeon (carefully) Don’t drag the sturgeon into the boat or onto shore, don’t noose them, cut your net if necessary Don’t drag the sturgeon into the boat or onto shore, don’t noose them, cut your net if necessary Sturgeon are tough fish – give them every available opportunity to recover from capture Sturgeon are tough fish – give them every available opportunity to recover from capture –Report any encounters to your community’s catch monitor – regardless of whether the fish was released alive or not (they will provide further assistance) –We want to collect samples from any dead sturgeon

The Hatchery Release Event; How you can get involved (& help) Hatchery sturgeon release event 2006,2007. An even larger event is planned for 2008 Hatchery sturgeon release event 2006,2007. An even larger event is planned for 2008 –Involving the younger generations is key

The Hatchery Release Event The intent is to have broad participation from schools in all CSTC area communities. Christina is the key contact for ensuring the involvement of children from your community

Thank You for Listening!! ??Questions?? Contact: Christina Ciesielski, Senior Fisheries Technician Carrier Sekani Tribal Council Toll free: Fax: