Nechako River: This endangered species is 175 million years old and needs your help

There’s an ancient inhabitant in British Columbia, as old as the dinosaurs, but it’s in some distress.

The white sturgeon — the largest fresh water fish in Canada — is a species that’s a fantastic 175-million years old.

Sadly, these fish are officially an endangered species in the Nechako River and elsewhere, so the people at the Nechako White Sturgeon Conservation Centre hatchery are doing their best to save them.

It’s thought that there are only about 630 adult white sturgeon in the Nechako system, and very few of the giant fish manage to generate young that are naturally spawned.

Although the facility was closed due to the COVID-19 crisis, it generally has an annual sturgeon release, educational tours and other events. Please check this website when planning your future visits to determine accessibility and operating hours.

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