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The Sturgeon Chronicle

Education & Experience Outreach Program

To foster a deeper connection between local communities and youth, FRSCS participates in outreach events, information sessions and community discussions to emphasize the importance of sturgeon conservation, and recognize that the future of sturgeon lies in the hands of today’s youth. FRSCS has developed an immersive, student program that brings the classroom to the Fraser River, giving youth the opportunity to encounter these remarkable fish in their natural habitat. Aligned with curriculum-based learning, the program offers a powerful lens into conservation, ecosystems, and environmental stewardship through an inclusive and fully accessible experience on the Fraser River.

Experience Program

Designed to increase outreach and awareness, the Experience Program introduces people to White Sturgeon and inspires people to help make a difference. Each Experience Day includes active participation in our data collection efforts for the Lower Fraser River White Sturgeon Monitoring and Assessment Program, along with opportunities to learn more about the Fraser River and White Sturgeon from our FRSCS Accredited Guide Team.

Ghost Gear Removal Initiative

Lost or abandoned ghost gear remains in the river, continuing to intercept and kill sturgeon and other non-targeted species after a fishery is closed. We save countless sturgeon and other nontargeted species, including fish, other wildlife, and birds by removing the ghost gear from the Lower Fraser River.

Juvenile Sturgeon Population and Habitat Assessment Program

Our data is showing a troubling low levels of juvenile sturgeon numbers. Immediate support is needed to prioritize research on these young fish to identify the key factors affecting their survival and determine the necessary actions to reverse this trend. The survival of juvenile sturgeon is at risk, and we must act now to protect their future.

Lower Fraser River White Sturgeon Monitoring and Assessment Program

Volunteer-driven, this world-class research and conservation program is the only one of its kind, dedicated to collecting data within a core assessment area that covers over 200 linear river kilometers of the lower Fraser River and its tributaries downstream of Hells Gate. The data collection efforts are unmatched, providing us independent, unbiased, peer-reviewed reporting on this incredible species and comprehensive insights such as the declining trends in abundance and growth rates as an area of ongoing concern.

Tagging Program

An operational initiative to ensure scanners, tags and slings are provided to the volunteers who collect sturgeon data, supplying the tools, technology, and field resources they need to safely and effectively contribute to our Lower Fraser River White Sturgeon Monitoring and Assessment Program.

2024 News Release

Fraser-Sturgeon-Sampling

CONSERVATIONISTS CELEBRATE OVER $110K RAISED FOR WHITE STURGEON; 
CURRENT STOCK ASSESSMENT JUST RELEASED ‘CONCERNING BUT HOPEFUL’

Successful result of fundraising efforts is critical given the recent population assessment and trends for Lower Fraser River White Sturgeon. The current status is described as “concerning but hopeful.” 

Vancouver, BC – The Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society (FRSCS) announced today the successful results of its annual “Keeping the Legend Alive! FRSCS Sturgeon Conservation Challenge and Gala Awards Dinner and Auction fundraiser, raising over $110K for sturgeon conservation.  The only event of its kind, the Challenge event brings together passionate, sturgeon conservation enthusiasts to help collect data, engage in some friendly competition for prizes, and to raise much needed funds to support the FRSCS efforts.  100% of the proceeds support conservation of White Sturgeon. 

This announcement comes on the heels of the recent completion of updated abundance estimates using all available data through 2023, indicating a continued decline in the overall population.  Data also suggests that the overall rate of decline of juvenile sturgeon has appeared to slow, inspiring hope for the future, however, additional data is needed.  While the data also shows the mature adult population is increasing, the overall decline in abundance levels represents a significant concern for the reproductive future of the species. 

Since the launch of the program in 2000, over 190,880 samples have been collected by program volunteers. The abundance estimate for sturgeon aged 7-55 years, in the study area in up to 2023 is just over 50,000 individuals. The estimates for all years from 2000-2021 are higher than are those previously reported but still show a declining trend since 2006.  The increase in the annual abundance estimates is the result of incorporating new data from 2022 and 2023 and modifications to the population assessment model to account for the observed decline in sturgeon growth rates.  These declining trends in abundance and growth rates are ongoing concerns. Declines in the abundance of Fraser salmon and eulachon in the lower Fraser River each year are likely the key factors affecting the growth rate for sturgeon. 

“We are grateful for our Sturgeon Conservation Challenge participants and to everyone who helped raise funds through our Keeping the Legend Alive Gala Awards Dinner and Auction,” said Robert Reyerse, FRSCS Chair. “Given the significant concern regarding the long-term sustainability of sturgeon, another successful year of our event means we can keep the sturgeon recovery moving forward.”

John Rissling, FRSCS Fundraising Chair said, “This event is a unique opportunity for sturgeon champions to come together and help inspire other to get involved and learn more about what we can all do to make a difference. We have to keep our focus on a future for this incredible species and it is clear from our data that they need our help.”

The FRSCS is a research-based, independent, and unbiased non-profit organization dedicated to the recovery and protection of White Sturgeon.  FRSCS monitoring, assessment, and research activities help to identify and address issues that may impact the recovery and survival of White Sturgeon. 

FRSCS Lower River White Sturgeon Monitoring and Assessment Program – Program Summary 2023


For more information contact:
Sarah Schreier, Executive Director, FRSCS
Email: sarah@frasersturgeon.com Phone: 778-322-7345

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