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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.

FRSCS to be Inducted into the FRDC Fraser River Hall of Fame

Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society to be Inducted into the FRDC Fraser River Hall of Fame “A significant Fraser River organization will be honoured on June 11th, 2025”

New Westminster, BC – The Fraser River Discovery Centre Society (FRDCS) will induct the Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society (FRSCS) in its Fraser River Hall of Fame on June 11th, 2025. The Hall of Fame Gala will take place at the Aria Convention Centre in Surrey.

Since its founding in 1997 by Rick Hansen, the FRSCS has been dedicated to the conservation and restoration of wild Fraser River white sturgeon. As an environmental stewardship and research organization, the FRSCS brings together a diverse community of stakeholders – leaders, all areas of government and First Nations, commercial and recreational fishing sectors, research and education – to work together and make a difference for Fraser River white sturgeon.

“This is a profound honour for the Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society (FRSCS). Our induction into the Hall of Fame recognizes the visionary leadership of our founder Rick Hansen and celebrates the diverse and dedicated community that has come together since 1997 to protect and restore one of the Fraser River’s most remarkable species,” said FRSCS Executive Director Sarah Schreier. “The white sturgeon is more than just a threatened species —it is a symbol of the river’s vitality. Its conservation is a shared responsibility that requires collective action, grounded in science and research and sustained by community. This honour reflects the power of collaboration, and we hope it inspires future generations to carry this important work forward.”

In 1991, the Fraser River Discovery Centre Society established the Fraser River Hall of Fame to recognize and honour individuals or organizations that have made significant and noteworthy contributions to the health and sustainability of the Fraser River, its culture, people, industry, and environment. Past inductees have included Musqueam leader Wendy Grant (1996), founding FRDC patron Lucille Johnstone (2000), founder and chair of both BC Rivers Day and World Rivers Day, Mark Angelo (2014), the City of New Westminster (2017), environmental advocate Fin Donnelly, MLA (2021) and Dr. Brian Riddell, former CEO and President of the Pacific Salmon Foundation (2018).

Tickets are on sale now and the silent auction will begin on May 27. More information can be found at https://fraserriverdiscovery.org/halloffame/. All proceeds from the gala support the operations and programming at the Fraser River Discovery Centre. The FRDCS is a non-profit organization committed to sharing the environmental, cultural, and economic significance of the Fraser River with learners of all ages through exhibits, programs, and special events.

This year’s Fraser River Hall of Fame Gala is sponsored by Parkland Corporation, DP World, and the Pacific Salmon Foundation. Organizations interested in sponsoring the event can contact the Fraser River Discovery Centre Society.

For further information contact:
Fraser River Discovery Centre
Karen Lee
Executive Director
klee@fraserriverdiscovery.org
T: 604 521 8401 ex 104

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