The White Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) is North America’s largest freshwater sport fish. It is limited in Canada to six populations located in the Columbia, Nechako, Kootenay and Fraser rivers.
In 2006, four of the six White Sturgeon populations (Columbia, Nechako, Kootenay and upper Fraser) were listed as endangered species under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). As a result of that listing, angling is prohibited on these populations.
The lower and middle Fraser River White Sturgeon populations were not included in the 2006 SARA listing because of the potential for negative socio-economic impacts on First Nations and the sport fishing industry. The middle and lower sections of the Fraser River provide the only opportunities in Canada to angle for the species.
To ensure that the lower and middle Fraser River populations are managed sustainably over the long term, the Ministry of Environment is proposing the implementation of a sturgeon conservation surcharge stamp. The surcharge would authorize anglers to participate in the White Sturgeon catch-and-release fishery, and would allow managers to track White Sturgeon angler numbers and assess their catches.
Revenue generated from the sale of the sturgeon conservation stamp would be directed to a dedicated account outside of government for investment in White Sturgeon fisheries management activities. The cost of the surcharge would vary depending on the residency of the angler (resident, non-resident or non-resident alien) and the period that the angler chooses to fish for (1-day, 8-day and annual fee options).
