They
Should Be Breeding
As
discussed above, the Nechako white sturgeon are genetically
distinct from sturgeon stocks in the Lower, Middle and Upper
Fraser, and information collected since the 1980's recently
confirmed that the white sturgeon population in the Nechako
has suffered a “recruitment failure.” If the current trend
continues there won't be any Nechako sturgeon in 40-50 years.
Scientists
are not entirely sure why juveniles are not recruiting to
or joining the population. A few possible reasons are:
- Nechako White sturgeon are not compelled
to spawn due to river conditions.
- Nechako White sturgeon are not spawning
successfully.
- Nechako White sturgeon are spawning,
but the subsequent eggs or juvenile fish are not surviving.
It
is a complex issue to understand, and Scientists are continuing
to work to identify the nature of this problem and its cause.
In
the spring of 2004, scientists observed white sturgeon spawning
in the Nechako River near Vanderhoof. Subsequent to the spawning
event, sturgeon eggs and a larva were captured, confirming
that spawning can successfully occur. This increased our understanding
of the Nechako issues considerably.
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