What steps are being taken to protect the white sturgeon?
Biologists are conducting extensive research and monitoring of white sturgeon throughout the upper Columbia River basin. Results of the research will provide critical information about what these fish require for their survival. Fertilization programs are also underway to restore depleted nutrients within reservoirs. Since 2001, UCWSRI partners have undertaken a conservation fish culture program at two Canadian hatcheries, the initial pilot work from the Hill Creek Hatchery near Nakusp until February 2002, and subsequently the Kootenay Sturgeon Conservation Hatchery, located at the Kootenay Trout Hatchery site near Cranbrook. The current facility cultures both upper Columbia and Kootenay River white sturgeon. During February 2004, U.S. Initiative partners assisted in part of the rearing and release program of 2003 brood juveniles at their pilot facility, Columbia Basin Hatchery, Moses Lake, Washington state. Currently both are rearing and released upper Columbia white sturgeon juvenile
