SASKATOON STUDENTS RELEASE YOUNG STURGEON

Environment Minister David Forbes and students from the Saskatoon area are releasing young lake sturgeon into the South Saskatchewan River to highlight the need for education in support of the species.

"This has been a wonderful project," Forbes said. "Caring for these fish, watching them grow and now releasing them has been a valuable learning experience for these students. It helps the students to better understand the importance of lake sturgeon in the Saskatchewan ecosystem and the responsibility that we all share in the management and good stewardship of our fish and wildlife."


The fish released by the children were part of the Saskatchewan River Sturgeon Management Board's "Sturgeon in the Schools" program. The Board, created in 1998, works to prevent further decline of sturgeon in the Saskatchewan River system.

"Sturgeon are remarkable animals that symbolize our responsibility to ensure a healthy river," Partners for the Saskatchewan River Basin Manager Max Abraham said. "We are pleased to be part of this program. It has helped the young people understand the need to protect and conserve our environment."

The fish were released, along with fish the Minister had been raising, into the South Saskatchewan River at Meewasin Valley Park.

In March, 13 Grade three and four classes each received two lake sturgeon from the province's fish hatchery in Fort Qu'Appelle. The children were taught how to care for the fish.

Worldwide, many different sturgeon populations have declined, collapsed or face ongoing pressure. Recently the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada assessed sturgeon as being endangered on the prairie river systems.

"We are studying the implications of the Committee's assessment to see how it will affect us when the sturgeon becomes officially listed," Forbes said.

Anglers are reminded that they should not fish for sturgeon as a catch and release sport fish. Any sturgeon that is accidentally caught must be released immediately.

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For More Information, Contact:

Art Jones Environment Regina Phone: (306)787-5796 Cell: (306)536-8452