PRINCE GEORGE - Funding of $152,000 is being provided to protect white sturgeon in the Prince George area, Water, Land and Air Protection Minister Joyce Murray announced today at a news conference at The Exploration Place in Prince George.

"The province is committed to ensuring strong, sustainable management of our fish and wildlife for future generations," said Murray. "This funding supports that goal."

"Today's funding is a great example of what can be achieved through partnerships," said Prince George North MLA Pat Bell. "Government is supporting the efforts of the Nechako River White Sturgeon Recovery Initiatives recovery team to preserve this important local species."

"The Nechako white sturgeon is of great importance to our local community," said Shirley Bond, Prince George-Mount Robson MLA and Minister of Advanced Education. "This funding will help protect and restore this ancient species by improving our knowledge and scientific understanding of the fish and its habitat in the Nechako River."

During the last few years, studies have shown that the Nechako white sturgeon, a genetically distinct population, is declining. The funds, delivered through the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund, will support the recovery planning needed to rebuild a self-sustaining Nechako white sturgeon population.

The funding, part of government's provincewide commitment to protecting species-at-risk, will support the efforts the Nechako River White Sturgeon Recovery Initiatives. The initiative is a partnership effort including all orders of government, First Nations, industry and stakeholders. As well as providing administration and support for the team, the funding will also allow the team to do planning that is essential for the sturgeon to thrive in the Nechako.

"This funding will go a long way toward developing First Nations technical capacity and increasing our role in the recovery of this valuable species," said Chief Harry Pierre of the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council. "It will help maintain our recovery team, and allow us to develop a plan for the recovery of the white sturgeon in the Nechako River."

"The sturgeon is one of our planet's greatest survivors," said Murray. "It has been around for nearly 200 million years, it survived when the dinosaurs perished, and this government is committed to protecting it."  

Contact:

Liz Bicknell
Communications Director
250 387-9973