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Students name and release sturgeons

Over six hundred students participated in last Thursday's juvenile sturgeon release into the Nechako river
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Student with the juvenile sturgeon he will name and release.

Over six hundred students participated in last Thursday's juvenile sturgeon release into the Nechako river at Riverside Park. "There were smiles all day, even when we were hit by one of the biggest rain storms of the year. Good job everyone." said Michelle Roberge of the Nechako White Sturgeon Recovery Initative (NWSRI).

Like in previous years, before releasing into the river, students could each name their one year old sturgeon that was raised at the Conservation Centre. After releasing their sturgeon students had free time to go around and visit information tents to learn directly from nature experts about fish biology, the watershed, invertebrates and much more! After a hot dog lunch hosted by the District of Vanderhoof, students were able to have a quick tour of the Conservation Centre.

 

Gerry Thiessen,

Vanderhoof Mayor:

"Great day at the Sturgeon Release today, at least until the rain came. Thanks to all the volunteers that made this day such a great success. It was good to have a number of 'out of town' elected come to enjoy the day, they included Minister Shirley Bond, our MP Todd Doherty, and chair Art Kahean of the Regional District of Fraser Fort George. While we were checking out the big fish, suddenly a school class showed up, it was an enjoyable time."

 

Wayne Salewski,

NWSRI Community Working Group:

"The Community Working Group was very pleased and excited with the turnout and participation in the release of several hundred juvenile Nechako White Sturgeon at our annual release event. Thursday saw school children, political leaders and community gathering at Riverside Park to name and release their fish into the Nechako River.

"We saw multiple schools and families attend the event from Houston to Takla and all points in-between as they travelled to Vanderhoof for the day. and As usual we had great support from our Mayor and Council, School District 91 and our many corporate sponsors that make this event even better by their presence."

 

Todd Doherty,

Member of Parliament Cariboo-Prince George, Official Opposition Critic Fisheries, Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard:

"The White Sturgeon release and success of the Nechako White Sturgeon Conservation Centre is a true testament to what a community can do when all members are focused and committed to the goal of a project.

Collectively, the friends and families of Vanderhoof and surrounding communities have created a facility that is arguably the most technologically advanced of its kind in North America and given a species at risk a fighting chance.

This is something to be incredibly proud of and should be celebrated."

 

Gareth Manderson,

General Manager Rio Tinto BC Works:

"It was a pleasure to be here today to witness the sturgeon release and to be part of an event that provides a learning opportunity for so many children from the region.

"Rio Tinto is committed to supporting the Nechako White Sturgeon Recovery Initiative to establish a self-sustaining sturgeon population in of the Nechako River.