Thursday September 8, 2022
Richmond News —
Scientists from B.C.’s provincial government are investigating a spike in dead sturgeons after 11 adult fish were found dead on the Nechako River over the past week.
The fish — which can weigh hundreds of kilograms, grow to up to six metres long and live for more than 100 years — showed no signs of external injuries. Laboratory results indicate they didn’t die from disease, chemical exposure or due to the activities of anglers or gill net fishers.
“It’s definitely a concern,” said Steve McAdam, the sturgeon recovery lead for the province. “It doesn’t point to water quality because you’d see other fish dead.”
McAdam wouldn’t speculate on what may have caused the deaths. He said his partners in the field are busy collecting samples and are preparing for necropsies in Prince George next week.