An agreement has been reached that will see all 12,000 white sturgeon raised at the hatchery in Vanderhoof released into the Nechako River, Carrier Sekani Tribal Council said Monday.
"The parties agreed that this option may increase the potential for future genetic and over-population risks, but that they would monitor the issue and adaptively manage those risks, if and when they may arise," CSTC said in a media release.
CSTC has vociferously opposed a plan by the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the provincial Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations to destroy half the fish over concern they would be too many for the river to handle.
CSTC condemned the move as "highly culturally inappropriate" and suggested the excess fish should be sent to a commercial aquaculture facility or released into suitable lakes in the region.
"We're hopeful we can find a way to work together within our government-to-government relationship to agree upon an annual rearing and release plan, and contingencies, which are needed to ensure we avoid this situation in future years," CSTC chief Terry Teegee said.
The Nechako white sturgeon are listed as an endangered species under the federal Species at Risk Act.
A release by Vanderhoof school children is set for this Thursday, in addition to releases at other spots along the river.
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