Can You Handle It? Guide to Angling Sturgeon in British Columbia, Canada

Catch and release angling for White Sturgeon is a popular activity and can be low impact if extra care is taken for fish health and survival. 

To sustain this treasured fishery, White Sturgeon conservationists and advocates joined the Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society (FRSCS) to create a series of guidelines for angling sturgeon in British Columbia, Canada.  The resulting ‘best practice’ document encompasses expertise from senior fisheries biologists, provincial and federal fisheries authorities, as well as professional and recreational anglers.  It is currently the primary reference for sturgeon handling protocols for this fishery and is used to educate anglers as well as support conservation enforcement efforts.  It has also lead to a significant change in angler behavior as guideline awareness levels increase.

The FRSCS “Can you handle it?” challenges whether the angler can ‘handle’ the experience, and asks if they ready to handle the sturgeon they encounter in accordance with these important guidelines. The FRSCS developed an online video tutorial for all anglers preparing for a sturgeon encounter (release in Spring 2015).

Joined by Tony Nootebos, Owner, Guide, BC Sportfishing Group, Ms. Schreier’s presentation includes development, and communication of these guidelines and the creation of the online video tutorial.