Prehistoric Monsters Are Swimming In The Fraser…Don’t Panic!
Next time you are walking along the banks of the Fraser, keep an eye out for Wobbly Bob, Mister P. Caker and Big Joe. They may be quite difficult to spot but if you do see them, you won’t forget. These three characters are white sturgeons that may have been living in the deeper waters of the Fraser River for up to 150 years.
Wobbly Bob and his colleagues have been sponsored by far-sighted donors who can track the progress of their sturgeon on the The Fraser River Conservation Society (FRCS) website. They have been tagged by FRCS as part of an effort to boost their numbers. Like River District, whose conservation efforts are mainly on dry land, the FRCS is committed to the regeneration of the Fraser as a wildlife habitat.
Did you know that of the 73 species of freshwater fish found in the province, an amazing 41 species inhabit the Fraser River! This river really is vital to the future of BC’s ecosystems—and to the health of the whole Pacific Northwest biosphere.
But let’s get back to prehistoric times. How will you recognize Wobbly Bob? Think big. An adult sturgeon can measure up to 6 metres in length, weighing in at over 620kg. The sturgeon has a big dorsal fin and barbells— whiskers on their mouth like catfish.
The Fraser River’s unique habitat is vital to the survival of this species that remains unchanged from prehistory. The river is deep enough and warm enough for sturgeon eggs to hatch.
Speaking of eggs, there’s still hope that Wobbly Bob is not, in fact, a real Bob. Researchers hope Bob might be a she.
If that’s the case, given her size, she is probably well over 30 years old, a ripe age for spawning. Mature females can release up to 4 million eggs. Unfortunately, the fast-flowing Fraser and a multitude of predators means that few survive. Researchers are working out how best to help increase the population, currently 40,000 down from over 150,000 in 1880.
The next Fraser River Sturgeon Series will be in July 2011. Last year, 86 sturgeon were caught and released. Many of the larger specimens, like Wobbly Bob, were adopted for $100 or more. Only one question remains—what will you call your sturgeon?
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