Well this is what my e-mail from the ministry said.
Releasing White SturgeonThe majority of white sturgeon populations in British Columbia are listed under the federal Species at Risk Act and thus are not open to angling. Since populations in the Lower and Middle Fraser River are relatively healthy, they are able to support exciting world class white sturgeon fisheries. However, these populations are still vulnerable to impacts from angling, habitat destruction, pollution and salmon net fisheries and they are still provincially and nationally listed as endangered. White sturgeon can live for multiple decades so impacts or injuries can be long lasting. As such all sturgeon angling in the province is catch and release only, and will likely be more closely managed in the future.
Indications are that catch and release sturgeon angling is a low impact activity. However, to minimize harm to fish, extra care and attention must be taken to ensure their health and survival and maintain this treasured fishery. Please abide by the following capture and handling practices:
1. Make sure that your tackle is heavy enough to handle these very large fish. Play and release fish as rapidly as possible. A fish played for too long may not recover.
2. Only barbless hooks are permitted while sturgeon angling in the province. In addition, you should carry long needle-nose or surgical pliers, or a special hook remover. Grab the bend or round portion of the hook with your pliers, twist pliers upside down, and the hook will dislodge. Be quick, but gentle.
3. A fish that is deeply hooked, hooked on or near the gills, or bleeding profusely has a much lower chance of survival once released. You can improve its chances by cutting the leader and releasing the fish with the hook left in. The line will rot and the hook will drop out in a short time.
4. Leave the fish in the water wherever possible. A fish suffocates when it’s out of water, and is also more at risk of internal injuries due to its own weight, especially if it is large (greater than 1.5 m in length). Take the time to hold the fish in the water to recover. Point the fish upstream into the current while reviving it. When the fish begins to struggle and swim normally, let it go.
5. If you must handle a fish, then do so with care. Keep your fingers away from the gills out of the gill plates, and don't squeeze. If you want photographs, then leave the fish in the water if it’s a larger fish. A smaller fish can be supported by cradling it underneath and behind the front fins and just forward of the tail. Have your camera ready so the fish is only briefly disturbed
Lower Mainland Mailing/Location Address:
Ministry of Environment
Environmental Stewardship Division
10470-152 Street
Surrey, B.C. V3R 0Y3
Telephone: 604 582-5222
Facsimile: 604 930-7119
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Topic: Sturgeon Rules (Read 2405 times)