Capture of a 145 lb lake sturgeon near the community of Cumberland House, Saskatchewan, 1961

Why a Saskatchewan River Sturgeon Management Board?

  • Lake sturgeon have always been an important resource for people living along the lower Saskatchewan River.
  • Sturgeon not only provide a traditional food source, but also supported a commercial fishery for over 110 years.
  • Over-harvesting and habitat changes (resulting from municipal and industrial water use, irrigation and hydroelectric development) have caused a drastic reduction in the sturgeon population in the lower Saskatchewan River during the latter half of the 20th century.
  • The SRSMB was formed to prevent further population decline and work towards recovery.