Lake Sturgeon populations in both the Saskatchewan and Churchill River systems in Saskatchewan are currently being reviewed to determine if protection under the federal Species at Risk Act is required. If listed, both sturgeon and their habitat will be protected.
SaskPower actively undertakes research to collect information on sturgeon for potential listing. SaskPower also participates on both the Saskatchewan and Churchill river recovery teams, that are organized through Fisheries and Oceans Canada and are tasked with developing recovery strategies in case sturgeon are listed under the Act.
Saskatchewan River Sturgeon Management Board
SaskPower is one of the founding members of the Saskatchewan River Sturgeon Management Board. We continue to be an active member on this board, with a mandate to prevent the further decline of lake sturgeon in the Saskatchewan River, downstream of E.B. Campbell Hydroelectric Station.
As part of this mandate, we
- Sponsor the Sturgeon Index Fishing Program, which is coordinated by the Ministry of Environment and conducted by Cumberland House fishers
- Funded the development of the Saskatchewan River Sturgeon Management Board website
- Contribute funds to activities identified by the Board including education and recovery plan development
Research at Island Falls provided data regarding sturgeon population and habitat in the Churchill River, impacts from the original installation of the dam, information on areas upstream and downstream that were affected by the dam and potential opportunities to recover the sturgeon population if listed or designated under the federal Species at Risk Act.
Saskatchewan Watershed Authority
We've funded three years of sturgeon-related research by the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority. This research includes habitat, population and genetic data for sturgeon specifically on the Saskatchewan River near Prince Albert. This research will provide a clearer understanding of the operation of power production facilities on sturgeon and other fish species.
Canadian Electricity Association
The Canadian Electricity Association is developing a compliance framework with the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, under a joint Memorandum of Understanding. We are an active member of the Canadian Electricity Association, which is working on the implementation of a federal Existing Facilities Position Statement and a Fish Mortality Position Statement, as well as other emerging policies related to fish and fish habitat.
