These fish are an important part of British Columbia's natural heritage, residing primarily in the Fraser and Columbia river watersheds. Within those systems, six distinct populations of white sturgeon occur in the lower, middle and upper Fraser River, Nechako River, Columbia River and Kootenay River.

White sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) is the largest freshwater fish species in Canada. Their armour-plated, torpedo-shaped bodies can exceed six metres in length and weigh up to 635 kilograms. Individuals can live to be more than 100 years of age, and this unique species has persisted relatively unchanged for millions of years.