[BCMA] Dinosaurs in the River at the Fraser River Discovery Centre

[Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv.]

Media Release

For Immediate Release

November 4, 2010

 

Dinosaurs in the River

 

New Westminster, BC - Something ancient lurks just below the surface of the
Fraser River. On Saturday November 20 from 1:00 to 3:30pm the whole family
will have a chance to get to know the mysterious White Sturgeon during the
family program, Living Dinosaurs: Shadows of the Fraser at the Fraser River
Discovery Centre.

 

Sturgeon are amazing fish. They have been around since the time of the
dinosaurs, can live to be over 150 years old and can reach lengths over 6
metres long! Shannon King, Education Coordinator, explains, "The sturgeon
look a bit like a shark, but has no teeth. It comes with its own set of
armour for protection from predators. It has whisker-like barbels that help
it find its food in the silty waters of the Fraser River. It is extremely
well adapted to life in the Fraser River. It is a giant fish that has
survived for millions of years, but now it is an endangered species"

 

In 1993, approximately 34 large adult sturgeon washed up on the shores of
the Fraser River near New Westminster, and no one could identify why they
died. The following year First Nations people, conservationists and the
government came together to ban sturgeon fishing for harvest. Today, the
sturgeon is a catch and release fishery. A strong conservation program is in
place to monitor the health of the population and educate the public about
the fish. 

 

During the family program, Living Dinosaurs, visitors to the Discovery
Centre can get eye to eye with a 3m long sturgeon model, check out real
specimens of the eggs, larva and fry, and play a sturgeon survival game to
see who will be the ultimate survivor. There will be story-time, a puppet
show and crafts for younger children, and a presentation and conservation
lab for those keen to know more about sturgeon conservation efforts. There
will be something for everyone in the family to discover this amazing fish
together! 

 

Come to the Fraser River Discovery Centre Saturday November 20 from 1:00 to
3:30pm for Living Dinosaurs and learn all about the Fraser River's most
mysterious resident, the white sturgeon.

 

The Fraser River Discovery Centre is an interpretive centre connecting
communities in discovery and celebration of the living, working Fraser
River. It is located at 788 Quayside Drive, New Westminster. The Discovery
Centre is open Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm. Admission is by donation
for the exhibit galleries.

 

-30-

 

Photo information
George the White Sturgeon - Shannon King, Fraser River Discovery Centre
Education Coordinator, with George, the Discovery Centre's white sturgeon
puppet.

 

For more information, please contact:

 -- 

Kathleen Bertrand | Exhibit and Communication Coordinator

Fraser River Discovery Centre

788 Quayside Drive 

New Westminster, BC V3M 6Z6 Canada

T 604.521.8401 ext. 104  |*F 604.521.9401

www.fraserriverdiscovery.org

 

 

To restore the river to health, we first have to comprehend it. - Alan
Haig-Brown The Fraser River

 

* Do you need to print this email? Please consider the environmental impact
before printing.

 

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