Difference Maker: a problem is something you can solve.
At the twice annual sturgeon series event (which raised over $18,000 for sturgeon) Rick Hansen shared his version of how the Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society was formed.
He was sturgeon fishing with Fred Helmer back in the early 90's and Fred regaled Rick with a story of how he caught a 13 foot sturgeon (when there was a kill fishery in the 70's) and the sheer abundance of caviar that spilled from the fish made him realize that if harvesting of these magnificent fish continued, they would eventually reach their demise.
That day prompted Fred to become one of the first guides to practice catch and release only.
After hearing this story come from Fred's mouth, and after catching, fighting and releasing some sturgeon with Fred that day in the 90's, Rick was inspired. What could he do to make a difference? And thus the Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society was born. This is a pioneer program showing how a little support can go a long way in species recovery! Over 40,000 fish have been tagged for the society by our guides and other volunteers. Rick's decision to be a difference maker has helped to promote a promising future for a species considered at risk.
I hope this little story inspires you to be a difference maker- consider adopting your next sturgeon! It's an amazing way to support the program and follow your fish through its incredibly long life! It's a good idea to come fishing first- then you can say you've met your adoptee face to face, who knows maybe your grandkids will meet him or her on the river one day long after you're gone!