Six dead sturgeon found in net on Fraser River bank

Anglers along the Matsqui Trail in Abbotsford made a disturbing discovery this weekend: six sturgeon tangled inside a net and apparently left to die.

Bryan Bronswyck spotted them Saturday on the banks of the Fraser River on the Abbotsford side of the Mission Bridge.

"First I was sick to my stomach and then I observed it some more -- these fish looked like they had just been pulled out of the water".

The dead fish are causing concern because experts estimate there are only about 50,000 white sturgeon in the Lower Mainland region.

For decades there have been bans against fishing them commercially and recreational anglers have been obligated to release them.

• Learn more about sturgeon conservation efforts

Bronswyck said he contacted Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans but hasn't heard back.

"I would hate to assume who did this, it's obviously just someone who has no regards and is just thinking about [catching] salmon."

The Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) did not return CBC's request for comment yet.