Research Document 2016/109

Information in support of the identification of critical habitat for the Cowichan (Vancouver) Lamprey (Entosphenus macrostomus)

By MacConnachie, S., and Wade, J.

Abstract

Critical habitat is proposed for the Cowichan (Vancouver) Lamprey (Entosphenus macrostomus) in Cowichan and Mesachie lakes, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.  The Cowichan Lamprey is currently listed as Threatened on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act under the scientific name Lampetra macrostoma.  It was recently reclassified as E. macrostomus by the American Fisheries Society in the 7th edition of the Common and Scientific Names of Fishes from the Unites States, Canada, and Mexico. The Cowichan Lamprey is endemic to Cowichan and Mesachie lakes and any habitat that is critical for the survival and recovery for this species should be afforded protection. Given the endemism of the species and the distribution of habitats for various life stages, the critical habitat for the Cowichan Lamprey is recommended as Cowichan and Mesachie lakes in their entirety, the adjoining waterways and 100 metres upstream of tributaries into the lakes.

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