Research Document 2016/113

Information in support of a recovery potential assessment of Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus) (Saskatchewan – Nelson rivers populations) in Alberta

By Sawatzky, C.D.

Abstract

In November 2012, a meeting of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) recommended that Bull Trout, Salvelinus confluentus, (Saskatchewan – Nelson rivers, Designatable Unit [DU] 4) be designated Threatened. The reason given for this designation is that, “Historical range contractions now limit the populations to the foothills and east slopes of the Rocky Mountains, likely in response to habitat deterioration and reduced habitat connectivity through damming of the larger rivers. No populations are abundant and more than half show evidence of decline” (COSEWIC 2012). Furthermore, due to the threats faced by these populations “an aggregate decline in abundance of ≥ 30% over the next three generations is projected” (COSEWIC 2012). This was the first assessment of Bull Trout by COSEWIC and it has not yet been listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA).

The Recovery Potential Assessment (RPA) was developed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to provide information and scientific advice needed to fulfill various requirements of the SARA, including informing both scientific and socio-economic elements of the listing decision and permitting activities that would otherwise violate SARA prohibitions, and the development of recovery strategies. This Research Document describes the current state of knowledge of the biology, ecology, distribution, population trends, habitat requirements and threats to Bull Trout in DU 4. Mitigation measures and alternative activities related to identified threats, which can be used to protect the species, are also presented. The RPA information may be used to inform the development of recovery documents and for assessing permits, agreements and related conditions, as per sections 73, 74, 75, 77, 78 and 83(4) of the SARA and to prepare for the reporting requirements of SARA section 55. The scientific information from the RPA also serves as advice to the DFO Minister regarding the listing of the species under the SARA. This assessment updates and consolidates the available scientific data pertaining to the recovery of Bull Trout (DU 4) in Alberta

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