Science Response 2013/012

Review of control and eradication activities in 2010 to 2012 targeting Smallmouth Bass in Miramichi Lake, New Brunswick

Context

In August 2008, the presence of the non-native Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) was confirmed in Miramichi Lake, in the headwaters of the Southwest Miramichi River in New Brunswick. A risk assessment of the possible impact of this non-native species introduction on the Miramichi River system, and on Atlantic Salmon in particular, concluded that the overall risk to aquatic species in Miramichi Lake was considered to be high with low uncertainty whereas the risk of potential impacts to the ecosystem of the Miramichi River and other rivers of the Gulf Region was moderate with high uncertainty (DFO 2009). Following on the risk assessment, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) in collaboration with the watershed groups and the province of New Brunswick initiated a three-year containment, control and eradication program beginning in 2010. Following on the completion of the third year of the program, a review of the activities, results, and advice on the next steps was requested by DFO Science Branch and DFO Ecosystems and Fisheries Management Branch. The total abundance of Smallmouth Bass adults in Miramichi Lake was low and was further reduced in each year of the program. While successful spawning occurred in all three years of the program, the abundance of young of the year decreased substantially in each year. As the abundance of Smallmouth Bass was reduced, it has become more difficult to assess the presence of adult bass in Miramichi Lake. Preferred spawning locations have been identified which can be used to focus future activities with the objective of preventing spawning and ultimately recruitment to the lake. This Science Response Report results from the Science Special Response Process of March 7 2013 which reviewed the control and eradication activities of 2010 to 2012 that targeted Smallmouth Bass in Miramichi Lake, New Brunswick.

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