Science Response 2021/008

Recovery Potential Assessment for Lake Chub (Couesius plumbeus), Liard Hot Springs and Atlin Warm Springs Populations

Context

After the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) assesses an aquatic species as Threatened, Endangered or Extirpated, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) undertakes a number of actions required to support implementation of the Species at Risk Act (SARA). Many of these actions require scientific information on the current status of the wildlife species, threats to its survival and recovery, and the feasibility of recovery. Formulation of this scientific advice has typically been developed through a Recovery Potential Assessment (RPA) that is conducted shortly after the COSEWIC assessment. This timing allows for consideration of peer-reviewed scientific analyses into SARA processes, including listing and recovery planning.

Liard Hot Springs and Atlin Warm Springs designatable units (DUs) or populations of Lake Chub (Couesius plumbeus) were assessed as Threatened by COSEWIC in the fall of 2018 (COSEWIC 2018). Although Lake Chub are the most widespread minnow in North America (McPhail 2007), the Liard Hot Springs and Atlin Warm Springs populations are confined to two unique thermal spring environments in northern British Columbia (McPhail 2007). Very little is known about these two populations. The state of knowledge is found within a few text books, field reports and the COSEWIC assessment. Normally when a RPA is undertaken a working paper is developed and a Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) regional peer review is held. Given the paucity of data and lack of both internal and external expertise, the Science Response format was chosen to summarize the information and respond to the elements of the Terms of Reference in the most efficient and effective way possible.

In support of listing recommendations for Lake Chub (Liard Hot Springs and Atlin Warm Springs populations), DFO Science has been asked to undertake a RPA, based on the national RPA Guidance. The advice in the RPA may be used to inform both scientific and socio-economic aspects of the listing decision, development of a recovery strategy and action plan, and to support decision making with regards to the issuance of permits or agreements, and the formulation of exemptions and related conditions, as per sections 73, 74, 75, 77, 78 and 83(4) of SARA. The advice in the RPA may also be used to prepare for the reporting requirements of SARA s.55. The advice generated via this process will update and/or consolidate any existing advice regarding these two populations of Lake Chub.

The RPA provides up-to-date information and discusses associated uncertainties of the 22 elements of the terms of reference under the following categories:

This Science Response results from the Science Response Process of April 14, 2020 on the Recovery Potential Assessment – Lake Chub - Liard Hot Springs and Atlin Warm Springs Designatable Units.

Science Response 2021/008 (PDF, 2,360 KB)

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