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Evaluation of habitat restoration activities for species at risk fishes within the Crown Marsh (Long Point Bay)

Regional Science Peer Review – Central and Arctic Region

May 4, 2016
Burlington, Ontario and WebEx/Teleconference

Chairperson: Lynn Bouvier

Context

The Long Point wetland complexes have been inundated with invasive plant species (e.g., European Common Reed – Phragmites australis), resulting in large expanses of monoculture wetland habitat that no longer support aquatic and terrestrial biota historically present.  In response, efforts are underway to mechanically remove monocultures, and restore open water habitat.  There are four wetland species at risk (SAR) fishes present (Pugnose Shiner, Notropis anogenus; Lake Chubsucker, Erimyzon sucetta; Grass Pickerel, Esox americanus vermiculatus; and Warmouth, Lepomis gulosus within the Crown Marsh of Long Point Bay. The area is also identified as Critical Habitat for Pugnose Shiner, Lake Chubsucker and Eastern Sand Darter (Ammocrypta pellucida). It is unknown whether newly created wetland cells within the marsh will support local fish species recovery; or function as “population sinks” or “ecological traps”.  To determine the use of newly created open-water habitats by wetland fishes and the quality of the newly restored habitats, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) initiated a three-year effectiveness monitoring program at the Crown Marsh, Long Point Bay in 2012. Fish use and habitat quality of wetland sites were assessed by sampling newly (created in 2012) and recently created (6-7 years old) wetland habitats, and nearby reference sites for three successive field seasons (2012, 2013 and 2014).

Various waterfowl groups have been engaged in open water habitat creation (predominantly for improving waterfowl habitat) within coastal marshes for some time and continue to propose work with the potential to impact SAR fishes and their habitat. DFO Species at Risk Program has requested advice from DFO Science and MNRF to provide a better understanding of how the newly created habitat supports SAR fishes and whether there is an overall benefit to these species over time. This information will also be used to inform approaches (e.g., design criteria, Best Management Practices documents) that may be used to improve habitat created to better serve the needs of SAR fishes here and possibly in other locations.

Objectives

The objectives of the meeting are to:

  1. Compare and characterize fish assemblages and habitat conditions in created wetland habitats and reference sites.
  2. Assess the value of the created habitats (sources, sinks) and provide approaches that could be used to maximize this value to species at risk fishes.
  3. Review the existing Long Point Bay Best Management Practices document that is currently in use for channels to determine if there are additional measures that should be included in this document and identify associated knowledge gaps.

Expected Publications

Expected Participation

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