Terms of Reference

Updated guidelines for the removal of aquatic vegetation within Spotted Gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) critical habitat

Regional Science Response Process – Central and Arctic Region

July 16, 2019
Burlington, ON

Chairperson: Dave Andrews

Context

The removal of aquatic vegetation may be pursued for socioeconomic reasons, such as to facilitate boat access or commercial fishing. Vegetation removal, both large and small scale, has occurred in Rondeau Bay and Long Point Bay, including in areas inhabited by Spotted Gar (Lepisosteus oculatus), a species listed as Threatened under Canada’s Species at Risk Act. Vegetation removal, via mechanical or chemical means, has the potential to impact Spotted Gar and its habitat. Mechanical removal of vegetation can harm Spotted Gar by disturbing sediments and creating turbid conditions, entraining (physically removing or harming individuals) various life stages of Spotted Gar (and other species), whereas chemical vegetation removal via herbicides can introduce chemicals into occupied habitats and reduce habitat function and availability. In the 2012 Recovery Strategy for Spotted Gar, best management practices (BMPs) were developed for the removal of aquatic vegetation in Spotted Gar habitat (Staton et al. 2012). These guidelines were created to minimize harm to Spotted Gar when small scale vegetation removals take place. Although the BMP’s have been in place since 2012, considerable research on Spotted Gar and its habitat has occurred since the development of the guidelines, particularly in Rondeau Bay and critical habitat order(s) has/have been established within these areas. The Species at Risk Program has requested that DFO Science review the 2012 guidelines to ensure that best management practices are scientifically defensible in light of recent research on Spotted Gar and its habitat.

Objective

The objective of this peer review are to determine whether the aquatic vegetation removal best management practices published in Staton et al. (2012) are scientifically defensible in light of recent research on Spotted Gar and its habitat.

Expected Publications

• Science Response

Expected Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (Science and Ecosystem Management sector)
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
• Parks Canada
• Academics

References

Staton, S.K., Boyko, A.L., Dunn, S.E., and Burridge, M. 2012. Recovery strategy for the Spotted Gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) in Canada. Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ottawa. vii + 57 p.