Research Document - 2004/110

Scope for Human-Induced Mortality in the Context of Atlantic Whitefish (Coregonus huntsmani) Survival and Recovery

By Bradford, R.G., H. Schaefer, G. Stevens

Abstract

Atlantic whitefish (Coregonus huntsmani) were known historically to occur in the Tusket-Annis and Petite rivers in Nova Scotia. The Tusket-Annis population was anadromous and is no longer present. The Petite Rivière population is lake-resident within the 16km² aggregate area of Minamkeak, Milipsigate and Hebb lakes on the Petite Rivière. A suspected anadromous run on the Petite Rivière is no longer viable. A recovery strategy has been developed which includes restoration of the species to its former range as a key objective. Assessment of allowable harm therefore requires consideration of the level of human-induced mortality that would not jeopardize survival or recovery currently or in the future as restoration efforts are initiated. Accordingly, both current and future potential sources of human-induced harm to Atlantic whitefish were identified by Fisheries Management, Habitat Management and Science branches of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. The mechanisms through which the activity could impact on Atlantic whitefish was described. Because data to support quantitative assessment of the maximum human-induced mortality are not available, each activity was assigned a relative rank effect on survival or recovery. Measures that could be taken to mitigate the effects of the activity are proposed.

The weight of accumulated evidence indicates that the mortality arising from all human activities occurring within the area of the Petite Rivière currently occupied by Atlantic whitefish does not threaten their survival or recovery.

There is uncertainty that additional human-induced harm could be sustained by Atlantic whitefish within their current area of occupancy. Therefore, there is no scope for incremental increase in human-induced harm beyond current levels.

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