Terms of Reference

Effects of water flow management regimes in the Trent River on Channel Darter spawning activities

Regional Science Peer Review – Central and Arctic Region

January 15, 2016
Burlington, Ontario

Chairperson: Kathleen Martin

Context

Water levels in the Trent River, Ontario are managed by the staff of the Trent-Severn Waterway (Parks Canada Agency). There have been observations of dewatering events in areas within the Trent River resulting from current water management practices. Channel Darter, Percina copelandi, is known to inhabit the Trent River and is currently listed as Threatened under Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act. A recovery strategy for Channel Darter has been published and critical habitat has been delineated from Glen Ross to Trenton, Ontario. Areas delineated as Channel Darter critical habitat have been observed to undergo minor to complete dewatering. There is concern that water flows in this system are not sufficient to support Channel Darter spawning activities.

The information will be used to inform Parks Canada Agency staff, who manage water flow in the Trent-Severn Waterway, of alternative water flow management regimes that will minimize the impacts on the Channel Darter population in the Trent River.

Objectives

The objectives of the meeting are to:

1. Determine the minimum flow required to ensure that Channel Darter successfully spawn in the Trent River.
2. Provide alternatives to the current flow management regime that would minimize the impacts to Channel Darter in the Trent River.
3. Provide alternative mitigation measures that could be implemented to minimize the effects of the current flow management regimes in areas known to be occupied by Channel Darter.

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Proceedings
• Research Document

Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (Ecosystems and Oceans Science)
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
• Parks Canada Agency
• Academia (University of Toronto)
• Other invited experts