Research Document 2020/031

Information in support of a Recovery Potential Assessment of Channel Darter (Percina copelandi) in Canada, Lake Erie (DU1) and Lake Ontario (DU2) Populations

By Andrews, D.W., and Drake, D.A.R.

Abstract

In May 2002, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) designated Channel Darter (Percina copelandi) as Threatened. The species was re-assessed by COSEWIC in November 2016 into three designatable units (DU): Lake Erie, DU1 (Endangered), Lake Ontario, DU2 (Endangered), and the St. Lawrence River, DU3 (Special Concern). Rationale for the revised DU structure was based on evidence of local extirpations contributing to greater geographic separation (> 300 km) between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario populations; and, evidence of genetic distinctiveness between populations within Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River. A Recovery Potential Assessment was previously conducted by DFO in 2010 for Channel Darter; however, in light of the revised DU structure, this document evaluates the current state of the species within Lake Erie (DU1) and Lake Ontario (DU2), noting its distribution, abundance, population trends, habitat requirements, threats, and new research findings following the 2010 RPA. Results of a population status assessment ranked four of five Lake Erie populations (DU1) as poor while two out of three Lake Ontario (DU2) populations were ranked as good. A threat assessment indicated that the greatest threats to Lake Erie (DU1) populations are the invasive Round Goby (Neogobius melanostomus), shoreline modifications, and altered flow regimes. Similarly, the greatest threats to Lake Ontario (DU2) populations were Round Goby and altered flow regimes. This RPA provides background information and scientific advice needed to fulfill various requirements of SARA and will be used to inform federal recovery documents for this species.

Research Document 2020/031 (PDF, 10, 188 KB)

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