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Impacts of dredging on fish species at risk in the lower Great Lakes basin

Regional Peer Review – Central and Arctic Region

November 28, 2014
Burlington, Ontario and via WebEx/Teleconference

Chairperson: Lynn Bouvier

Context

Newly proposed and ongoing annual dredging activities, in harbour mouths in the lower Great Lakes and specifically along the Lake St. Clair shoreline, may be affecting fish species at risk. Clearing obstructions from river mouths is necessary to ensure the maintenance of safe and navigable waterways. However, there are concerns that this activity may have negative effects, directly (e.g., mortality of individuals) and indirectly (e.g., reduction in the amount of suitable habitat), on fish currently listed under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). In addition, the impact of spoil deposition on fish species at risk in Lake St. Clair, as a result of dredging activities, is unknown.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Species at Risk program has requested advice from DFO Science on the impacts of dredging in the lower Great Lakes basin on fish species at risk. In addition they have requested updated information on the fish assemblages in areas dredged on an annual basis, and where proposed dredging activities are being considered.

Objectives

The objective of the meeting is to provide advice on the effects of dredging in the lower Great Lakes on fish species at risk. Specifically, science advice is required to:

  1. Determine whether fish species at risk are currently present at dredging and spoil deposition sites where they were known to exist historically;
  2. Determine if fish species at risk are directly or indirectly being affected by the dredging activities both at the dredging and spoil deposition sites;
  3. Review the potential use of fish salvage as a mitigation strategy; and,
  4. Review whether there are alternatives to annual dredging activities or mitigation measures that would reduce the impacts on fish species at risk and their habitat.

Expected Publications

Participation

Notice

Participation to CSAS peer review meetings is by invitation only.

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