Pathways of Effects

Pathways of Effects (PoE) diagrams describe for a range of activities the type of cause-effect relationships that are known to exist; and the mechanisms by which stressors ultimately lead to effects in the aquatic environment. Each cause-and-effect relationship is represented as a line, known as a pathway, connecting the activity to a potential stressor, and a stressor to some ultimate effect on fish and fish habitat. Each pathway represents an area where mitigation measures can be applied to reduce or eliminate a potential effect. When mitigation measures cannot be applied, or cannot fully address a stressor, the remaining effect is referred to as a residual effect which can be assessed using the Risk Matrix.

A series of PoE diagrams were developed for common activities associated with a broad range of in-water and land-based activities listed below:

1. Land-Based Activities

2. In-Water Activities