Aquatic Species at Risk - Westslope Cutthroat Trout

Description
Habitat
Threats
How Can You Help?
Further Information
Scientific Information

Description
The Westslope cutthroat trout is relatively small (~15-23 cm length) and has a typical trout-like appearance, displaying dark spots on a lighter background with body colouration ranging from silver to yellowish-green, and red on the front and sides of the head. Bright orange-red slashes beneath the lower jaw, and a series of small teeth between the gills at the back of the throat distinguish this trout from similar species.

Habitat
This species has strict habitat requirements during various life history stages, requiring cold clean water and varied forms of cover (i.e., undercut banks, pool-riffle habitat, and riparian vegetation) to maintain their numbers.

Threats
The greatest threat to Westslope cutthroat trout is the human-induced degradation of the environment in which it lives. Examples of this include forestry, hydroelectric development, mining, urbanization and agriculture. Hybridization and further introduction of non-native species could also affect the genetic integrity of the remaining populations.

How Can You Help?

• Prevent pollution: Avoid polluting streams, lakes and rivers with garbage, fuel, pesticides or other contaminants. Remember that much of what you pour into your drains will ultimately make it to river systems.
• Keep beaches clean: always put trash in trash cans, especially near rivers, lakes and beaches.
• Recyle and reuse: help reduce waste by recycling or reusing plastic and paper goods.
• Participate in community consultations: Get involved in Community Working Groups or visit www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/saraconsultations
• Volunteer: This may include participating on committees, attending meetings, assisting at educational outreach events, distributing outreach materials, getting involved with a conservation organization, or just simply telling a neighbour or a friend about this species.

The Westslope cutthroat trout will get the protection it needs only if all Canadians work together to reduce threats. Find out more about the Westslope cutthroat trout and be aware of human-induced threats. Do your best to reduce these threats and better protect the habitat of this species by getting involved with the Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk or another conservation organization.

Further Information:
The Westslope cutthroat trout is a salmonid native to western North America. Its distribution in Canada is restricted to southeastern British Columbia (primarily the Upper Kootenay and Upper Columbia drainages) and southwestern Alberta.

As is typical of salmonids, Cutthroat trout return to their natal streams to spawn around May – August. Once alevins have hatched from their eggs and the yolk sac is absorbed they emerge from the streambed as fry and seek habitat with sufficient cover from predators. Westslope cutthroat trout have several possible life history forms: those which migrate to rivers, those migrating between lakes and rivers, or those residing in natal streams.

Juvenile Cutthroat trout may be heavily preyed upon by other fishes, while adults are susceptible to a number of terrestrial predators (e.g. raptors, mustelids). Cutthroat trout tend to be highly opportunistic in terms of diet, often feeding on whatever prey are seasonally abundant.

Cutthroat trout habitat is protected under both provincial and federal legislation (e.g. the Fisheries Act which prohibits the destruction of fish habitat). As an important sport fish, populations are subject to provincial recreational harvest and National Park regulations. In addition, the introduction of the British Columbia Fish Protection Act in 1997 is expected to provide government agencies the means to more adequately protect critical streamflows for fish populations.

Under the Species at Risk Act, a management plan must be developed for this species. Additional protection is afforded through the federal Fisheries Act.

Scientific Information:

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi
Taxonomy: Fishes (freshwater)