Aquatic Species at Risk, Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus)

Aquatic Species at Risk, Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus)

SARA Status:

• Special concern (Western Arctic populations, AB, BC, NT, YK)
• Threatened (Saskatchewan-Nelson Rivers populations, AB)

Several horizontal sections on this infographic show the following:

An illustrations of the Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus) showing the following morphological features labelled:

• large head and jaw
• olive green to blue-grey in colour
• pale spots on its back
• white line on leading edge of pelvic and anal fins with no black like

A footnote section explaining the acronyms used in this infographic as follows:

• SARA: Species at Risk Act
• DU: Designatable Unit

An additional footnote highlights that Brook Trout have a black line and are often mistaken for Bull Trout.

The next section lists threats, including:

• habitat degradation
• sediment and nutrient loading
• disease and invasive species
• barriers and flow alteration
• climate change

A further section notes that Western Arctic populations are distributed throughout:

• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Northwest Territories
• Yukon

This Bull Trout population can be found in the Mackenzie River system and major tributaries, such as the:

• Liard
• Peace
• Athabasca rivers

The next section notes that Saskatchewan-Nelson populations are found only in Alberta, primarily in the drainages of the North and South Saskatchewan rivers.

To the right of the infographic, a map of Western Canada shows where the related populations are found. The map shows the distribution area of both Bull Trout populations across:

• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Northwest Territories
• Yukon

The map also highlights the specific locations of National Parks within the distribution of Bull Trout.

The following section on the infographic notes that activities in or near water can harm aquatic species, and lists. And outlines what you can do:

• prevent contaminants from entering water
• keep riverbanks natural
• learn how to properly handle and identify native trout species when angling
• stay on designated trails, and do not drive motorized vehicles in the water
• protect sensitive habitat; contact DFO before doing any in-water work

The logo for the Government of Canada is displayed in the bottom right corner of the infographic.

Version 2023-09