2013 Fish and Fish Habitat Survey Results

Transcription

1 Prepared for HUSKY OIL OPERATIONS LIMITED th Avenue SW Box 6525, Station D Calgary, Alberta T2P 3G Fish and Fish Habitat Survey Results Slater River Project EL494 Tulita District, Sahtu Region, Northwest Territories Submitted to: Sahtu Land and Water Board File ǀ February 2014 Northern EnviroSearch (Tulita) Ltd. A partnership between MWH Canada, Inc. & Tulita Water Services Ltd Avenue S.W., Suite 1010 Calgary, Alberta T2P OS5 TEL I FAX

2 HUSKY OIL OPERATIONS LIMITED 2013 HYDROLOGICAL & SURFACE WATER EVALUATION Table of Contents List of Figures... 3 List of Tables Introduction Project Description Objectives Approach Study Area Methods Fisheries Information Review Sample Locations Field Survey Methods Results Fish Inventory Fish Habitat Discussion Arctic Grayling Finescale Dace Lake Chub Northern Pike Slimy Sculpin Recommendations Future Studies Conclusion References... 35

3 HUSKY OIL OPERATIONS LIMITED 2013 HYDROLOGICAL & SURFACE WATER EVALUATION List of Figures FIGURE 1. SURVEY LOCATIONS AND DRAINAGE BASINS WITHIN THE LSA List of Tables TABLE 2-1. SPECIES CAPTURED WITHIN DEH CHO AND SAHTU REGIONS... 2 TABLE 2-2. LOCATIONS OF THE 2013 STUDY SITES... 4 TABLE 2-3. MODIFIED WENTWORTH SCALE CLASSIFICATION OF SUBSTRATE TYPES BY PARTICLE SIZE TABLE 2-4. CLASSIFICATION OF COVER TYPES TABLE 3-1. FISH SPECIES CAPTURED TABLE 3-2. SUMMARY OF FISH INVENTORY DATA BY SURVEY LOCATION TABLE 3-3. INDIVIDUALS CAPTURED TABLE 3-4. WATER QUALITY PROFILES OF 2013 STUDY LOCATIONS TABLE 3-5. HABITAT CHARACTERISTICS OF 2013 STUDY LOCATIONS TABLE 3-6. BATHYMETRIC SURVEY OF APPROVED WATER SOURCES,

4 1 Introduction Husky Oil Operations Limited (Husky) is carrying out a baseline environmental study to support its Slater River Project (the Project) in the Tulita District of the Sahtu Region of the Northwest Territories (NWT). This baseline information includes the study of fish populations and habitat utilizations within the exploration block EL494. Data obtained from this assessment will be used to not only support the Project but also to aid in planning future components of the project to minimize impacts to fish populations and habitat. 1.1 Project Description This report contains a summary of the initial year of baseline fisheries information collected in Husky Exploration Lease EL494. The ultimate goal of the study is to provide baseline data on fish and fish habitat within the exploration leases to describe and assess the use and distribution of fish and also to facilitate species-specific impact analysis and land use planning. In September of 2013, MWH undertook the initial survey of watercourses and waterbodies that have been impacted. The study was designed to define and inventory habitat types and from this data provide details on the utilization of those habitats by the various fish species found within the Local Study Area (LSA). In the initial year of study, sample areas were focused on the streams, creeks and rivers crossed by the all-weather road, previously constructed winter road and the lakes and waterbodies utilized as water sources for the drilling programs. Continuation of the baseline in 2014 will expand the 2013 study, and in conjunction with additional lake sampling, begin to develop estimates of fish populations and seasonal habitat utilization patterns to be part of a larger long term adaptive management framework. 1.2 Objectives The objectives of the first year of fish data collection were to inventory habitat types, evaluate habitat utilization by fish in streams and creeks, and to determine the species of fish present within water source lakes. Data collected will also serve as the basis for both future projectspecific environmental effects assessment and cumulative effects assessment. In 2014 the objectives will also include the assessment of habitat utilization and estimation of fish populations in waterbodies. This information will also be used for project planning and mitigation of the potential impacts of future development within the Husky EL Approach Field work was conducted from September 6 to 13, A desktop review of previous studies and literature associated with fish in the area was followed by the selection of five streams and five lakes for biological assessment of fish resources. Fish were sampled using a combination of capture methods, including electrofishing, baited traps, seine and fyke nets. The streams were also assessed for habitat characteristics. 1.4 Study Area The local study area (LSA)(Figure 1) is a 638 km 2 area including a 3 km buffer surrounding the Slater River all-season access road (ASR) and associated facilities, including past and future well sites and the previously used winter road. Sample points were distributed between the REPORT FISH AND FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT JANUARY

5 Bogg Creek (192km 2 total area), Slater River (261km 2 total area) and Little Bear River (2209 km 2 total area) drainage basins (Figure 1). 2 Methods 2.1 Fisheries Information Review The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) conducted a multi-year study ( ) in other areas of the Sahtu Settlement Region (Mochnacz et. al., 2007; Mochnacz & Reist 2006). The methods utilized by this study were adapted from those used by DFO. No previous detailed study on the lakes and watercourses of the local study area were noted, but due to the proximity of the DFO studies to the local study area and communications with local residents, a reasonable assumption was made that the LSA would contain similar habitats, species composition and diversity. Further review of Reist et al (2002) and Sawatzky, et al (2007) supported the species expected within the local study area (Table 1). Table 2-1. Species captured within Deh Cho and Sahtu Regions (Mochnacz et al. 2009) Common Name Scientific Name Arctic Grayling Thymallus arcticus Burbot Lota lota Bull Trout Salvelinus confluentus Dolly Varden char Salvelinus malma Lake Chub Couesius plumbeus Longnose Sucker Catostomus catostomus Northern Pike Esox lucius Slimy Sculpin Cottus cognatus Round Whitefish Prosopium cylindraceum Lake Trout Salvelinus namaycush REPORT FISH AND FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT JANUARY

6 Figure REPORT Survey FISH locations AND FISH HABITAT and drainage ASSESSMENT basins within the LSA. JANUARY

7 2.2 Sample Locations Fourteen sample locations of waterbodies and watercourses, which are in close proximity to the project and its associated activities were selected from within the LSA; 5 watercourses and 5 water source lakes (Figure 1, Table 2-2). Nine sample locations were selected at these 5 watercourses. Four of these watercourses cross the all-season road (ASR) and 1 crosses the winter road (WR). Both upstream and downstream locations were sampled at each location with the exception of one site along the ASR where only 1 location could be safely sampled. Also, locations F07 and F14, which were initially selected for sampling, could not safely be accessed due to water depth and soft substrates. The methods used differed for watercourses and waterbodies and were adjusted in the field based on site-specific conditions. Table 2-2. Locations of the 2013 study sites (NAD 83) Location Site Zone Easting Northing Bogg Creek ASR Crossing Reach 1 F01 9 N Bogg Creek ASR Crossing Reach 2 F02 9 N Water Source 1 F03 9 N km ASR Crossing Reach 1 F04 9 N km ASR Crossing Reach 2 F05 9 N km ASR Crossing F06 9 N Water Source 2 F08 9 N Water Source 3 F09 9 N Water Source 4 F10 9 N Slater River WR Crossing Reach 1 F11 9 N Slater River WR Crossing Reach 2 F12 9 N Water Source 5 F13 9 N Slater River ASR Crossing Reach 1 F15 9 N Slater River ASR Crossing Reach 2 F16 9 N Field Survey Methods Fish Inventory Backpack electrofishing was used to assess five streams within the LSA. A single stream (F06) where only one sample was completed, was too deep to use backpack electrofishing or a fyke net, and was sampled with baited minnow traps. Prior to electrofishing, discrete study reaches, with a minimum 100m length, were isolated using stop nets at each end to block the passage of fish during sampling. A two-pass depletion method was then used while electrofishing. Each isolated reach was sampled twice using the electrofishing unit. Stunned fish were then captured using dip nets and transferred to an aerated holding container. At the single stream location (F06) that was inaccessible, six minnow traps were set overnight along the sampled length. Sampling of waterbodies included using a combination of beach seine nets, fyke nets, and baited minnow traps to determine fish presence or absence in open lakes. Gill netting was not used due to discussions of fish handling and potential mortality during consultations and apprehension to use this method to sample waterbodies during the initial year of study. Two 30m drags were completed using 10m beach seine at each lake sample location. Fyke nets were set at the outlet or inlet of the REPORT FISH AND FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT JANUARY

8 waterbodies and left overnight. Minnow traps were baited with cat food, set overnight and retrieved the following day. Two minnow traps were set at F03, F08, and F09, and three traps were set at F10 and F13. Fish were identified to species level and fork length was measured. All game species captured were weighed due to cultural and economic importance. A subsample of individuals from non-game fish species was also weighed. Fish were then released back into the general area of capture Fish Habitat Assessment All waterbodies and watercourses sampled were assessed for basic water chemistry, including: Temperature ph Electrical Conductivity (EC) Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) At each accessible watercourse location, two reaches were selected, one upstream and one downstream of the road crossing. Each reach was divided by a minimum 13 transects spread evenly through the reach with 4 equidistant sample points across each transect. Reach length was calculated individually for each sample location, as 40 times the mean wetted width (Mochnacz et al & 2007). Excluding the 14 km ASR crossing (F06) due to the greater water depth, each transect was surveyed for habitat parameters including: wetted width depth velocity Substrate (Table 2-3) Cover (Table 2-4) Table 2-3. Modified Wentworth scale classification of substrate types by particle size. Code Particle Size Range (mm) Substrate Definition 5 > 256 Bolder Cobble Pebble Gravel Sand 0 < Silt Wentworth scale classification of substrate types adapted from Mochnacz et al. 2009, and Cummins REPORT FISH AND FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT JANUARY

9 Table 2-4. Classification of cover types. Code Type or Size Range Cover Definition 1 aquatic vegetation submerged vegetation 2 riparian vegetation overhanging vegetation 3 water column depth depth 4 water turbulence turbulence mm cobble mm boulder 7 > 30cm diameter large wood 8 < 30cm diameter small wood 9 stable bank, undercut undercut bank 10 none of the above no cover Classification of cover types adapted from Mochnacz et al. 2009, and Sexauer and James Results 3.1 Fish Inventory A total of 171 individuals, representing five species were captured during the fish survey (Table 3-1). Lake chub were the most commonly encountered species, representing 64.9% of the total catch. This was followed by finescale dace (15.8%), Arctic grayling (12.9%), slimy sculpin (4.1%), and northern pike (2.3%). A single burbot (Lota lota), was observed by the electrofishing crew in the Slater River. Fish were captured in six of the fourteen sample sites (Table 83-2). Three of the nine stream reaches had fish captured and three of the five water source lakes. The fork length of arctic grayling ranged from 81mm to 168mm. Fork lengths for finescale dace and lake chub ranged from 40mm to 105mm and 43mm to 127mm, respectively. Fork lengths for slimy sculpin ranged from 82mm to 134mm. Fork length range for northern pike was 480mm to 865mm (Table 3-3). Weights of fish measured ranged from 1.1 to 3800 g (Table 3-3). Arctic grayling weights ranged from 4.7g to 26g. Finescale dace and lake chub weights ranged from 1.4g to 7.7g and 1.1g to 19.5g, respectively. Weights of the four northern pike caught ranged from 460g to 3800g. Table 3-1. Fish species captured. Common Name Scientific Name Species Code Arctic grayling Thymallus arcticus ARGR Finescale dace Phoxinus neogaeus FIDA Lake chub Couesius plumbeus LKCH Northern pike Esox lucius NOPI Slimy sculpin Cottus cognatus SLSC REPORT FISH AND FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT JANUARY

10 Table 3-2. Summary of fish inventory data by survey location. Location Site Date Method of capture * Species Number of Fish Bogg Creek ASR Crossing Reach 1 F01 9/5/2013 EF N Total 0 Bogg Creek ASR Crossing Reach 2 F02 9/6/2013 EF N Total 0 Water Source 1 F03 9/12/2013 MT LACH 38 9 N Total km ASR Crossing Reach 1 F04 9/8/2013 EF ARGR 1 9 N LACH 2 Total 3 12 km ASR Crossing Reach 2 F05 9/6/2013 EF LACH 5 9 N Total 5 14 km ASR Crossing F06 9/8/2013 MT N Total 0 Water Source 2 F08 9/12/2013 MT N BS - - Total 0 Water Source 3 F09 9/12/2013 MT N BS - - Total 0 Water Source 4 F10 9/11/2013 MT N BS - - FN NOPI 4 Total 4 Slater River WR Crossing Reach 1 F11 9/10/2013 EF N Total 0 Slater River WR Crossing Reach 2 F12 9/10/2013 EF N Total 0 REPORT FISH AND FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT JANUARY

11 Location Site Date Method of capture * Species Number of Fish Water Source 5 F13 9/11/2013 MT ARGR 1 9 N FIDA 20 LACH 31 BS - - FN ARGR 16 FIDA 7 LACH 35 Total 110 Slater River ASR Crossing Reach 1 F15 9/7/2013 EF N Total 0 Slater River ASR Crossing Reach 2 F16 9/7/2013 EF ARGR 4 9 N SLSC 7 Total 11 *Method of capture: EF = Electrofishing, MT = Minnow Trap, BS = Beach Seine Net, and FN = Fyke Net Table 3-3. Individuals captured. Location Site Date Fish # Method of capture Species Fork length (mm) Wt (g) 12 km ASR Crossing Reach 2 F05 9/6/ EF LACH N EF LACH EF LACH 53-4 EF LACH EF LACH Slater River ASR Crossing Reach 2 F16 9/7/ EF SLSC N EF SLSC 97-8 EF SLSC EF SLSC EF SLSC EF SLSC EF ARGR EF SLSC EF ARGR EF ARGR EF ARGR km ASR Crossing Reach 1 F04 9/8/ EF LACH N EF LACH EF ARGR REPORT FISH AND FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT JANUARY

12 Location Site Date Fish # Method of capture Species Fork length (mm) Wt (g) Water Source 5 F13 9/11/ FN FIDA N FN FIDA FN LACH FN LACH FN LACH FN ARGR FN LACH FN LACH FN ARGR /12/ MT LACH MT LACH MT ARGR MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT FIDA MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT FIDA MT FIDA MT FIDA MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT FIDA 73 - REPORT FISH AND FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT JANUARY

13 Location Site Date Fish # Method of capture Species Fork length (mm) Wt (g) 59 MT LACH MT FIDA 93 - Water Source 5 F13 9/12/ MT LACH 65 - (continued) 62 MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT FIDA MT LACH MT FIDA MT FIDA MT FIDA MT FIDA MT FIDA MT FIDA MT FIDA MT FIDA MT FIDA MT FIDA MT FIDA MT FIDA MT FIDA FN LACH FN FIDA FN ARGR FN FIDA FN LACH FN FIDA FN LACH FN LACH FN FIDA FN LACH FN LACH FN LACH FN LACH FN FIDA FN ARGR FN LACH FN ARGR FN LACH 57 - REPORT FISH AND FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT JANUARY

14 Location Site Date Fish # Method of capture Species Fork length (mm) Wt (g) 99 FN LACH FN LACH Water Source 5 F13 9/12/ FN ARGR 81 - (continued) 102 FN ARGR FN ARGR FN ARGR FN LACH FN ARGR FN ARGR FN ARGR FN ARGR FN ARGR FN ARGR FN ARGR FN LACH FN LACH FN LACH FN LACH FN LACH FN LACH FN LACH FN LACH FN LACH FN LACH FN LACH FN LACH FN LACH FN LACH FN LACH FN LACH FN LACH 61 - Water Source 4 F10 9/12/ FN NOPI N FN NOPI FN NOPI FN NOPI Water Source 1 F03 9/13/ MT LACH N MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH REPORT FISH AND FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT JANUARY

15 Location Site Date Fish # Method of capture Species Fork length (mm) Wt (g) 139 MT LACH Water Source MT LACH (continued) 141 MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH MT LACH *Method of capture: EF = Electrofishing, MT = Minnow Trap, BS = Beach Seine Net, and FN = Fyke Net REPORT FISH AND FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT JANUARY

16 3.2 Fish Habitat All watercourses and waterbodies were sampled assessed for basic water chemistry Table 3-4. The water chemistry at the time of assessment, in particular Dissolved Oxygen (DO), does not indicate any physiological limitations for fish (CCME, 1999). Table 3-4. Water quality profiles of 2013 study locations. Location Site Temp ( o C) DO (%) DO (mg/l) C (us/cm) TDS (g/l) ph Bogg Creek ASR Crossing Reach 1 F Bogg Creek ASR Crossing Reach 2 F Water Source 1 F km ASR Crossing Reach 1 F km ASR Crossing Reach 2 F km ASR Crossing F Water Source 2 F Water Source 3 F Water Source 4 F Slater River WR Crossing Reach 1 F Slater River WR Crossing Reach 2 F Water Source 5 F Slater River ASR Crossing Reach 1 F Slater River ASR Crossing Reach 2 F Fish Habitat Assessment Watercourses Assessments of fish habitat for surveyed watercourses are outlined below. All accessible stream locations were surveyed for stream flow parameters, including wetted width, depth, and velocity (Table 3-5). Substrate (Table 2-3) and cover classes (Table 2-4) were also assigned. REPORT FISH AND FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT JANUARY

17 Table 3-5. Habitat characteristics of 2013 study locations. Depth and velocities are mean values with the range indicated within parenthesis. Location Site Reach Length (m) Avg. Wetted Width (m) Depth (cm) Velocity (m/s) Dominant Substrate 1 Dominant Cover 2 Bogg Creek ASR Crossing Reach 1 F (23-100) ( ) Bogg Creek ASR Crossing Reach 2 F (40-170) ( ) 12 km ASR Crossing Reach 1 F (11-115) ( ) 12 km ASR Crossing Reach 2 F (10-160) ( ) 14 km ASR Crossing F Slater River WR Crossing Reach 1 F (8-125) Slater River WR Crossing Reach 2 F (16-99) Slater River ASR Crossing Reach 1 F (12-101) Slater River ASR Crossing Reach 2 F (10-87) 1 See Table 2-3 for substrate code definitions. 2 See Table 2-4 for dominant cover code definitions ( ) 0.20 ( ) 0.18 ( ) 0.37 ( ) Bogg Creek ASR Crossing Reach 1&2 (F01/F02) The ASR bridge crossing occurs approximately 9.5km upstream from the Bogg Creek/MacKenzie River confluence. Bogg Creek is a small to moderately sized, low gradient stream. Sample locations were all in a boreal forest setting. Bogg Creek flows approximately 28km from its headwaters to the confluence with the MacKenzie River and drains an area of approximately 192km 2 (Figure 1). Bogg Creek ASR Crossing Reach 1 (F01) is located 10m upstream of the bridge crossing and was 220m in length (Photo 1). Water temperature in Reach 1 was 8.7 o C and ph Bogg Creek ASR Crossing Reach 2 (F02) is located 10m downstream of the bridge crossing and was 320m in length (Photo 2). Water temperature was 8.9 o C and ph REPORT FISH AND FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT JANUARY

18 Photo 1. Aerial view of Bogg Creek ASR Crossing, Reach 1. Photo 2. Aerial view of Bogg Creek ASR Crossing, Reach 2. Fish Habitat Bogg Creek Crossing Reach 1 and 2 consist of very similar habitat. The wetted width of F01 ranged from 5-8m with an average of 6.6m. Reach F02 was slightly wider, ranging from 6-10m with an average wetted width of 7.9m. Water depth at F01 ranged from cm, averaging 64.8cm. The depth at F02 ranged cm, averaging 78.0cm. The substrate at both reaches consisted entirely of silt with large REPORT FISH AND FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT JANUARY

19 amounts of detritus material and inundated vegetation. Predominant cover consisted of instream woody debris, water depth and undercut banks. Adequate dissolved oxygen to support fish was present at time of assessment with 89.9% saturation and 10.4 mg/l at F01 and 93.8% saturation and 10.8 mg/l at F02. Fish Inventory Backpack electrofishing was conducted on both reaches but no fish were captured during the September 2013 survey at either F01 or F02. A single Arctic Grayling was observed during the stream habitat assessment. Fish Habitat Suitability Bogg Creek at both F01 and F02 consisted of a well-defined channel and was comprised of both shallow runs and deep pool habitat. Overwintering habitat is considered nil to low for both game and forage fish as pools deep enough to provide winter habitat were limited. Both riparian and aquatic vegetation as well as silt was present, providing species that spawn on vegetation or fine sediments ample habitat. However, very little suitable habitat was found for species that required coarser sediments. Both F01 and F02 provide suitable shallow water habitat for nursery, rearing and feeding for forage fish and game fish however, lack of habitat diversity may affect utilization. 12km ASR Crossing Reach 1&2 (F04/F05) The 12km ASR Crossing occurs approximately 23.5km upstream from the Bogg Creek/MacKenzie River confluence. The 12km ASR Crossing Reach 1 (F04) is located 600m downstream of the 12km bridge crossing and was 80m in length (Photo 3). Water was 11.2 o C and ph was The 12km ASR Crossing Reach 2 (F05) is located 50m upstream of the bridge crossing and was 40m in length (Photo 4). Water temperature was 12.1 o C and ph 7.7 at F05. Photo 3. Aerial view of the 12km ASR Crossing, Reach 1. REPORT FISH AND FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT JANUARY

20 Photo 4. Aerial view of the 12km ASR Crossing, Reach 2. Fish Habitat F04 and F05 consist of very similar habitat. Wetted width of F04 ranged from 1.5-4m with an average of 2.5m. F05 was slightly narrower with a range of m and an average wetted width of 1.5m. Depth ranged from cm averaging 43.6cm at F04 and ranged cm averaging 47.3cm at F05. Substrate consisted of largely silt with large cobble in areas of F04. Predominant cover consisted of instream woody debris, inundated vegetation, water depth and undercut banks. Adequate dissolved oxygen to support fish was present at time of assessment with 88.1% saturation and 9.7 mg/l at F04 and 85.9% saturation and 9.2 mg/l at F05. Fish Inventory Backpack electrofishing was conducted on both reaches. A single Arctic Grayling and 2 Lake Chub were captured at F04. Five Lake Chub were captured at F05 during the September 2013 survey. A complete summary of fish capture data can be found in Table 3-2. Fish Habitat Suitability Bogg Creek at F04 and F05 consisted of a well-defined channel for F04 and much of F05. It was comprised of narrow shallow runs and several deep pools in F04. Overwintering habitat is considered nil for F05 and nil to low for both game and forage fish in F04 as pools deep enough to provide winter habitat were limited. Both riparian and aquatic vegetation over silt substrate were present, providing species that spawn on vegetation or fine sediments ample habitat. This habitat is generally unsuitable for species that required coarser sediments. F04 and F05 provide suitable shallow water habitat for nursery, rearing and feeding for forage fish and game fish. Lack of habitat diversity may limit the species utilizing this area. REPORT FISH AND FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT JANUARY

21 14km ASR Crossing (F06) The 14km ASR crossing occurs approximately 26km upstream from the Bogg Creek/MacKenzie River confluence. The watercourse at the crossing has been altered by beaver activity. Temperature during assessment was 12.1 o C and a ph of 6.77 was observed. Fish Habitat Photo 5. Aerial View of the 14km ASR Crossing. Beaver dams present at this location have created barriers to fish movement and resulted in braiding, impounded areas and sections of undefined channel. Adequate dissolved oxygen to support fish was present at time of assessment with 89.6% saturation and 9.6 mg/l at F06. Fish Inventory Minnow traps were deployed at F06 but no fish were captured during the September 2013 survey. Backpack electrofishing was not conducted at F06 due to water depth and soft substrate. Fish Habitat Suitability Due to the limitations of fish access because of beaver activity, the current fish habitat use potential is low. However, the beaver pools may provide depth great enough for overwintering habitat and submerged vegetation could provide spawning habitat. Slater River WR Crossing Reach 1&2 (F11/F12) The WR crossing occurs approximately 21.5km upstream from the Slater River/MacKenzie River confluence. The Slater River is a moderately sized, low gradient stream located in a boreal forest setting. Slater River flows approximately 40km from its headwaters to the confluence with the MacKenzie River and drains an area of approximately 261km 2 (Figure 1). REPORT FISH AND FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT JANUARY

22 Slater River Crossing Reach 1 (F11) is located 100m upstream of the WR crossing and was 200m in length. Water temperature was 7.3 o C and ph Slater River Crossing Reach 2 (F12) is located 200m downstream of the WR crossing and was 200m in length. Water temperature during assessment was 7.1 o C and a ph of 6.8. Photo 6. Aerial View of the Slater River WR Crossing, Reach 1. Photo 7. Aerial View of Slater River WR Crossing, Reach 2. REPORT FISH AND FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT JANUARY

23 Fish Habitat Slater River WR Crossing Reach 1 and 2 consist of very similar habitat. Wetted width of F11 ranged from 3-9m with an average of 5.8m. Wetted width at F12 ranged from 4-8m, and averaged 5.8m. Depth ranged from 8-125cm, averaging 51.6cm at F11 and ranged 16-99cm, averaging 51.4cm at F12. Substrate consisted largely of cobble with areas of pebble/gravel at both reaches. Predominant cover consisted of water depth, instream woody debris and undercut banks. Adequate dissolved oxygen to support fish was present at time of assessment with 95.7% saturation and 11.5 mg/l at F11 and 95.6% saturation and 11.6 mg/l at F12. Fish Inventory Backpack electrofishing was conducted on both reaches but no fish were captured during the September 2013 survey at either F11 or F12. Fish Habitat Suitability The Slater River at F11 and F12 consisted of a well-defined channel and was comprised of deep runs and pool habitat. Overwintering habitat is considered nil to low for both game and forage fish as pools deep enough to provide winter habitat were limited. Pebbles and gravel substrate provide spawning habitat for species that require coarser sediments, while habitat for species that spawn on vegetation or fine sediments is limited. F11 and F12 both provide suitable shallow water habitat for nursery, rearing and feeding for forage fish and game fish, but a lack of habitat diversity may limit species diversity. Slater River ASR Crossing Reach 1&2 (F15/F16) The ASR crossing occurs approximately 12.5km upstream from the Slater River/MacKenzie River confluence. Slater River ASR Crossing Reach 1 (F15) is located 1.5km downstream of the crossing and was 240m in length. Water temperature during assessment was 8.8 o C and ph Slater River ASR Crossing Reach 2 (F16) is located 1.5km upstream of the crossing and was 260m in length. Water temperature during assessment was 8.5 o C and ph REPORT FISH AND FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT JANUARY

24 Photo 8. Aerial view of the Slater River ASR Crossing, Reach 1. Photo 9. Aerial view of the Slater River ASR Crossing, Reach 2. Fish Habitat Slate River ASR Crossing Reach 1 and 2 consist of similar habitat types. The wetted width at F15 ranged from 5-9m with an average of 6.5m while F16 was slightly narrower with a range of 5-9m and average of 6.3m. Water depth ranged from cm, averaging 53.0 cm at F15 and ranged 10-87cm, averaging REPORT FISH AND FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT JANUARY

25 30.0cm at F16. The substrate was comprised of silt, pebbles and cobble. Predominant cover consisted of instream woody debris, water depth and undercut banks. Adequate dissolved oxygen to support fish was present at time of assessment with 100.9% saturation and 11.7 mg/l at F15 and 96.6% saturation and 11.3 mg/l at F16. Fish Inventory Backpack electrofishing was conducted on both reaches, but no fish were captured at F15 during the September 2013 survey. Four Arctic Grayling and 7 Slimy Sculpin were captured at F16 and a single Burbot was observed. A complete summary of fish capture data can be found in Table 3-2. Fish Habitat Suitability The Slater River at F15 and F16 consisted of a well-defined channel and was comprised of shallow runs and deep pool habitat. Overwintering habitat is considered nil to low for both game and forage fish, as pools deep enough to provide winter habitat were limited. Pebbles and gravel substrate provide spawning habitat for species that require coarser sediments while habitat for species that spawn on vegetation is limited. F11 and F12 provide suitable shallow water habitat for nursery, rearing and feeding for forage fish and game fish Fish Habitat Assessment Waterbodies Assessments of fish habitat for surveyed waterbodies are outlined below. Bathymetric surveys of the water sources were conducted in 2011 and this information was used to supplement the assessment and can be found summarized in Table 3-6. Table 3-6. Bathymetric Survey of Approved Water Sources, Location Site Area (ha) Max Depth (m) Total Volume (m 3 ) Volume Beneath 1.5m of ice (m 3 ) Water Source 1 F ,535 0 Water Source 2 F , Water Source 3 F ,180,975 21,044 Water Source 4 F , ,959 Water Source 5 F ,307,758 56,420 Ice thickness of 1.5m was used to estimate winter conditions and available under-ice habitat. Water Source 1 (F03) Water source 1 (F03) is a small waterbody within the Bogg Creek drainage basin with an approximate area of 3.38ha and a max depth of 1.07m. Water temperature during the assessment was 12.3 o C and ph REPORT FISH AND FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT JANUARY

26 Photo 10. View southwest along the west shore of Water Source 1. Fish Habitat Water Source 1 (F03) is situated in a coniferous boreal forest setting with shallow sloping shorelines largely fringed with aquatic sedges and grasses. Substrate consisted of predominately silt with large amounts of detritus material. No rocky shorelines or shoals were noted. Adequate dissolved oxygen to support fish was present at time of assessment with 101.6% saturation and 10.9 mg/l. Fish Inventory A total of 38 Lake Chub were captured in minnow traps in F03 over the September 2013 survey. A complete summary of fish capture data can be found in Table 3-2. Minnow traps were solely used for fish capture as at the time of survey there were no distinct channels or streams flowing into or out of the waterbody therefore fyke nets were not deployed. A beach seine was not conducted due to unsafe deep soft bottom conditions. Fish Habitat Suitability Due to the shallow depths of the waterbody there is low overwintering potential for game fish. The waterbody does provide suitable shallow water habitat for spawning, nursery, rearing and feeding for forage fish and game fish. However, given the absence of distinct streams flowing either into or out of F03, access to and from the waterbody is likely to be very limited seasonally. Water Source 2 (F08) Water source 2 (F08) is a small waterbody within the Bogg Creek drainage basin with an approximate max depth of 1.55m and an area of 4.88ha. Water temperature during assessment was 12.2 o C and ph 7.2. REPORT FISH AND FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT JANUARY

27 Photo 11. View south along the west shoreline of Water Source 2. Fish Habitat Water Source 2 (F08) is situated in a mixed-wood boreal forest setting with shallow sloping shorelines and ubandant aquatic vegetation. The substrate consisted predominately of silt with a few areas of rocky shorelines with large cobble. Dissolved oxygen at time of assessment was adequate for fish requirements with 98.0% saturation and 10.5 mg/l. Fish Inventory No fish were captured during the September 2013 survey. Minnow traps were used for fish capture, as at the time of survey there were no distinct channels or streams flowing into or out of the waterbody to allow the use of fyke nets. Beach seines were conducted in two locations at F08 but no fish were captured. Fish Habitat Suitability Due to the shallow depths of the waterbody there is low overwintering potential for game fish. The waterbody does provide suitable shallow water habitat for spawning, nursery, rearing and feeding for forage fish and game fish. However, given the absence of distinct streams flowing either into or out of F08, access to and from the waterbody is likely to be very limited seasonally. Water Source 3 (F09) Water source 3 (F09) is a moderately sized waterbody within the Slater River drainage basin with an approximate area of ha and a max depth of 1.76m. Water temperature during assessment was 11.3 o C and ph REPORT FISH AND FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT JANUARY

28 Photo 12. View west along north shoreline of Water Source 3. Fish Habitat Water Source 3 (F09) is situated in a coniferous boreal forest setting with shallow sloping shorelines fringed with aquatic sedges and grasses. Substrate consisted of predominately silt with large amounts of detritus material. No rocky shorelines or shoals were noted. Adequate dissolved oxygen to support fish was present at time of assessment with 92.2% saturation and 10.1 mg/l. Fish Inventory No fish were captured during the September 2013 survey. Minnow traps were used for fish capture, as there were no distinct channels or streams flowing into or out of the waterbody at the time of survey to allow use of fyke nets. Beach seines were conducted in two locations at F09 but no fish were captured. Fish Habitat Suitability Due to the shallow depths of the waterbody there is likely low to nil overwintering potential for game fish. The waterbody does provide suitable shallow water habitat for spawning, nursery, rearing and feeding for forage and game fish. However, given the absence of distinct streams flowing either into or out of F09, access to and from the waterbody is likely to be seasonally limited. Water Source 4 (F10) Water Source 4 (F10) is a moderate sized waterbody within the Slater River drainage basin with an approximate area of 78.77ha and a max depth of 2.28m. Water temperature during assessment was 9.3 o C and ph 6.2. REPORT FISH AND FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT JANUARY

29 Photo 13. View of fyke net set on outlet of Water Source 4. Photo 14. View northwest across Water Source 4. Fish Habitat Water Source 4 (F10) is situated in a coniferous boreal forest setting with shallow sloping shorelines fringed with aquatic sedges and grasses. Substrate consisted of predominately cobble with areas of sand/silt shoals. Submerged beds of aquatic vegetation were also observed. Dissolved oxygen at time of assessment was adequate for fish requirements with 89.8% saturation and 10.3 mg/l. REPORT FISH AND FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT JANUARY

30 Fish Inventory A total of 4 Northern Pike were captured in fyke nets in F10 during the September 2013 survey. Detailed fish capture data can be found in Table 3-2. A Fyke net was deployed at the inlet to F10 situated within a 100m long channel connecting F10 with another waterbody of almost equal size to the Northwest. Minnow traps were also used and beach seines were conducted in two locations at F10, but no fish were captured through either method. Fish Habitat Suitability Overwintering potential for game fish is low to moderate as the max depth and available water under the ice could provide suitable winter habitat. The waterbody also provides suitable shallow water habitat for spawning, nursery, rearing and feeding for forage and game fish. However, given the absence of distinct streams flowing out of F10, access to and from the waterbody to the Slater River is seasonally limited. The adjoining waterbody to the northwest could also potentially provide additional overwintering and other fish habitat. The presence of mature female Northern Pike and the restricted connection to the Slater River suggest a mostly isolated population within F10 and the adjoining waterbody to the northwest. Water Source 5 (F13) Water Source 5 (F13) is a moderately sized waterbody within the Little Bear River drainage basin with an approximate area of ha and a max depth of 1.90m. The Little Bear River is a large stream that drains an area of 2209km 2 into the MacKenzie River (Figure 1). Water temperature during assessment was 9.4 o C and ph Photo 15. View of fyke net set in outlet of Water Source 5. REPORT FISH AND FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT JANUARY

31 Photo 16. View northwest along the north shore of Water Source 5. Fish Habitat Water Source 5 (F13) is situated in a coniferous boreal forest setting with shallow sloping shorelines fringed with aquatic sedges and grasses. The substrate consisted predominately of silt with several cobble outcrops and shoals. Adequate dissolved oxygen to support fish was present at time of assessment with 92.3% saturation and 10.6 mg/l. Fish Inventory A total of 110 fish were captured during the September 2013 survey consisting of 17 Arctic Grayling, 27 Finescale Dace, and 66 Lake Chub. Detailed fish capture data can be found in Table 3-2. Fish were captured through a combination of minnow traps and fyke net located at the outflow on the east end of the waterbody. Beach seines were conducted in two locations at F13 but no fish were captured. Fish Habitat Suitability Due to the shallow depths of the waterbody there is low overwintering potential for game fish. All Arctic Grayling were immature individuals captured at the outflow of the water body. The waterbody does provide suitable shallow water habitat for spawning, nursery, rearing and feeding for forage and game fish. 4 Discussion In addition to the collection of baseline data, a secondary goal of the surveys is to use the information to aid in project planning and help mitigate the potential impacts of future development on fish and fish habitat. Each of the species occurring in the area require specific habitats seasonally, and knowledge of this habitat use is required to ensure effective mitigation. REPORT FISH AND FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT JANUARY

32 4.1 Arctic Grayling Arctic grayling may occupy several different life history types. Arctic grayling may be resident or migratory, and occupy stream-resident, fluvial, adfluvial, or lacustrine life histories (Stewart et al. 2007b). Generally, arctic grayling occur in open water of clear, cold, medium to large rivers and lakes. Adults move to pools after spawning, and spend winter in deep water. Spawning takes place in creeks with gravel-bottomed riffles. Lake populations can spawn in either inlet or outlet streams (NatureServe 2013). However, arctic grayling use of lake and large river habitats in the Mackenzie Valley area is unknown during the period of ice cover, although fish that spawn in the Mackenzie River valley generally migrate from lakes and larger rivers into small, clear, fast-flowing streams during or just after the breakup of river ice (Stewart et al. 2007b). As this species requires cold and clear water, it is common to find artic grayling in the fast moving streams that flow into the Mackenzie River from the east. Grayling tend to avoid turbid parts of the Mackenzie River, but can be found in milky glacial streams elsewhere (Scott & Crossman, 1973). The food habits of arctic grayling can be described as being opportunistic in nature. Fry feed mainly on zooplankton with a gradual shift to immature insects (Scott & Crossman, 1973). Adults feed mainly on terrestrial and aquatic insects (larvae, pupae and adults); also crustaceans, snails, fish eggs, and small fish (NatureServe 2013). Locally, arctic grayling are known to primarily select for aquatic and terrestrial insects (Stewart et al. 2007a). It is important to note that this species ability to find food decreases markedly as stream turbidity increases and fingerlings avoid water with turbidity >20 NTU (Stewart et al. 2007b). Arctic grayling habitat requirements vary slightly by life stage. Both sexes typically mature to adults at age 2 to 6 years. Key habitat requirements include: clear water for locating prey; flow rates, adequate seasonal water depths, and gravel suitable for both feeding and spawning; and connectivity between spawning, feeding, and overwintering areas (Stewart et al. 2007b). Specifically, the spawn/egg stage requires flow rates of <1.5 m/s, with a mean of m/s, where adults are often found at means of m/s. Spawning temperatures range between 4 and 16 C, with a daily mean of 6-10 C. Spawning typically occurs mid-may to mid-june but can extend from late April into early July, with incubation lasting days. When needed, adults use rubble and cobble for cover, and less often cut banks, deadfall, overhanging or in-stream vegetation; juveniles and young of year often use rocks (Stewart et al. 2007b). The status of arctic grayling in Canada is N5 (secure), with the ranking for NT indicated as S3 (vulnerable) by NatureServe (2013). Ecological sensitivities include: stream obstructions that delay or prevent migrations, as well as streambed alterations which may cause local extirpation; temperature changes; flooding or drought within two weeks following hatching; and the introduction of competitors or predators (Stewart et al. 2007b). Humans are a key predator on adult and large juvenile grayling, while piscivorous fishes, particularly northern pike, may be the key predators on smaller juveniles (Stewart et al. 2007a). Arctic grayling were found in three of the sample sites. The occurrence of arctic grayling in both lakes and streams is consistent with their variable life history types. The majority of individuals were captured in Water Source 5, with a few captured in reach 2 of the Slater River ASR crossing, and one in reach 1 of the 12 km ASR crossing. Water Source 5 is a large cool water lake, while the sample reach of the Slater River was large, with cool water, and is relatively fast flowing. This is consistent with the arctic grayling preference for large, cold water bodies, and fast flowing stream. REPORT FISH AND FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT JANUARY

33 4.2 Finescale Dace Finescale dace exhibit two markedly different life history types which influence its habitat requirements. This species may be either lacustrine or riverine, occurring in light to dark brown water of bog ponds, streams, and large lakes (Richardson et al. 2001; Evans et al. 2002; Sawatzky et al. 2007). Finescale dace are invertivores; adults eat mainly insects and mollusks (snails and fingernail clams; NatureServe 2013). In the NT, the finescale dace is known to occur in the Mackenzie River system, however relatively little information exists on the biology and life history of this species in general. Finescale dace are known to be associated with specific habitats and habitat features. In the southern extent of its Canadian range (prairies of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta) finescale dace are characteristic of bog habitats in the headwaters of streams (Langhorne et al. 2001). Generally, finescale dace occupy depths up to 2m in cool bog lakes, slow moving streams and large ponds, often in association with aquatic vegetation and in-situ cover (NatureServe 2013). Spawning occurs from spring to midsummer and has been reported under the cover of trees, brush, and logs in water m in depth (Evans et al. 2002). Eggs hatch after four days of incubation and young are free swimming three days later. Adults often occur at depths between m over sand, gravel, silt, and mud substrates. Information from northwestern Ontario baitfish harvesters suggested that finescale dace production in lakes can fluctuate and is based on a wide range of factors, including lake size and depth, physical and chemical characteristics, species assemblages and weather patterns (Eddy 2000). Finescale dace are ranked as secure in Canada (N5), and apparently secure (S4) in the Northwest Territories (NatureServe 2013). No major threats to this species are known currently (NatureServe 2013), though finescale and northern redbelly dace (P. eos) sometimes hybridize and may share similar spawning habitat requirements (Richardson et al. 2001; Evans et al. 2002). Particular sensitivities are to top predators such as northern pike being introduced into a lake system. Finescale dace numbers have been seen to decline both from predation and emigration. A shift in habitation has also been observed with finescale dace moving away from the lake toward to an outflow channel after the addition of northern pike (He and Wright 1992), indicating the importance of these areas as a predation refuge for finescale dace of the lacustrine life history type. 4.3 Lake Chub Widely distributed in the NT, the lake chub exhibits lacustrine, riverine, and adfluvial life history types though lakes are preferred. Spawning can be variable, occurring along lake shores and in streams between April and early August (Scott & Crossman, 1973) over substrates of rubble, cobble, and gravel at depths between m (Richardson et al. 2001; Evans et al. 2002). After spawning, adfluvial adults return to the lake where they remain until the next spawning season (Evans et al. 2002). There have been many documented occurrences of lake chub in both the upper and lower Mackenzie River and its tributaries (Evans et al. 2002, Sawatzky et al. 2007). Terrestrial and aquatic insects as well as algae and zooplankton form the major part of the diet in lake chub (Richardson et al. 2001). The progression to feeding on insects follows a transition in body size, where fry were utilizing phytoplankton when they had reached 11 mm in length, zooplankton at 18mm in length and insects at 26 mm (Brown 1969). Although the lake chub could be considered a forage fish for piscivores, no lake chub were found in the stomach contents of the 89 trout, 59 walleye and 463 pike examined in Lac LaRonge, SK from June through August (Brown 1969). Of another 1240 pike analyzed in a concurrent project, only 2 lake chub were found. In an environment with limited forage fish species present, the lake chub would likely be more frequently consumed. REPORT FISH AND FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT JANUARY

34 Lake chub are typically found in bottom areas near shore and are described as a shallow water species. Adults are generally found at depths of m over a sand, rubble, cobble, and boulder substrate although they may move to deeper water in summer (Richardson et al. 2001; Evans et al. 2002). Lake chub use rocks as cover, however exposure plays a more critical role in the distribution of lake chub than vegetation and substrate Brown (1969), suggesting lake chub have the ability to utilize a wide variety of habitats. Lake chub are secure in Canada (N5), and the Northwest Territories (S5; NatureServe 2013). No major threats to this species are known currently. The population trend over the past 10 years is uncertain but likely relatively stable (NatureServe 2013). Lake chub was the most commonly found fish, occurring in four of the fourteen sample sites. The occurrence of lake chub in both lakes and streams is consistent with their variable life history types. However, the majority were captured in lakes. The most lake chub were captured in water source lake 5, this was followed by water source lake 1 with about half as many lake chub, and a few individuals captured in both reaches of the 12 km ASR crossing. 4.4 Northern Pike Distributed throughout the Northwest Territories, the northern pike (Esox lucius) can exhibit lacustrine, adfluvial and riverine life history types (Richardson et al. 2001). It inhabits weedy areas of slow meandering rivers and weedy bays of lakes (Richardson et al. 2001). In northern latitudes, spawning occurs after ice break-up in May and June (Craig 1996). Spawning occurs in very shallow waters (< 1 m), in wind sheltered areas (Richardson et al. 2001), often at the lake edge or in flooded river areas (Craig 1996). Adhesive eggs are deposited and fertilized on vegetation where they incubate for days, depending on local water temperatures (Richardson et al. 2001). After an additional 6-10 days following the incubation period, young become free swimming and remain in the spawning areas for several weeks after hatching (Richardson et al. 2001). Adult pike will remain in water < 5 m deep for a majority of the year but move into deeper water overwinter (Richardson et al. 2001). The age of sexual maturity for northern populations of pike is age 6 for females and age 5 for males (Richardson et al. 2001). Northern pike feed primarily on fish, but studies of pike populations in Alberta and the Northwest Territories suggest that the frequency of invertebrate prey in the diet can be high in some systems (Chapman et al. 1989). Generally, young pike (< 50 mm) feed on entomostracans and insects while larger pike feed mostly fish (Chapman et al. 1989). Northern pike are ambush predators that use structural features such as logs, weeds and stumps to ambush prey (Richardson et al. 2001). Young pike are often found in areas with abundant submergent vegetation such as quiet bays, which provides cover from predators and shelter for potential prey items (Richardson et al. 2001). Northern pike are tolerant to a range of environmental conditions but are primarily cool-water fish adapted to shallow (< 12 m) oxygenated and productive to mesotrophic environments (Casselman and Lewis 1996). Optimal spawning habitat consists of flooded vegetation such as grasses and sedges in shallow, sheltered areas (Casselman and Lewis 1996). Nursery habitat requirements include areas in shallow water with dense vegetation and woody debris or other structures (Casselman and Lewis 1996). Juvenile and adult pike prefer shallow vegetated areas with moderate vegetation density in open water (Richardson et al. 2001). The status of Northern pike is secure throughout most of Canada (S5) and in the Northwest Territories (S5: NatureServe 2013). Pike are a highly prized game fish (NatureServe 2013). Pike are negatively impacted by cultural eutrophication and habitat loss (Casselman and Lewis 1996). Changes to nearshore habitat and changes in water levels, siltation, commercial and sport fishing can negatively affect populations of this top-rank predator (Casselman and Lewis 1996). REPORT FISH AND FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT JANUARY