A Reconnaissance Inventory of UNNAMED LAKE ( Hartley Bay Lake )

Transcription

1 A Reconnaissance Inventory of UNNAMED LAKE ( Hartley Bay Lake ) Watershed Code: Date Inventoried: August 29 to September 1 and September 24, 1996 Prepared for: Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks Box 5000 Smithers, B.C. V0J 2N0 Prepared by: Kristine Mason, M.Sc. Adam Lewis, M.Sc., R.P.Bio. Box 88 Terrace, B.C. V8G 4A2 March 21, 2001

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION DATA ON FILE GEOGRAPHIC AND MORPHOLOGIC INFORMATION Location Physical Data Lake Morphometry Benchmark Lake drainage Stream surveys Major systems Minor systems Terrain and vegetation Immediate Shoreline Surrounding Country DEVELOPMENTS AND LAND USE Access Development and land use Resorts and campsites Mining claims Timber harvest Waste permits Water permits Recreation values Special regulations and restrictions FISH POPULATION SAMPLING Fish species composition Relative abundance Size, age and growth Salmonids Non-salmonid species Sexual maturity and condition LIMNOLOGICAL SAMPLING Water sampling Stratification OTHER FLORA AND FAUNA Aquatic plants Wildlife observations Summary of Rare and Endangered Species MANAGEMENT COMMENTS REFERENCES...18 Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page i

3 LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Table showing the time and date set and collected, as well as the site characteristics, for each gill net (GL) and minnow trap (MT) set in Hartley Bay Lake.20 Table 2: Data for gill netting and minnow trapping in Hartley Bay Lake...21 Table 3: Limnology summary for Hartley Bay Lake, showing the method used and the date and time of each measurement...22 Table 4: Dissolved oxygen, temperature and conductivity measurements for Hartley Bay Lake taken at increments from the surface to a depth of 30 m...23 Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page ii

4 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Location of Hartley Bay Lake on 1: N.T.S. Map 103H/ Figure 2: Air photo of Hartley Bay Lake...25 Figure 3: Length-weight regression for coho salmon in Hartley Bay Lake Figure 4: Length-frequency distribution for coho salmon in Hartley Bay Lake Figure 5: Fork length by age for coho salmon in Hartley Bay Lake Figure 6: Length-weight regression for cutthroat trout in Hartley Bay Lake...27 Figure 7: Length-frequency distribution for cutthroat trout in Hartley Bay Lake...27 Figure 8: Fork length by age for cutthroat trout in Hartley Bay Lake...27 Figure 9: Length-weight regression for kokanee in Hartley Bay Lake Figure 10: Length-frequency distribution for kokanee in Hartley Bay Lake Figure 11: Fork length by age for kokanee in Hartley Bay Lake Figure 12: Length-weight regression for Dolly Varden in Hartley Bay Lake...29 Figure 13: Length-frequency distribution for Dolly Varden in Hartley Bay Lake...29 Figure 14: Fork length by age for Dolly Varden in Hartley Bay Lake...29 Figure 15: Length-weight regression for threespine stickleback in Hartley Bay Lake Figure 16: Length-frequency distribution for threespine stickleback in Hartley Bay Lake.30 Figure 17: Fork length by age for threespine stickleback in Hartley Bay Lake Figure 18: Limnological profiles for Hartley Bay Lake...31 Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page iii

5 LIST OF PHOTOS Photo 1: Aerial view of Hartley Bay Lake looking west toward the inlets (Roll 5, #22)..32 Photo 2: Aerial view of the outlet of Hartley Bay Lake (Roll 17, #22)...32 Photo 3: Upstream view of outlet stream (A) , reach 1 (Roll 6, #4)...33 Photo 4: Downstream view of outlet stream (A) , reach 1 (Roll 6, #3)...33 Photo 5: Upstream view of outlet stream (A) , reach 2 (Roll 6, #2)...34 Photo 6: Downstream view of outlet stream (A) , reach 2 (Roll 6, #1)...34 Photo 7: Upstream view of inlet stream (B) (Roll 6, #7)...35 Photo 8: Downstream view of inlet stream (B) (Roll 6, #6)...35 Photo 9: Downstream view of inlet stream (C) , southwest corner of Hartley Bay Lake (Roll 6, #12)...36 Photo 10: Upstream view of inlet stream (D) , southwest corner of Hartley Bay Lake (Roll 6, #19)...36 Photo 11: Downstream view of inlet stream (D) (Roll 6, #20)...37 Photo 12: Upstream view of inlet stream (E), south side Hartley Bay Lake (Roll 6, #24)37 Photo 13: Downstream view of inlet stream (E) (Roll 6, #25)...38 Photo 14: View of non-continuous tributary (ii) (Roll 6, #21)...38 Photo 15: View of the east end of Hartley Bay Lake (Roll 6, #11)...39 Photo 16: Fish captured in gill nets set in Hartley Bay Lake, clockwise from top: cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden, kokanee and coho salmon (Roll 6, #10)...39 Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page iv

6 LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix I: BATHYMETRIC DATA...40 Appendix II: STREAM CARDS...49 Appendix III: RAW CATCH DATA...56 Appendix IV: WATER SAMPLING REPORT...59 Appendix V: RAW FIELD NOTES...62 Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page v

7 1. INTRODUCTION was retained by the British Columbia Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Fisheries Branch to conduct a Reconnaissance Level Lake Inventory on an unnamed lake (alias, Hartley Bay Lake), within the North Coast Forest District. This lake is located approximately 119 km southeast of Prince Rupert by float plane and had not previously been surveyed. Information was collected on lake bathymetry, lake drainage, including stream surveys, terrain and vegetation, access, developments and land use, fish populations, limnology, aquatic plants and wildlife. The lake survey was conducted according to the Lake and Stream Inventory Standards and Procedures of the Resource Inventory Committee (MELP 1995). Stream information was entered into the Department of Fisheries and Oceans / Ministry of Environment Stream Survey Database. The reconnaissance level survey was completed on August 29 to September 1 and September 24, 1996 by Kristine Mason, Brian Leaf and Stacey Brown. Original field data and photos are included with the original copy of the lake report. 2. DATA ON FILE Location X Individual Fish Data X Physical data X Fish Preserved X Bench Mark X Stomach Analysis Lake Drainage X Scale and/or Otolith Reading X Stream Surveys X DO, Temperature and Conductivity Profiles X Terrain Features X Water Chemistry Summary X Terrestrial Vegetation X Aquatic Plants X Access X Wildlife Observations X Resorts and Campsites X Fishery Management Comments X Mining claims X Photograph Directory / Photos X Timber Harvest X Appendices Waste Permits X I. Bathymetric Data X Water Permits X Bathymetric Map X Recreation Values X II. Tributary Stream Data X Special Regulations and Restrictions X III. Catch Data X History of Previous Surveys X IV. Water Chemistry X Netting Record X V. Bottom Sediment Analysis Lake Catch Summary X VI. Fish Tissue Analysis Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 1

8 3. GEOGRAPHIC AND MORPHOLOGIC INFORMATION 3.1 Location Gazetted Name: Unnamed Lake, alias Hartley Bay Lake Watershed Code: Location: Hartley Bay Lake is 119 km southeast of Prince Rupert, located just west of Hartley Bay, Douglas Channel Elevation: 30 m (Source: Topographic N.T.S. Map 103H/6) Latitude/Longitude: 53 o 25'59'', 129 o 18'56'' U.T.M.: , N.T.S. Map #: 103 H/6 TRIM Map #: 103 H 044 Air Photos: 30BCB (June 27, 1992) SEAM #: E Management Unit: 6-11 Biogeoclimatic Zone: Coastal Western Hemlock Forest Region: Prince Rupert Forest Region Forest District: Drainage: Hartley Bay Lake unnamed creek unnamed lake ( Lower Lake ) unnamed creek Hartley Bay Date of Survey: August 29 to September 1 and September 24, Physical Data Lake Drainage Area: 11.6 km 2 Volume: 5.56 x 10 7 m3 Water Surface Area: 1.86 km 2 Number of Islands: 0 Area Above 6m Contour: 1950 m 2 Shoreline Perimeter: 8 km Maximum Depth: 60 m Mean Depth: 30 m Secchi Depth: 5.5 m Sounding Device: Lowrance X-16 Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 2

9 Hartley Bay Lake is a medium-sized lake, 3.1 km in length and 186 ha in area. The lake is at an elevation of approximately 30 m and is surrounded by hills rising to peaks approximately 700 m in elevation. Photo 1 shows an aerial view of the lake from the east. 3.3 Lake Morphometry Hartley Bay Lake is a narrow lake with one main basin (maximum depth 60 m). Bathymetric information was collected during the survey according to the Bathymetric Standards for Lake Inventories (MELP 1996). A Lowrance X-16 electronic sounder was used in the field to provide paper traces of the depth soundings of the e-line and transects. The bathymetric map was created using manual procedures as outlined in the manual. Measurements were taken of distance and depth data from the paper traces and entered into a spreadsheet. The depth contours on the bathymetric map were calculated by linear interpolation of these depth data. The bathymetric map, raw bathymetric data and map of transect locations are included in Appendix I. 3.4 Benchmark U.T.M.: , The benchmark was established at the west end of the lake on the south shore. A spike (centre of orange circle) was nailed into a large tree 9.3 m from the water s edge at approximately 2.9 m above the water surface. 3.5 Lake drainage The outflow of Hartley Bay Lake, an unnamed creek, flows southeast into an unnamed lake ( Lower Lake ). From the east end of this unnamed lake, the stream flows east 9.6 km into the head of Hartley Bay, Douglas Channel. The watershed drains approximately 11.6 km 2 (source: metric dot grid, 1: map). Figure 1 shows Hartley Bay Lake on the 1: N.T.S. map. Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 3

10 3.5.1 Stream surveys The Stream Information Survey System (SISS) indicates that falls are present 5.4 km upstream from Hartley Bay, limiting access of sockeye, coho, pink and chum. A coho salmon hatchery is located at 0.1 km upstream from Hartley Bay. SISS reports 106,000 coho fry were released in Hartley Bay Lake in 1986 and 89,000 coho smolts were released in The DFO Salmonid Enhancement Program (DFO, North Coast) released 60,460 coho fry (size: 2.0 g cwt) in June 1995 and 60,721 coho fry (size: 2.5 g cwt) in June 1996 into Hartley Bay Lake. In Hartley Bay Creek, 29,840 coho smolts (size: 18.0 g) were released in May 1995 and 25,000 coho smolts (size: 16.5 g) in May 1996 (M. Forbes, pers. comm.) Major systems The locations and flow directions of the streams surveyed in Hartley Bay Lake are shown in Figure 2. Four inlet streams were surveyed, as well as the outlet stream. The stream cards for the major streams of Hartley Bay Lake are located in Appendix II. Unnamed Creek (outlet): Stream A Local Name: Hartley Bay Creek UTM: Watershed Code: Photo 2 shows an aerial view of the outlet looking northeast. 500 m of this stream was surveyed. The first reach (Photos 3 and 4) had an average wetted width of 4.3 m. The bed material was predominantly bedrock, boulder and cobble. Cover (40%) was primarily from deep pool, boulder and large organic debris. The gradient was 3% and the stream flow was 60% riffle, 20% pool and 20% run. This reach would provide good spawning habitat. The second reach (Photos 5 and 6) was wider, with an average wetted width of 18 m. The bed material was 80% fines, the gradient was 1% and the flow was Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 4

11 90% run. Cover was limited (20%), mostly provided by cutbank and instream vegetation. This reach would provide good rearing habitat but poor spawning due to lack of suitable gravel. Unnamed Creek : Stream B UTM: Photos (7 and 8) This inlet, flowing into the northeast corner of Hartley Bay Lake had an average wetted width of 0.9 m, with the bed material being primarily fines and gravels. The gradient was 9%. The creek has fairly extensive cover (70%) from overhanging vegetation, cutbank, and deep pool. At 170 m, the stream turns into a small marshy area. This stream provides good rearing habitat but poor spawning habitat. Unnamed Creek : Stream C UTM: Watershed Code: Photo 9 This inlet, flowing into the southwest side of Hartley Bay Lake was surveyed to 91 m with the average wetted width 3.4 m, and the substrate primarily large cobble and boulder. Gradient was 15%. Cover was extensive (90%) from boulder, cutbank, overhanging vegetation, large organic debris and deep pool. An impassable barrier (rocks: gradient 28%) was present at 91 m upstream. This creek does not provide much spawning habitat, due to the steep gradient and lack of suitable spawning gravel, but may provide rearing habitat. Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 5

12 Unnamed Creek : Stream D UTM: Watershed Code: Photos 10 and 11 This inlet, flowing into the west end of Hartley Bay Lake was surveyed to 400 m. The average wetted width was 1.9 m, with the substrate primarily boulder and the remainder fairly evenly divided between fines, gravels and cobble. The gradient was 9% and there was extensive cover (80%) mostly from boulder, overhanging vegetation and deep pool. Numerous side channels were present, providing good rearing habitat. However, the stream does not provide good spawning habitat due to the gradient and lack of suitable spawning gravel. Unnamed Creek : Stream E UTM: Photos 12 and 13 This inlet, flowing into the south side of Hartley Bay Lake was surveyed to 161 m with the average wetted width 3.9 m, and the substrate fairly evenly divided between fines, gravel and cobble. Gradient was 7%. Cover (60%) was provided by boulder, overhanging vegetation, cutbank, and deep pool. An obstruction, 3 m in height (22% gradient), was present at 161 m upstream. This creek provides good rearing but poor spawning habitat due to the lack of suitable gravel Minor systems Tributary i This tributary flowing into the east end of the lake, does not provide any fish habitat. At the time of the survey, it had a wetted width of less than 0.5 m. The flow is likely intermittent. Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 6

13 Tributary ii This tributary (Photo 14) flowing into the south side of Hartley Bay Lake was less than 0.5 m in width. The flow was partially subterranean and probably not continuous. The bottom of the channel was muddy and skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanum) was abundant. This inlet does not provide any fish habitat. 3.6 Terrain and vegetation Immediate Shoreline The shoreline of Hartley Bay Lake is mostly rocky. Cliffs are present along the south side of the lake and the shoreline drops off very quickly along this shore. The west end of the lake has a few white, sandy beach areas with many snags. The east end of the lake is also flatter with a shallow sandy area with snags and aquatic vegetation. For the most part, the shoreline substrate is hard sand with fairly quick drop-offs at the shore. The perimeter features of Hartley Bay Lake are fairly diverse. The shoreline has areas of both rock and sand. There are also areas where bedrock cliffs extend right to the shore. Both ends of the lake are flat with beaches, snags and shallow, sandy shoal areas. Photo 15 shows a view of the east end of the lake Surrounding Country Hartley Bay Lake is within the Coastal Western Hemlock biogeoclimatic zone, Very Wet Hypermaritime subzone (CWHvh) (Ministry of Forests 1988). This subzone is characterised by mild, wet summers (mean temperature of warmest month 13.9 o C, mean precipitation of driest summer month 96 mm) and cool, wet winters (mean temperature of coldest month 3.0 o C, mean precipitation of wettest winter month 431 mm) (Meidinger and Pojar 1991). Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 7

14 The forest at the west end of Hartley Bay Lake is dominated by mature western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) and red alder (Alnus rubra). The understory is dominated by devil s club (Oplopanax horridus), skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanum), ferns and mosses. Twisted stalk (Streptopus sp.) and foamflower (Tiarella trifoliata) were also present by the two inlets at the southwest corner of the lake. Stands of huge, old-growth Sitka spruce are found at the northwest end of the lake and by inlet stream (D). The forest at the east end of the lake is dominated by western redcedar (Thuja plicata). Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia) and shore pine (Pinus contorta) were present along the shores of the outflow stream. The shrub layer consisted of salal (Gaultheria shallon), bunchberry (Cornus canadensis), highbush-cranberry (Viburnum edule) and false azalea (Menziesia ferruginea). Wildflowers included king gentian (Gentiana sceptrum). Unknown trees, bushes and wildflowers were identified using Pojar and MacKinnon (1994). Cliffs are present along the south side of the lake. The lake is surrounded by forested hills, rising to peaks approximately 700 m in elevation. Hartley Bay Lake is located in the Western System of British Columbia (Holland 1976), in the Coast Mountains, within the Kitimat Ranges. These granitic mountains are characteristically round-topped, domelike mountains rising to peaks between 1980 and 2285 m in elevation (Holland 1976). 4. DEVELOPMENTS AND LAND USE 4.1 Access Hartley Bay Lake was accessed by float plane, a trip of approximately 119 km southeast from Prince Rupert. Flying time is approximately 55 minutes. It may be possible to hike into the lake from Hartley Bay, as there is a trail along the outlet stream, with the start marked by a large fluorescent arrow spray painted on a boulder. Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 8

15 4.2 Development and land use The area directly around Hartley Bay Lake shows no signs of past or present logging or agricultural land use. However, the lake is used for recreation, including camping and fishing. No major sources of pollution were observed at Hartley Bay Lake, but minor pollutants, such as, garbage, gas and oil may be present at the lake Resorts and campsites There are no established campsites on Hartley Bay Lake. There are several white sand beach areas on the west end and some small beaches on the north side where camping would be possible during dry weather. The field camp was set up on the northwest shore of Hartley Bay Lake. An orange tarp was located on the north shore indicating that someone had previously camped there. During heavy rain, these nearshore areas would be susceptible to flooding. There were also areas of old growth forest where tents could be pitched under huge Sitka spruce. However, run-off channels in the forest would flood during rainstorms Mining claims There are no mining claims within the Hartley Bay Lake watershed Timber harvest At present there are no approved logging plans for the Hartley Bay Lake watershed Waste permits There are no waste permits held for Hartley Bay Lake Water permits There are no water licenses held for Hartley Bay Lake. Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 9

16 4.2.6 Recreation values Hartley Bay Lake is an aesthetically attractive lake surrounded by forested hillsides with areas of old growth forest. As mentioned, there is a trail present along the outlet stream. Camping on the sand beaches would be pleasant in clear weather, but the west end of the lake tends to be subject to fog and low cloud, held in the valley by the surrounding mountains. Off the beaches, there are sandy, shallow sections which could be used for swimming in the summer. The orange tarp present on the north shore beach at the time of the survey indicates that the lake is used for recreation, possibly angling Special regulations and restrictions According to the B.C. Freshwater Fishing Regulations, there were no special restrictions at the time of the survey, beyond those limitations applying to the region for catch limits and gear. 5. FISH POPULATION SAMPLING 5.1 Fish species composition Gill netting and minnow trapping captured coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki clarki), kokanee (Oncorhynchus nerka), Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) and threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) in Hartley Bay Lake. Photo 16 shows the four species of fish captured in gill nets set in Hartley Bay Lake: clockwise from top, cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden, kokanee and coho salmon. Table 1 shows the site characteristics of the gill nets and minnow traps set in Hartley Bay Lake. Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 10

17 5.2 Relative abundance Table 2 shows the catch for each trap type by species caught in Hartley Bay Lake. The raw catch data are presented in Appendix III. In the floating net, 7 coho, 3 cutthroat trout and 3 Dolly Varden were captured, with a catch per unit effort (CPUE) of 0.5, 0.2 and 0.2 fish per hour, respectively). In the sinking net, 2 Dolly Varden and 4 kokanee were captured. The sinking net was fished with only five panels due to irreparable damage to the 64 mm panel and CPUEs reported for the sinking net were adjusted for the missing panel (CPUE x 5/6). Therefore, the CPUE for the sinking net was 0.1 Dolly Varden per hour and 0.3 kokanee per hour. The segregation of fish species in Hartley Bay Lake may indicate that coho and cutthroat trout utilise the epilimnion, kokanee utilise the hypolimnion and Dolly Varden are found throughout the whole lake. 12 coho were also captured in minnow traps set in the lake, the outlet stream and inlet stream (E). The coho captured in Hartley Bay Lake all had their adipose fins removed, indicating that they were all stocked into the lake from the hatchery at Hartley Bay. One juvenile cutthroat trout was caught in the minnow trap set in inlet stream (C). Ten sticklebacks were caught in four traps set in the lake. 5.3 Size, age and growth Salmonids Coho salmon sampled in the lake and streams ranged in size from 68 to 120 mm in fork length (FL), with an average of 91 mm and a standard deviation of 19 mm (± 19 mm). The weight of coho salmon ranged from 3.4 to 18.6 g, with an average of 9.3±5.9 g. These coho were 0 and 1 years of age. Figure 3 shows the length weight regression, Figure 4 shows the length frequency distribution and Figure 5 shows the age frequency distribution for coho salmon in Hartley Bay Lake. Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 11

18 Cutthroat trout ranged in size from 112 to 358 mm FL, with an average of 281± 114 mm. The weight of cutthroat trout ranged from 13.7 to g, with an average of 290.1±192.3 g. Scales taken from four cutthroat trout indicated that these fish were 1 to 4 years old. Figures 6, 7 and 8 show length, weight and age data for cutthroat trout in Hartley Bay Lake. The four kokanee from the gill net ranged in size from 151 to 177 mm FL, with an average of 159± 17 mm. The weights of these kokanee ranged from 32.7 to 61.3 g, with an average of 46.1±13.7 g. Scales from three of these kokanee indicated that these fish were 2 years of age. Figures 9, 10 and 11 show length, weight and age data for kokanee in Hartley Bay Lake. Otoliths taken from one Dolly Varden (137 mm, 32.6 g) indicated that the fish was 8 years in age. Figures 12, 13 and 14 show length, weight and age data for the Dolly Varden in Hartley Bay Lake. Scales from coho salmon, cutthroat trout and kokanee were aged by Bryan Williams, B.Sc., a fisheries biologist of the Triton Terrace office. Otoliths from the Dolly Varden were aged by AMC Technical Services Ltd., Lantzville, B.C Non-salmonid species Stickleback from minnow traps in Hartley Bay Lake ranged from 45 to 58 mm, with an average FL of 53.1±5.6 mm. Weights of these fish ranged from 1.10 g to 1.8 g, with an average of 1.4±0.2 g. Figures 15 and 16 show length, weight data for stickleback in Hartley Bay Lake. No ageing was performed on non-salmonid species (Figure 17). Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 12

19 5.4 Sexual maturity and condition The seven coho captured in the gill nets in Hartley Bay Lake were all immature. These fish were juveniles (1 year olds) that had not yet migrated to the sea. The three cutthroat trout sampled at Hartley Bay Lake were female, all resting (adult sized fish with small gonads). Cutthroat trout spawn in the spring (Scott and Crossman 1973). Therefore, these 3 and 4 year old females would not yet have begun investing energy into reproduction, i.e. gonadal growth, for the spring spawning season. Of the 4 kokanee sampled, 1 was a maturing female, two were immature males and one was a maturing male. Kokanee spawn in the fall, generally during September and October in British Columbia (Scott and Crossman 1973). Therefore, those fish that were classified as maturing (ovaries and testes begin to fill out and take up a large part of the body cavity), would have be preparing to spawn within a few months. The one Dolly Varden sampled was classified as an immature female. However, ageing of the otoliths indicate that this fish was 8 years old. Sexual maturity is usually achieved in Dolly Varden in years 3 to 6, but high-altitude and northern populations are often stunted and not all adults spawn every year (Scott and Crossman 1973). Dolly Varden spawn in the fall, from September to early November (Scott and Crossman 1973) and it is possible that this fish would not have been spawning in the upcoming spawning season. Since only one fish was sampled, it is impossible to analyse the reproductive biology of the Hartley Bay Lake Dolly Varden population. Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 13

20 6. LIMNOLOGICAL SAMPLING 6.1 Water sampling Table 3 shows a summary of all limnological sampling performed at Hartley Bay Lake. The limnology site was in the middle of the lake towards the east end, at 60 m in depth. Water samples from depths of 0.5 m and 30 m (labelled surface and bottom, respectively) were collected from Hartley Bay Lake on September 1, 1996 at 10:30 a.m. These samples were analysed for general water chemistry and metals by Northern Laboratories Ltd., Prince Rupert, B.C. The full report from the laboratory is included in Appendix IV. 6.2 Stratification Table 4 and Figure 18 show the dissolved oxygen, temperature and conductivity profiles performed at Hartley Bay Lake on September 24, The lake was thermally stratified with the thermocline present at approximately 8 m in depth. The temperature in the epilimnion was warm, 13.7 o C at the surface, with the temperature in the hypolimnion dropping to 4.6 o C at 30 m. The dissolved oxygen readings range from 8.69 to mgl -1. The oxygen concentration increases with depth, indicating that there is not significant oxygen depletion in the hypolimnion. The conductivity profile for Hartley Bay Lake shows an increase in conductivity at 8 to 14 m in depth, corresponding with the metalimnion. The conductivity measurement is 6.8 µmhoscm -1 at the surface and at 30 m. The highest value (7.5 µmhoscm -1 ) occurs at 10 m in depth. Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 14

21 7. OTHER FLORA AND FAUNA 7.1 Aquatic plants Yellow pond-lilies (Nuphar polysepalum) were growing around the shores by the west end of Hartley Bay Lake. Water lobelia (Lobelia dortmanna) were observed along the west and south shores, as well as by the outlet. Buckbean (Menyanthes trifoliata) were also present at the outlet. Water starwort (Callitriche sp.) and narrow-leaved bur-reed (Sparganium angustifolium) were also found at Hartley Bay Lake. Aquatic plants were identified in the field using Pojar and MacKinnon (1994) and Warrington (1994). 7.2 Wildlife observations Red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) were seen and heard in the vicinity of the field camp at Hartley Bay Lake. No bears were observed, however, bear feeding signs were noted at the inlet streams at the west end. Bears had chewed on the leaves of skunk cabbage and made holes while digging for roots. Western toads (Bufo boreas) were also noticed at Hartley Bay Lake. Dragonflies (Odonata), damselflies (Odonata), and waterboatmen (Hemiptera, Family: Corixidae) were found along the shores of the lake. Steller s jay (Cyanocitta stelleri), common loon (Gavia immer) and great blue heron (Ardea herodias) were observed at Hartley Bay Lake. 7.3 Summary of Rare and Endangered Species The great blue heron observed at Hartley Bay Lake, is a blue-listed species (B.C. Conservation Data Centre: Rare Vertebrate Animal Tracking List, North Coast Forest District (FD #28), June 10, 1996). It is ranked as S3 in B.C., meaning that it is vulnerable provincially, either because it is very rare or local throughout its range, found only in a restricted range (even if abundant at some locations), or because other factors make it vulnerable to extinction. Its breeding status is classified as S4B, meaning that the breeding of the great blue heron is frequent to common in B.C, but may have a restricted Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 15

22 distribution or future threats may be perceived (Harcombe et al. 1994). Bear feeding signs indicated that grizzlies and/or black bears utilised the area. Grizzly bears are also a blue-listed species in B.C. (B.C. Conservation Data Centre: Rare Vertebrate Animal Tracking List, (FD #28), June 10, 1996). No rare vascular plants were noted at Hartley Bay Lake (B.C. Conservation Data Centre: Rare Vascular Plant Tracking List, (FD #28), June 10, 1996). 8. MANAGEMENT COMMENTS The fish community of Hartley Bay Lake is diverse for a coastal lake, with the presence of cutthroat trout, kokanee, Dolly Varden, coho salmon and threespine stickleback. Cutthroat trout, kokanee, Dolly Varden and coho, although present, were not very abundant in the gill nets. No large fish were captured, with the largest cutthroat trout weighing only 460 g. Cutthroat trout are piscivorous (Scott and Crossman 1973), and likely feed on juvenile kokanee, coho salmon and Dolly Varden in Hartley Bay Lake. Coho are stocked into the watershed (approximately 60,000 coho fry in the lake and 25,000 smolts in the creek each spring) by the hatchery at Hartley Bay. Most coho fry remain at least one year in freshwater before migrating to the ocean, usually in late March or April where they spend approximately 18 months in the sea before returning to spawn in the fall, at age 3 or 4 (Scott and Crossman 1973). Due to the falls 5.4 km upstream of Hartley Bay, these coho would be unable to migrate as far upstream as Hartley Bay Lake. Hartley Bay Lake is a deep (maximum depth 60 m), oligotrophic lake (low in nutrient inputs, with low organic production, Wetzel 1983). Phosphorus concentrations and conductivity measurements are low (< 0.05 mgl -1 and µmhoscm -1, respectively), indicating that the fish populations are likely slow growing. Fish production in Hartley Bay Lake could conceivably be increased through autochthonous fertilization of the lake. Nitrogen and phosphorus additions can increase zooplankton and benthic production, which in turn can increase salmonid production (Hyatt and Stockner 1985, Johnston et al. Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 16

23 1990, Ashley et al. 1994). More detailed study of the watershed would be necessary to determine if a fertilization programme would improve the growth and survival of the stocked coho and the implications for the other fish populations. The salmonid populations of Hartley Bay Lake would be vulnerable to habitat degradation, including logging and road construction. The littoral areas of the lake, especially those with macrophytes and snags, provide fish rearing habitat. The first 50 to 100 m of the inlet streams provide rearing habitat. However, outlet stream (A) provides the only good spawning substrate. These sensitive areas should be protected from sediment accumulation and riparian modification to allow successful reproduction in the future. Existing angling regulations are adequate because of the low fishing pressure at the present time. Hartley Bay Lake is close to Hartley Bay and judging by the evidence of human activity (tarp and garbage), it is possible that the lake is known as a sport fishing destination. However, access to the lake is by float plane, and the present low fishing effort is adequately managed by existing regulations. The habitat quality and fish diversity of this lake are high relative to other lakes in the, warranting stricter regulation should fishing effort increase. Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 17

24 9. REFERENCES Ashley, K., L.C. Thompson, L. Haywood-Farmer, R. Rae, F.R. Pick, P.B. Hamilton, D.C. Lasenby, K.E. Smokorowski and L. McEachern Kootenay Lake Fertilization Experiment - Year 2 (1993/94) B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Fisheries Branch, Fisheries Project Report No. RD 41. Fish Habitat Inventory and Information Program Stream Summary Catalogue. Subdistrict 6S Butedale. Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Vancouver, B.C. Harcombe, A., B. Harper, S. Cannings, D. Fraser and W.T. Munro Terms of Endangerment. Pages in Harding, L.E. and E. McCullum, eds. Biodiversity in British Columbia: Our Changing Environment. Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Pacific and Yukon Region, Vancouver, 425 pp. Holland, S.S Landforms of British Columbia. A Physiographic Outline. British Columbia Department of Mines and Petroleum Resources. Bulletin pp. Hyatt, K.D. and J.G. Stockner Responses of sockeye salmon (Onchorhynchus nerka) to fertilization of British Columbia coastal lakes. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 42: Johnston, N.T., C.J. Perrin, P.A. Slaney and B.R. Ward Increased juvenile salmonid growth by whole river fertilization. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 47: Meidinger, D. and Pojar, J Ecosystems of British Columbia. Special Report Series 6. Ministry of Forests. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Fisheries Branch, Inventory Unit. May Lake and Stream Inventory: Standards and Procedures. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Fisheries Branch and Water Management Program. February Bathymetric Standards for Lake Inventories (Final Draft), prepared for the Resources Inventory Commission (RIC). Ministry of Forests and Lands, Research Branch Biogeoclimatic and Ecoregion Units of the Prince Rupert Forest Region. Pojar, J. and A. MacKinnon Plants of Coastal British Columbia including Washington, Oregon & Alaska. B.C. Ministry of Forests and Lone Pine Publishing: Vancouver, B.C. Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 18

25 Scott, W.B. and E.J. Crossman Freshwater Fishes of Canada. Fisheries Research Board of Canada, Bulletin 184. Udvardy M.D.F. and J. Farrand Jr National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds: Western Region. Alfred A. Knopf: New York, NY. Warrington, P.D Identification Keys to the Aquatic Plants of British Columbia. Water Quality Branch, Water Management Division. B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. Wetzel, R.G Limnology: Second Edition. Saunders College Publishing: Philadelphia, PA. Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 19

26 Table 1: Table showing the time and date set and collected, as well as the site characteristics, for each gill net (GL) and minnow trap (MT) set in Hartley Bay Lake. Monofilament gill nets had six panels of mesh sizes: 25 mm, 76 mm, 51 mm, 89 mm, 38 mm and 64 mm. Due to irreparable damage, the sinking net had the 76 mm and 64 mm panels removed, with one 76 mm floating net panel attached. Minnow traps were baited with salmon roe. The orientation of the gill nets and the locations of all sample sites can be seen on the aerial photo (Figure 2). Method Number Date Set Time Set Date Coll. Time Coll. Time Fished (h:min) Location GL Aug-96 20:45 31-Aug-96 9:30 12:45 floating net, set perpendicular to shore GL Aug-96 20:00 31-Aug-96 8:45 12:45 sinking net, MT Aug-96 13:00 31-Aug-96 9:49 20:49 outlet stream (A) MT Aug-96 15:45 31-Aug-96 10:09 18:24 inlet stream (B) MT Aug-96 16:15 31-Aug-96 9:53 17:38 lake, east end MT Aug-96 16:33 31-Aug-96 10:30 17:57 lake MT Aug-96 16:46 31-Aug-96 18:00 25:14 inlet stream (E) MT Aug-96 17:06 31-Aug-96 10:45 17:39 lake MT Aug-96 17:15 31-Aug-96 15:15 22:00 inlet stream (C) MT Aug-96 17:15 31-Aug-96 17:10 23:55 inlet stream (D) MT Aug-96 17:35 31-Aug-96 13:25 19:50 lake, sandy bottom, logs Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 20

27 Table 2: Data for gill netting and minnow trapping in Hartley Bay Lake. Species are coho salmon (CO), coastal cutthroat trout (CT), Dolly Varden (DV), kokanee (KO) and threespine stickleback (TSB). CATCH is a count of each species of fish caught in the net or trap. Sum of CATCH SPP METHOD LOCATION CO CT DV KO TSB Total Gill net Floating Sinking Gill net Total Minnow trap Lake (4) Stream A Stream B Stream C Stream D Stream E Minnow trap Total Grand Total Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 21

28 Table 3: Limnology summary for Hartley Bay Lake, showing the method used and the date and time of each measurement. Due to equipment damage, limnological profiles were performed on a separate day, after the YSI 85 was obtained. Field conditions were recorded for the two days of limnology sampling. SEAM #: E Measurement Data Method Date Time bottom depth 60 m X - 16 Sounder 1-Sep-96 10:30 water clarity 5.5 m Secchi disk 1-Sep-96 10:30 ph at surface 4.8 ph stick (uncalibrated) 1-Sep-96 10:30 air temperature 14 o C alcohol field thermometer 1-Sep-96 10:30 wind velocity 5 km/h estimate 1-Sep-96 10:30 wind direction E estimate 1-Sep-96 10:30 surface condition rippled estimate 1-Sep-96 10:30 cloud cover 9/10 occluded estimate 1-Sep-96 10:30 water colour green estimate 1-Sep-96 10:30 weather light rain 1-Sep-96 10:30 description water sampling Appendix IV Van Doren bottle 1-Sep-96 10:30 water temperature Table 4, Fig. 18 YSI Sep-96 12:30 dissolved oxygen Table 4, Fig. 18 YSI Sep-96 12:30 conductivity Table 4, Fig. 18 YSI Sep-96 12:30 air temperature 16 o C thermometer 24-Sep-96 12:30 wind velocity 0 km/h estimate 24-Sep-96 12:30 wind direction n/a estimate 24-Sep-96 12:30 surface condition flat estimate 24-Sep-96 12:30 cloud cover 1/10 occluded estimate 24-Sep-96 12:30 water colour green estimate 24-Sep-96 12:30 weather description sunny 24-Sep-96 12:30 Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 22

29 Table 4: Dissolved oxygen, temperature and conductivity measurements for Hartley Bay Lake taken at increments from the surface to a depth of 30 m. Profiles were taken on September 24, SEAM site number is E Depth Dissolved oxygen Temperature Conductivity (m) (mg/l) ( o C) (µmhos/cm) Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 23

30 Figure 1: Location of Hartley Bay Lake on 1: N.T.S. Map 103H/6 Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 24

31 Figure 2: Air photo of Hartley Bay Lake Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 25

32 Figure 3: Length weight regression for coho salmon in Hartley Bay Lake. Figure 4: Length frequency distribution for coho salmon in Hartley Bay Lake. Figure 5: Age frequency for coho salmon in Hartley Bay Lake. Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 26

33 Figure 6: Length weight regression for cutthroat trout in Hartley Bay Lake. Figure 7: Length frequency distribution for cutthroat trout in Hartley Bay Lake. Figure 8: Age frequency for cutthroat trout in Hartley Bay Lake. Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 27

34 Figure 9: Length weight regression for kokanee in Hartley Bay Lake. Figure 10: Length frequency distribution for kokanee in Hartley Bay Lake. Figure 11: Age frequency for kokanee in Hartley Bay Lake. Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 28

35 Figure 12: Length weight regression for Dolly Varden in Hartley Bay Lake. Figure 13: Length frequency distribution for Dolly Varden in Hartley Bay Lake. Figure 14: Age frequency for Dolly Varden in Hartley Bay Lake. Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 29

36 Figure 15: Length weight regression for threespine stickleback in Hartley Bay Lake. Figure 16: Length frequency distribution for threespine stickleback in Hartley Bay Lake. Figure 17: Age frequency for threespine stickleback in Hartley Bay Lake. Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 30

37 Figure 18: Limnological profiles for Hartley Bay Lake. Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 31

38 Photo 1: Aerial view of Hartley Bay Lake looking west toward the inlets (Roll 5, #22) Photo 2: Aerial view of the outlet of Hartley Bay Lake (Roll 17, #22) Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 32

39 Photo 3: Upstream view of outlet stream (A) , reach 1 (Roll 6, #4) Photo 4: Downstream view of outlet stream (A) , reach 1 (Roll 6, #3) Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 33

40 Photo 5: Upstream view of outlet stream (A) , reach 2 (Roll 6, #2) Photo 6: Downstream view of outlet stream (A) , reach 2 (Roll 6, #1) Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 34

41 Photo 7: Upstream view of inlet stream (B) (Roll 6, #7) Photo 8: Downstream view of inlet stream (B) (Roll 6, #6) Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 35

42 Photo 9: Downstream view of inlet stream (C) , southwest corner of Hartley Bay Lake (Roll 6, #12) Photo 10: Upstream view of inlet stream (D) , southwest corner of Hartley Bay Lake (Roll 6, #19) Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 36

43 Photo 11: Downstream view of inlet stream (D) (Roll 6, #20) Photo 12: Upstream view of inlet stream (E), south side Hartley Bay Lake (Roll 6, #24) Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 37

44 Photo 13: Downstream view of inlet stream (E) (Roll 6, #24a) Photo 14: View of non-continuous tributary (ii) (Roll 6, #21) Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 38

45 Photo 15: View of the east end of Hartley Bay Lake (Roll 6, #11) Photo 16: Fish captured in gill nets set in Hartley Bay Lake, clockwise from top: cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden, kokanee and coho salmon (Roll 6, #10) Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 39

46 Appendix I: BATHYMETRIC DATA Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 40

47 Appendix II: STREAM CARDS Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 49

48 Appendix III: RAW CATCH DATA Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 56

49 Appendix IV: WATER SAMPLING REPORT Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 59

50 Appendix V: RAW FIELD NOTES Project 2469, WP T-081 Reconnaissance Level Inventory: Hartley Bay Lake, Page 62