Atlantic Whitefish Recovery Project

Transcription

1 2015 Atlantic Whitefish Recovery Project Andrew Breen Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation March

2 Atlantic Whitefish Recovery Project Report on 2015 Field Activities Andrew Breen, Fisheries Technician Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation

3 Contents Acknowledgements... 1 Goals and Objectives... 2 Methodology... 2 Study Area... 2 Outreach and Education... 3 Smallmouth Bass and Chain Pickerel Biological and Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) Study... 4 Rotary Screw Trap Study... 5 Spring and Fall Monitoring and Sampling Activities at the Hebb Lake Dam Fish Passage Facility... 6 Video filming of the area below Milipsigate Dam... 7 Backpack Electrofishing... 8 Results- Invasive Species Monitoring... 9 Smallmouth Bass Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) Study... 9 Chain Pickerel Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) Study Smallmouth Bass Biological Study Chain Pickerel Biological Study Rotary Screw Trap Study Spring Monitoring and Sampling Activities at RST Milipsigate Dam Spring Monitoring and Sampling Activities at Hebb Lake Dam Fish Passage Facility Fall Monitoring and Sampling Activities at the Hebb Lake Dam Fish Passage Facility Video filming of the area below Milipsigate Dam Backpack Electrofishing Discussion Outreach and Education Invasive Species Monitoring Rotary Screw Trap Spring/Fall Monitoring and Sampling Activities at the Hebb Lake Dam Fish Passage Facility 44 Conclusion and Recommendations Recommendations for 2015 from the 2014 Report Recommendations for

4 Acknowledgements Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation would like to extend its gratitude and appreciation to those who contributed to the successful completion of the 2015 field season. The following individuals played a critical role in supporting the Atlantic Whitefish Recovery Project (AWRP): 2015 Field Crew: Philip Longue and Nick Amero Fisheries and Oceans Canada Staff: Mark Showell, Kimberly Robichaud-Leblanc Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Inland Fisheries Division: Jason LeBlanc, Corey Bowen Bridgewater Public Service Commission: Larry Hood, Nick Denaro Donner Foundation of Canada: Curtin Winsor Jr University of Windsor: Edmund Halfyard Members of the Atlantic Whitefish Conservation and Recovery Team Many various volunteers, students, and community members that helped with field activities 1

5 Goals and Objectives 2015 [ATLANTIC WHITEFISH RECOVERY PROJECT] Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation s Atlantic Whitefish Recovery Project (AWRP) had several goals and objectives for the 2015 field season. These goals and objectives included the following: 1. To continue to address knowledge gaps surrounding the migratory behaviour of Atlantic whitefish, including upstream and downstream migration patterns. 2. To increase Atlantic whitefish awareness within the community. 3. To continue to assess the impact of smallmouth bass (SMB) and chain pickerel (CP) on the existing Atlantic whitefish population. 4. To establish catch per unit effort (CPUE) records for SMB and CP in the vicinity of Milipsigate Dam and compare results with 2013 and 2014 data. 5. To conduct a stomach content survey and analysis of SMB and CP from the upper Petite Rivière lakes. 6. To operate and monitor the Hebb Lake Dam fishway and trap. 7. To operate and monitor a rotary screw trap (RST) at the base of Milipsigate Dam. 8. To assist with a boat electrofishing study of invasive species in the upper Petite Rivière lakes. 9. Deploy a fyke net downstream from Hebb Dam during July and August to monitor the downstream migration of young of the year Gaspereau and possibly Atlantic whitefish. Methodology Study Area All sampling took place within the Petite Rivière watershed (Figure 1) between April and December All data was collected from three lakes; Minamkeak, Milipsigate, and Hebb, as well as the main branch of the Petite Rivière, and the upper and lower tributaries that feed into the main river. 2

6 Figure 1: Map of the Petite Rivière watershed showing the three lakes (i.e., Minamkeak, Milipsigate, and Hebb), which contain the existing wild Atlantic whitefish population, as well as the dams that currently impede fish passage. Outreach and Education An important component of the AWRP is to provide the local community with information about the plight of the Atlantic whitefish and ongoing recovery efforts. Coastal Action staff presented and/or had a project booth available at the following community festivals and events during the AWRP project year. Nova Scotia Community College Lunenburg Campus Sustainability Expo Lunenburg, Bridgewater, and Mahone Bay Farmers Markets Michelin Seniors Expo Michelin Health & Safety Fair YMCA Healthy Kids Day Bridgewater Growing Green Sustainability Festival Bridgewater Children s Fair White Point Beach March Break Programming Activities Lunenburg County Fish Friends Program (10 local schools participate in this program) South Shore Wildlife Association Chester Middle School 3

7 Smallmouth Bass and Chain Pickerel Biological and Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) Study A biological study and catch per unit effort (CPUE) survey were conducted in Hebb, Milipsigate, and Minamkeak Lakes, with special focus paid to the Milipsigate Outlet. All angling took place between May 5, 2015 and Sept 29, Using a 14-ft Princecraft aluminum boat and a four-stroke Yamaha motor, two or three anglers fished a range of habitats, but concentrated on several habitat types found in the Milipsigate Outlet. These habitats included rocky drops, vegetated areas, and areas with flowing water at the base of the Milipsigate Dam. Figure 2: Aerial view of the Milipsigate Outlet. As part of the CPUE study, the following details were recorded: Total angling time at each site (in minutes) Number of anglers Weather conditions Water temperature ( C) Measured using a digital thermometer Type of lure used (i.e., Artificial worm) Catch data: species, fork length (cm), weight (g) Stomach content (fish, invertebrate, or empty) Sex of fish The estimated CPUE value was calculated by dividing the number of angled smallmouth bass or chain pickerel by the total amount of time spent fishing in each body of water. 4

8 All invasive species angled during the CPUE study, as well as any captured in the rotary screw trap, trap net, and fishway trap, were retained and analysed in the biological component of the study. All fish were placed on ice in a cooler and were sampled within a few hours of their capture. Several details and measurements were taken for each fish; including weight (g), fork length (cm), sex, stomach content, and scale samples. Scale samples were taken from of the left side, posterior to the pectoral fin, and below the lateral line using tweezers. Figure 3: Preferred area to remove scales from smallmouth bass. The samples were cleaned, mounted on slides, and examined using a microfiche reader. The age of each fish was determined by counting the number of bands and circuli. Feeding preferences were determined by examining stomach contents, which were extracted using a filet knife. Stomach content was recorded as being either fish, invertebrate, or empty. The stomach contents were removed by making an incision in the fish and exposing the stomach. The stomach was carefully removed from the body cavity and its contents were inspected for the presence of fish or invertebrates. Furthermore, an inspection was carried out to check if the bass had regurgitated any of its stomach content. Rotary Screw Trap Study A rotary screw trap (RST) (developed by EG Solutions, Inc., Corvallis, Oregon, USA) was installed directly below Milipsigate Dam. Rotary screw traps are most commonly used to capture downstream migrating salmon smolts in the spring to estimate the Atlantic salmon population size. In this case, the trap was operated with the intent to monitor Atlantic whitefish which were known, historically to congregate below Milipsigate Dam during May. The trap was assembled in a cove, close to the site, and positioned in the outflow from Milipsigate Lake. The corner of each pontoon was secured to the bank using polypropylene rope. The trap consists of a 5-ft diameter rotating conical shaped drum, which is partly submerged and suspended on two 16-ft long pontoons. Adequate depth and sufficient water flow are required to keep the drum rotating and to guide fish through the drum into a live holding box at the rear of the trap. 5

9 Figure 4: RST deployed at Milipsigate Dam. The RST operated between April 29, 2015 to July 10, The trap was checked on a daily basis. Each fish was removed from the holding tank using a dip net and placed in a bucket for sampling. Each fish was identified, measured to fork length (cm), and released (with the exception of smallmouth bass and chain pickerel, which were sacrificed as part of the biological study). Physical data, including water temperature ( o C), weather conditions, and drum rotations per minute (RPM), were also collected daily. Once all fish had been sampled and released, all debris was removed from the holding tank, and the external surface of the drum was cleaned using a hard brush. Spring and Fall Monitoring and Sampling Activities at the Hebb Lake Dam Fish Passage Facility The Hebb Lake Dam Fish Passage Facility opened on May 12, 2015 and operated until July 10, 2015, to allow for the migration of alewife and then again from September 29, 2015 until December 11, 2015, to allow for the monitoring of Atlantic whitefish. A suspended 6 0 x 6 8 x 7 8 aluminum trap was set and monitored daily during these time periods (Figure 6). The purpose of the trap was to monitor and sample any upstream migrating fish. All fish were sampled and released according to 6

10 the protocols outlined in DFO s Hebb Lake Dam Fish Passage Facility Interim Monitoring Plan. The following species were permitted to pass upstream; white sucker, brown bullhead, Gaspereau, brook trout, and American eel. All other species, with the exception of smallmouth bass and chain pickerel which were sacrificed for the biological study, were released downstream. The monitoring plan protocols ensured that any fish entering the lake did not pose a risk to the endangered Atlantic whitefish population. In addition, the lake level was recorded using a gauge attached to the fishway (Figure 5) and water temperatures were recorded on a daily basis. Figure 5: Hebb Dam lake level gauge. Figure 6: Fishway trap. Photo courtesy of Kim Robichaud-LeBlanc (DFO) Each day, a minimum of two staff lifted the trap out of the water using a chain pulley system. The trap was opened, and each fish was netted and placed in a holding tank. All Atlantic whitefish would have been held in a plexiglass aquarium to facilitate examinations for any signs of hatchery rearing (i.e., fin clips, fin/snout erosion, tags, and general health) and to allow photos to be taken while keeping handling to a minimum. Each fish was measured to fork length (cm), weighed (g) in water using a digital hanging scale or balance scale, and examined to ensure good health. Scale samples and DNA samples would have been extracted from Atlantic whitefish if any were captured; five to ten scales removed from the left side of the fish just behind the dorsal fin and above the lateral line using a small clean knife. All scale samples would have then been mounted on slides using fine tweezers and examined with a microscope or microfiche reader. Video filming of the area below Milipsigate Dam During May and June 2015, three GoPro Hero 2 cameras complete with waterproof casing and 32 GB memory card were using to the film the area below Milipsigate Dam. Each camera was securely 7

11 attached to a milk crate with was then weighted with rocks. To assist with retrieval, buoys were attached to the crates using 12 ft lengths of rope. Figure 7: GoPro Camera being deployed. Figure 8: Location of camera deployment. Backpack Electrofishing A Smith Root LR 20B backpack electrofisher was used to conduct invasive fish removals in the Petite watershed. The electrofishing crew was comprised of three people trained in the operation of the electrofishing equipment. The plan was to determine the suitability and effectiveness of using a backpack electrofisher in shallow coves with the goal of removing young of the year chain pickerel. As per the electrofishing manual s guidelines, various settings were used to establish the most effective levels of power, frequency and pulse duration. 8

12 Results- Invasive Species Monitoring Smallmouth Bass Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) Study A total of 711 smallmouth bass were angled and removed from the watershed during the CPUE study. All fish were angled using an artificial worm. (Figure 9). Figure 9: Artificial worm lure. Table 1: Number of smallmouth bass angled from seven fishing areas, the total amount of time spent angling, the estimated catch per unit effort (CPUE), and other incidentally angled species. Area Number of bass angled Total time spend angling (Hrs) Estimated CPUE (# bass/hour) Other species angled Hebb Lake White perch; Chain pickerel; Milipsigate Outlet White perch; Chain pickerel; Milipsigate Lake Chain pickerel Minamkeak Lake None Hebb Dam to Fancy Lake Chain pickerel Minamkeak Brook Chain pickerel Weagle Dam None Total

13 Between May 5 and September 29, 2015 approximately hours were spent angling in the Petite watershed. Over 59% of the total angling effort was concentrated in the Milipsigate Outlet area. CPUE was assessed on a monthly basis in this area to determine the viability of angling as a control method in a sensitive habitat area. (Note: The base of Milipsigate Dam was an area that traditionally, pre-2010, would be known to support a population of Atlantic whitefish during the month of May. They would congregate in this area to feed on White sucker eggs.) SMB Angling CPUE -Petite Riviere Watershed Hrs Fish # CPUE Milip Outlet Hebb Lake Milipsigate Lake Minamkeak Lake 9.5 Hebb Lk to fancy D/s Fancy Figure 10: Number of smallmouth bass angled from six fishing areas in 2014, the total amount of time spent angling, and the estimated catch per unit effort (CPUE). 10

14 SMB Angling CPUE - Petite Riviere Watershed Milipsigate Outlet Hebb Lake Milipsigate Lake Minamkeak Lake D/S Hebb Dam Minamkeak Brook Weagle Dam Hours Fish CPUE Figure 11: Number of smallmouth bass angled from six fishing areas in 2015, the total amount of time spent angling, and the estimated catch per unit effort (CPUE). 11

15 Milipsigate Outlet - Angling Comparision April May June July Aug Sept Oct Totals Figure 12: A comparison between the number of smallmouth bass angled from Milipsigate Outlet in Milipsigate Outlet - SMB CPUE Comparision April May June July Aug Sept Oct Total CPUE 2013 CPUE 2014 CPUE 2015 Figure 13: A comparison of angling CPUE for smallmouth bass between at Milipsigate outlet. 12

16 Angling comparison of SMB at Milipsigate Outlet Effort Hrs Fish # CPUE Average Size (cm) Figure 14: Number of smallmouth bass angled from Milipsigate Outlet, the total amount of time spent angling, the estimated catch per unit effort (CPUE) and the average length (cm). Table 2: The total fish caught, the effort and CPUE per month at the Milipsigate Outlet in CPUE Milipsigate Outlet 2015 Effort (Hrs) SMB Angled CPUE (Fish per hr) May June July Aug Sept Total

17 Milipsigate Outlet - SMB Comparision Totals 2014 Totals 2015 Totals Effort (Hrs) SMB Angled Figure 15: A comparison of total catch of SMB and total effort in at Milipsigate Outlet Milipsigate Outlet - SMB CPUE Comparision Totals 2014 Totals 2015 Totals CPUE (Fish per Hr) Figure 16: A comparison of overall smallmouth bass CPUE in at Milipsigate Outlet. 14

18 Chain Pickerel Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) Study Milipsigate Outlet - CP CPUE Comparison May June July Aug Sept Total CPUE 2013 CPUE 2014 CPUE 2015 Figure 17: A comparison of CPUE for chain pickerel angled from Milipsigate Outlet in Total removals of Chain pickerel - Petite Watershed Fancy Lake Fishway Hebb Lake Milipsigate Outlet 4 RST Total Figure 18: Location of chain pickerel capture throughout the entire watershed by Coastal Action during 2014 (Excluding electrofishing boat). 15

19 120 Total removals of Chain pickerel - Petite Watershed D/S Hebb Dam Hebb Lake RST Milipsigate Lake Milipsigate Outlet Total Figure 19: Location of chain pickerel capture throughout the entire watershed by Coastal Action in 2015 (Excluding electrofishing boat). Milipsigate Outlet Chain pickerel Effort (Hrs) CP Angled CPUE (Fish per hr) April May June July Aug Sept Oct Total Figure 20: Number of chain pickerel angled from Milipsigate Outlet in 2013, total amount of time spent angling, estimated catch per unit effort (CPUE). 16

20 Milipsigate Outlet Chain pickerel Effort (Hrs) CP Angled CPUE (Fish per hr) April May June July Aug Sept Oct Total Figure 21: Number of chain pickerel angled from Milipsigate Outlet in 2014, total amount of time spent angling, estimated catch per unit effort (CPUE). 80 Milipsigate Outlet Chain Pickerel May June July August September Total CP Angled Effort (Hrs) CPUE (Fish per hour) Figure 22: Number of chain pickerel angled from Milipsigate Outlet in 2015, total amount of time spent angling, estimated catch per unit effort (CPUE). 17

21 Smallmouth Bass Biological Study 2015 [ATLANTIC WHITEFISH RECOVERY PROJECT] A total of 772 smallmouth bass were retained for a biological stomach content analysis. This total includes 711 SMB angled during the CPUE survey, 57 caught in the fishway, and 4 caught in the RST. (Note: Additional SMB were caught as part of a boat electrofishing project.) 900 Total SMB Sampled from all locations Milip Outlet Hebb Lake Milip Lake Fishway Minam LakeD/S Hebb Dam RST Weagle Dam Minam Bk Total Figure 23: Total SMB biologically sampled from all collection methods. The stomach content report concentrates on the analysis at Milipsigate Outlet between May and September It includes all fish that were angled as well as those caught in the RST located at the base of Milipsigate Dam. Figure 24: A smallmouth bass complete with its stomach content - 14 YOY Gaspereau. 18

22 SMB Stomach Content 2015 Totals - All Locations 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 6.9% 55.2% 37.4% n=772 Amph Empty Fish Invert Mink Sucker eggs Turtle Figure 25: Stomach content analysis from 772 fish sampled from all locations. Milipsigate Outlet Total SMB Stomach Content 0.3% 0.3% 0.3% 0.3% 7.7% 53.2% 38.0% n=363 Amph Empty Fish Invert Mink Sucker eggs Figure 26: Stomach content analysis of 363 SMB captured in 2015 from the Milipsigate Outlet. 19

23 Milipsigate Outlet May SMB Stomach Content Fish Invert Empty 19% 51% 30% n=181 Figure 27: Stomach content analysis of 181 SMB captured in May 2013 from Milipsigate Outlet. Milipsigate Outlet May SMB Stomach Content Fish Invert Empty 29% 31% 40% n=109 Figure 28: Stomach content analysis of 109 SMB captured in May 2014 from Milipsigate Outlet. 20

24 Milipsigate Outlet May SMB Stomach Content 1.72% 1.72% 6.90% 15.52% 74.14% n=58 Fish Invert Empty Amphibian Sucker eggs Figure 29: Stomach content analysis of 58 SMB captured in May 2015 from Milipsigate Outlet. Milipsigate Outlet June SMB Stomach Content Fish Invert Empty 20% 50% 30% n=10 Figure 30: Stomach content analysis of 10 SMB captured in June 2013 from Milipsigate Outlet. 21

25 Milipsigate Outlet June SMB Stomach Content Fish Invert 5% 95% n=62 Figure 31: Stomach content analysis of 62 SMB captured in June 2014 from Milipsigate Outlet. Milipsigate Outlet June SMB Stomach Content 15.79% 10.53% 73.68% n=38 Fish Invert Empty Figure 32: Stomach content analysis of 38 SMB captured in June 2015 from Milipsigate Outlet. 22

26 Milipsigate Outlet July SMB Stomach Content Fish Invert Empty 26% 19% 55% n=47 Figure 33: Stomach content analysis of 47 SMB captured in July 2013 from Milipsigate Outlet. Milipsigate Outlet July SMB Stomach Content Fish Invert Empty 14% 21% 65% n=52 Figure 34: Stomach content analysis of 52 SMB captured in July 2014 from Milipsigate Outlet. 23

27 Milipsigate Outlet July SMB Stomach Content 4.17% 47.22% 48.61% n=72 Fish Invert Empty Figure 35: Stomach content analysis of 72 SMB captured in July 2015 from Milipsigate Outlet. Milipsigate Outlet August SMB Stomach Content Fish Invert Empty 23% 48% 29% n=93 Figure 36: Stomach content analysis of 93 SMB captured in August 2013 from Milipsigate Outlet. 24

28 Milipsigate Outlet August SMB Stomach Content Fish Invert Empty 10% 37% 53% n=51 Figure 37: Stomach content analysis of 51 SMB captured in August 2014 from Milipsigate Outlet. Milipsigate Outlet August SMB Stomach Content 0.68% 0.68% 6.80% 49.66% 42.18% n=147 Fish Invert Empty Turtle Mammal Figure 38: Stomach content analysis of 147 SMB captured in August 2015 from Milipsigate Outlet. 25

29 Milipsigate Outlet September SMB Stomach Content Fish Invert Empty 36% 36% 28% n=36 Figure 39: Stomach content analysis of 36 SMB captured in September 2013 from Milipsigate Outlet. Milipsigate Outlet September SMB Stomach Content Fish Invert 17% 83% n=12 Figure 40: Stomach content analysis of 12 SMB captured in September 2014 from Milipsigate Outlet. 26

30 Milipsigate Outlet Sept SMB Stomach Content 11.36% 36.36% 52.27% n=44 Fish Invert Empty Figure 41: Stomach content analysis of 44 SMB captured in September 2015 from Milipsigate Outlet. 27

31 Length Comparison SMB Milipsigate Outlet > 15cm < per. Mov. Avg. (2013) 2 per. Mov. Avg. (2014) 2 per. Mov. Avg. (2015) Figure 42: Length comparison of SMB at Milipsigate Outlet. Note: In SMB, SMB,

32 Length Comparison of SMB % 20.66% 20.0% 15.0% 14.60% 12.12% 14.1% 12.8% 10.0% 9.09% 7.6% 7.6% 7.9% 10.3% 9.37% 7.44% 10.9% 10.3% 5.0% 0.0% 0.5% 3.0% 1.93% 5.23% 4.68% 4.9% 3.86% 4.41% 3.3% 2.7% 2.48% 1.9% 1.38% 1.6% 0.83% 0.83% 0.0% 0.3% 0.3% 0.0% Figure 43: Length comparison (x axis represents % of total catch for that year). Chain Pickerel Biological Study A total of 102 chain pickerel were removed by angling, at the fishway, and using the RST between May 8, 2015 and September 28, This represents a slight decrease in the amount of chain pickerel caught in ( chain pickerel removed, chain pickerel removed). In the Milipsigate Outlet, the number removed decreased from 97 in 2014 to 63 in Note: Additional chain pickerel were removed from Hebb Lake using the electrofishing boat. 29

33 Total removals of Chain pickerel - Petite Watershed D/S Hebb Dam Hebb Lake RST Milipsigate Lake Milipsigate Outlet Total Figure 44: Total chain pickerel capture in Length Distribution CP > 15cm Figure 45: Length distribution of all chain pickerel captured in

34 120 Comparison Length Distribution CP Milipsigate Outlet Total Figure 46: Length distribution comparison of all chain pickerel caught in Milipsigate Outlet in Figure 47 Chain pickerel caught at Milipsigate outlet with its stomach contents Two juvenile snapping turtles (alive). 31

35 Table 3: Prey Predator Relationship (Reptiles/ Amphibians) Chain Pickerel. # Date Location Sex Length Weight Stomach contents (cm) (kg) 9 19-Jun 2014 Milipsigate Outlet M Newt 1 08-May 2015 Milipsigate Outlet M Frog Jun 2015 Milipsigate Outlet M Snapping turtles (alive) Aug 2015 Milipsigate Outlet M Snapping Turtle (dead) Table 4: Prey Predator Relationship (Reptiles/ Amphibians) Smallmouth Bass. # Date Location Sex Length Weight (kg) Stomach Contents (cm) Jul-2014 Milipsigate Outlet M Redbelly Snake May 2015 Milipsigate Outlet F Frog Jun 2015 Hebb Lake F Inv/Fish (Atl. Whitefish)??? YOY Aug 2015 Milipsigate Outlet F Snapping Turtle (dead) Aug 2015 Milipsigate Outlet F Muskrat/ Mink? 32

36 Figure 48: Chain pickerel caught at Milipsigate Outlet with stomach content - 5 YOY Gaspereau. Stomach Content Chain Pickerel % 1.98% 0.99% 33.66% 39.60% 21.78% n=101 Frog Empty Fish Invert Lures Reptile Figure 49: Stomach content analysis for chain pickerel in 2015 caught at all locations. 33

37 Figure 50: Large chain pickerel (specimens up to 60 cm have been encountered in Hebb Lake). 34

38 Rotary Screw Trap Study 2015 [ATLANTIC WHITEFISH RECOVERY PROJECT] A rotary screw trap (RST) was deployed and monitored at the base of the Milipsigate Dam from May 5, 2015 to July 7, Spring Monitoring and Sampling Activities at RST Milipsigate Dam 700 RST Species Total - Spring Figure 51: Total captures by species from rotary screw trap at Milipsigate Outlet, Hebb Lake, Lunenburg County. Data collected by Coastal Action staff members (May 5 to July 7, 2015). Table 5: Total captures by species per month from rotary screw trap at Milipsigate Outlet, Hebb Lake, Lunenburg County. Data collected by Coastal Action staff members (May 5 to July 7, 2015). Species May June July Total American Eel Atlantic whitefish Brown Bullhead Banded Killifish Brook Trout Chub Chain Pickerel Gaspereau Golden Shiner Lamprey Smallmouth Bass White Perch White Sucker Yellow Perch Total Captured

39 RST Species Total - Spring Figure 52: Total captures by species from rotary screw trap at Milipsigate Outlet, Hebb Lake, Lunenburg County. Data collected by Coastal Action staff members (Apr 25 to Jun 10, 2014). Table 6: Total monthly captures, by species, from rotary screw trap at Milipsigate Outlet, Hebb Lake, Lunenburg County. Data collected by Coastal Action staff members (Apr 25 to Jun 10, 2014). Species April May June Total American Eel Brown Bullhead Banded Killifish Black-Nosed Dace Creek Chub Chain Pickerel Gaspereau Golden Shiner Lake Chub Smallmouth Bass White Perch White Sucker Yellow Perch Total Captured

40 Figure 53: Gaspereau at Milipsigate Outlet. Note: It should be noted that all fall Gaspereau were 2014 YOY. Spring Monitoring and Sampling Activities at Hebb Lake Dam Fish Passage Facility The Hebb Lake Dam Fish Passage Facility monitoring trap was fished daily from May 13, 2015 to July 13, A total of 4,986 fish were intercepted comprising of six different species. In 2013, Gaspereau were permitted to access the upper watershed for the first time in over 40 years. Of the six species caught in 2015, Gaspereau, American eel, white sucker, and brook trout were allowed to continue into Hebb Lake. All lamprey was released downstream and all invasives were removed. Table 7: Total Spring capture results of fish from Hebb Lake Fishway, Hebbville, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia. Data collected by Coastal Action staff members (April 16 June 28, 2013) and (May 13 July 1, 2014). Species Abundance Spring-2013 Abundance Spring 2014 Abundance Spring 2015 American Eel Brook Trout Chain Pickerel Chub Spp Gaspereau 2,120 2,924 4,793 Shad Sea-Lamprey Smallmouth Bass White Sucker Grand Total 2,323 3,009 4,986 37

41 FREQUENCY [ATLANTIC WHITEFISH RECOVERY PROJECT] Table 8: First and last arrivals at the Hebb Dam Fishway Spring American Eel Brook Lamprey Gaspereau Smallmouth White Sucker Trout Bass # of fish , First Arrival Last Arrival June 22, 2015 June 21, 2015 May 22, 2015 June 22, 2015 July 6, 2015 June 6, 2015 May 25, 2015 July 5, 2015 May July 13, 2015 May 13, 2015 June 13, 2015 HEBB DAM - GASPEREAU YEAR Figure 54: Gaspereau captures at Hebb Lake Fishway, Hebbville, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia. Data collected by Coastal Action staff ( ). 38

42 10-May 12-May 14-May 16-May 18-May 20-May 22-May 24-May 26-May 28-May 30-May 01-Jun 03-Jun 05-Jun 07-Jun 09-Jun 11-Jun 13-Jun 15-Jun 17-Jun 19-Jun 21-Jun 23-Jun 25-Jun 27-Jun 29-Jun 01-Jul 03-Jul 05-Jul 2015 [ATLANTIC WHITEFISH RECOVERY PROJECT] 800 Comparison of Gaspereau Migration at Hebb Dam Fishway Figure 55: Comparison of Gaspereau runs at Hebb Lake Fishway, Hebbville, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia. 39

43 Fall Monitoring and Sampling Activities at the Hebb Lake Dam Fish Passage Facility The Hebb Lake Dam Fish Passage Facility monitoring trap was fished daily from September 14, 2015 to December 11, However, during this time period the fishway was closed several times due to of low flows and low lake levels. A total of 0 fish were captured at the fishway trap. (See discussion for further explanation). Table 9: Total Fall capture results of fish from Hebb Lake Fishway, Hebbville, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia. Data collected by Coastal Action staff members ( ). Species Abundance Fall 2012 Abundance Fall Abundance Fall 2014 Abundance Fall 2015 American Eel Atlantic Salmon Atlantic whitefish Brook Trout Brown Bullhead Chain Pickerel Smallmouth Bass White Perch White Sucker Grand Total Table 10: Number of species intercepted at the Hebb Lake Dam Fish Passage Facility, as well as the first and last day each species was observed in the fishway. Opening fishway Closing fishway Days opened Sept 14, 2015 Sept 24, Sept 30, 2015 Oct 9, Oct 13, 2015 Oct 22, Oct 29, 2015 Oct 31, Nov 22, 2015 Dec 11, Video filming of the area below Milipsigate Dam Three GoPro cameras were deployed on three separate occasions May 15, May 21, and 1June 15, The 32 GB memory cards fitted to the cameras allowed for between 45 minutes to 1 hour of footage from each location. The nine video segments (approx. 8.5 hours of video footage) were viewed and all fish species present were identified. Only five species were observed on the videos; they included chain pickerel, smallmouth bass, white sucker, Gaspereau, and lamprey. No Atlantic whitefish were observed. 40

44 Figure 56: Camera placement locations in the Milipsigate Outlet. Backpack Electrofishing Backpack electrofishing was undertaken in three locations within the watershed. On September 4, 2015, a cove in Hebb Lake (373784mE mN) was electrofished with the goal of removing YOTY chain pickerel. After 1,075 sec of electrofishing several weedy areas in the littoral zone no fish were captured, although several fish were witnessed being affected by the electrical field. This method of electrofishing was attempted again on September 29, 2015 in Minamkeak Lake (372618mE mN) to determine presence or absence of chain pickerel. After 890 sec of electrofishing effort, two fish had been captured and released (1 brown bullhead and 1 yellow perch). No chain pickerel had been captured or observed. Finally, on September 23, 2015, backpack electrofishing was carried out in Wildcat Brook (373698mE mN); this area had been part of Coastal Action s watershed restoration plan for the Wildcat Brook. During 2015, 8 digger logs had been placed in the stream, which was part of an Adopt a Stream project. Unfortunately, after 874 sec of electrofishing effort the only fish found were four chain pickerel, ranging in size from 9 cm to 32 cm. (Note: This same area was electrofished in 2012, on that occasion no chain pickerel were present and the stream hosted a healthy population of brook trout.) 41

45 Figure 57: Backpack electrofishing Hebb Lake. Discussion Outreach and Education Each year Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation attempts to highlight the plight of the Atlantic whitefish to the local community. In 2015, the Coastal Action team presented at numerous schools and community events, where we spoke about invasive species and their impact on native fish communities. This task has added importance owing to the lack of Atlantic whitefish sightings in 2015 and the discovery that chain pickerel were now one of the most abundant species in Hebb Lake. This invasive predator, along with the smallmouth bass, has the potential to extirpate the Atlantic whitefish from its only remaining home. In addition, it is the belief that these predatory species are having an impact on all salmonid species in the Southern Uplands region of Nova Scotia. By continuing to educate all stakeholders, along with the general public, about the interactions between these illegally introduced species and our native Atlantic whitefish, as well as other salmonid species, improved fisheries management procedures may be initiated. 42

46 Invasive Species Monitoring 2015 [ATLANTIC WHITEFISH RECOVERY PROJECT] In 2015, 772 smallmouth bass (SMB) were removed from the Petite Watershed, (not including SMB and CP removed using the electrofishing boat) which is significantly more than in any year since the angling projects inception in Also, there was a significant increase in the amount of SMB removed from Hebb Lake. In 2015, more angling effort was spent in Hebb Lake than previous years, 216 SMB were removed in 35 hours of effort resulting in a CPUE of 6.17 fish per hour. Since 2012, the focus of our angling/cpue survey has centred on the Milipsigate Outlet. This year, 359 SMB were removed at a CPUE ratio of 4.77 fish per hour, which is up from 3.2 in The encouraging news is that the average length of the SMB removed from the Milipsigate Outlet in 2015 was again smaller than the previous years. In 2015, the average length was cm, in 2014 it was cm, and in 2013 it was 26.9 cm. In addition to collecting data regarding smallmouth bass, the invasive species monitoring contract is also focused on chain pickerel abundance within the watershed. In 2015, the amount of chain pickerel removed from the entire watershed (102 CP) and the Milipsigate Outlet (63 CP) both decreased from 2014 levels (129 CP were removed from the entire system and 97 CP were removed from the Milipsigate Outlet in 2014). Furthermore, the invasive species monitoring includes analysis of the stomach content from all fish removed from the watershed. In 2015, 4 juvenile Snapping turtles were found in 3 fish (2 chain pickerel and 1 smallmouth bass), two of the snapping turtles were alive and were later released. Also, we found 2 frogs, 1 possible Atlantic whitefish (YOY), and the remains of possibly a young mink or muskrat. Rotary Screw Trap This was the second year that the rotary screw trap had been deployed at the outflow from Milipsigate Dam. The intent of deploying the RST in this area was two-fold; (1) to remove any invasive species that were caught in the RST and (2) to monitor for any Atlantic whitefish activity. In 2013, no Atlantic whitefish had been observed in this area, except two that were found during the stomach content analysis of smallmouth bass. During May 2014, project staff noticed increased Atlantic whitefish activity directly behind the RST. This activity continued until the first week of June. Unfortunately, staff were unable, and not permitted, to try to obtain an accurate population estimate; however, a quick calculated estimation based on observation was that the population at Milipsigate Dam during late May was between fish. Coastal Action staff found that the fish would move closer to the RST upon their arrival, probably due to the availability of food; the holding tank of the RST collects large quantities of new emerged invertebrates. On checking the holding tank for fish these invertebrates are cleaned from the holding box and placed in the water behind the RST. In addition, the water current caused by the placement of the RST creates a back eddy which again collects the invertebrates and the fish in the small area directly behind the RST. In 2015, Coastal Action staff were disappointed, as unlike 2014, no Atlantic whitefish were observed behind the RST. Reasons for their absence is unclear; however, it may be linked to the exceptionally long and cold winter experienced in 2014/15. On a more positive note, four young of the year Atlantic whitefish were 43

47 caught in the RST (two Atlantic whitefish on the May 23, 2015 and two more Atlantic whitefish on June 9, 2015). These four Atlantic whitefish were all released immediately at the same location, as per SARA requirements. Spring/Fall Monitoring and Sampling Activities at the Hebb Lake Dam Fish Passage Facility The Spring monitoring of Hebb Dam fishway began on May 13, The season started with the usual upstream spawning migration of white sucker. Gaspereau migration reached the fishway on May 25, 2015, which was a week later than in 2014 and peaked around mid June, which was also later than in 2013 and Coastal Action staff were pleased that the number of returning adult Gaspereau has increased from 2,120 fish in 2013, and 2,924 in 2014 to 4,793 in It will be interesting to see if the Gaspereau population returning to the fishway continues to increase in The fall monitoring was extremely disappointing; no fish were intercepted at the fishway trap. The reasons for this are a combination of low lake water levels due to low rainfall during the fall and poor management decisions with respect to an endangered species. In addition, project staff are still concerned about the accessibility for fish attempting to reach the fishway. Their concern remains with respect to the operation of the spillway to flood some nearby cranberry fields. Staff felt that while these fields were being flooded a barrier to fish upstream migration existed. Hopefully this matter can be resolved in the near future. Conclusion and Recommendations Recommendations for 2015 from the 2014 Report To continue with the stomach content analysis of any invasive species captured in the watershed. Completed See the data contained within this report. In 2015, Coastal Action started to analyze the implications to other species from the introduction of chain pickerel and smallmouth bass. On three occasions, juvenile snapping turtles were found in the stomach content, small mammals, amphibians, and in 2014, a Northern redbelly snake. It should be noted that 2 ducklings were found in a chain pickerel from the LaHave River watershed in Furthermore, no Atlantic whitefish have been identified in the stomach content of any invasive species since Determine if the chain pickerel population is increasing using CPUE study and determine the extent of their range. The CPUE for chain pickerel caught by angling remained relatively constant in 2015, with a slight reduction in the total number caught (excluding boat electrofishing). When comparing 2014 and 2015, the average length of chain pickerel increased from 34 cm to 37 cm. During the year, Coastal Action 44

48 staff received several reports of chain pickerel caught in Fancy Lake and observed them at the base of Minamkeak Dam. There have been no reports of any being found in Wallace Lake or Minamkeak Lake to date. Determine if angling effort to remove SMB in Milipsigate Outlet in 2013/2014 affected SMB population. Unfortunately, the CPUE for smallmouth bass in the Milipsigate Outlet increased in 2015 from 3.2 fish per hour in 2014 to 4.77 fish per hour in However, during the period from May to July 2015, the CPUE was less than in previous years. This is significant as in recent years, Atlantic whitefish have only been witnessed at the dam during this time period. The CPUE in August 2015 was 7.7 fish per hour, this is close to the highest ever recorded in the Milipsigate Outlet of 8.2 fish per hour at the start of the project in May Finally, on a more positive note, the average length of the fish removed decreased from cm in 2014 to cm in Increase efforts to monitor residual population of Atlantic whitefish, especially in Wallace and Fancy Lake (using similar techniques to those employed at Milipsigate Outlet). A limited effort was made to angle in Fancy Lake in the early spring but no fish of any species were caught. No angling took place in Wallace Lake. A continuation of the outreach and educational activities at local schools and community events. Ongoing AWRP displays were set up at many public events/festivals throughout Lunenburg County in In addition, presentations were delivered at several local schools, NSCC, and local wildlife associations. Utilize the backpack electrofisher to remove young of the year chain pickerel from the shallows during August. The backpack electrofisher failed to be particularly effective at removing young of the year chain pickerel in the lake shallows. However, it was effective in showing that the population of resident brook trout in Wildcat Brook was no longer present and had been replaced by chain pickerel. In 2015, the RST should remain immediately below the Milipsigate Dam. The objective would be to use video to try and obtain a population estimate of Atlantic whitefish present at the Milipsigate Dam during May Also, to remove all invasive species from this sensitive area. The RST was installed below Milipsigate Dam and several attempts were made to film Atlantic whitefish in the area; however, no adults were observed. The RST was successful in capturing 4 young of the year Atlantic whitefish which, field staff believe, had migrated downstream over the Milipsigate Dam. 45

49 Deploy a fyke net downstream from Hebb Dam during July and August to monitor the downstream migration of young of the year Gaspereau and possibly Atlantic whitefish. Instead of using a fyke net, staff installed a flume type trap and holding box. The trap did not prove to be particularly effective. The purpose of deploying the trap was to determine if any young of the year Atlantic whitefish were present with the migrating young of the year Gaspereau. Only 2 Gaspereau were caught in the trap; however, the smallmouth bass stomach content survey in this area (downstream from Hebb dam) also provided some information. From July 15 to September 11, 2015 a total of 87 SMB were caught in this area. The analysis of their stomach content indicated that they had consumed 349 young of the year Gaspereau, no Atlantic whitefish were found. Use backpack electrofisher to survey areas of the watershed to assist in the creation of a fish habitat restoration plan (special interest concerning Minamkeak Brook and Wallace Brook). Backpack electrofishing surveys of Minamkeak Brook and Wallace Brook were postponed until However, electrofishing did take place in Wildcat Brook and in the littoral areas of several coves in Hebb Lake. The backpack electrofishing in the coves was not effective as no chain pickerel were captured. In Wildcat Brook, 3 chain pickerel were captured and they were the only species found in the brook. Implement a reporting system to assist local anglers in recording their catch of invasive species, brook trout, and Atlantic whitefish. No progress was made with this recommendation in However, in 2016 Coastal Action hopes to work closely with the South Shore Wildlife Association to establish an invasive species project on Garber Lake. Re-establish a captive breeding program and increase efforts concerning range expansion. No progress was made with this recommendation in Improve electrofishing boat ramp access on Milipsigate Lake and Minamkeak Lake. No progress was made with this recommendation in Obtain clear guidelines concerning the restriction of fish passage to the fishway while the Indian Garden Farm cranberry fields are being flooded. No progress was made with this recommendation in In fact, the situation deteriorated and no fish accessed the Hebb Dam fishway during the fall of

50 Recommendations for [ATLANTIC WHITEFISH RECOVERY PROJECT] Re-establish a captive breeding program and increase efforts concerning range expansion. Obtain clear guidelines concerning the restriction of fish passage to the fishway while the Indian Garden Farm cranberry fields are being flooded. Improve electrofishing boat ramp access on Milipsigate and Minamkeak Lakes. Implement a reporting system to assist local anglers in recording their catch of invasive species, brook trout, and Atlantic whitefish. In 2016, the RST should remain immediately below the Milipsigate Dam. The objective would be to use video to try and obtain a population estimate of Atlantic whitefish present at the Milipsigate Dam during May Also, to remove all invasive species from this sensitive area. A continuation of the outreach and educational activities at local schools and community events. To investigate the current status regarding invasive species in the Tusket watershed. What have been the long term effects of chain pickerel in this watershed? To continue with the stomach content analysis of any invasive species captured in the watershed. To continue with CPUE surveys for smallmouth bass and chain pickerel. To work closely with a local group, the South Shore Wildlife Association, to establish stomach content surveys and CPUE surveys in two additional lakes (Garber and Wallace). 47