Fisheries and Lake Management Planning CAP Mtg Nov21,2012 Brett Tregunno Aquatic Biologist, Kawartha Conservation
Outline Aquatic Habitat Types Fish Communities Significance of Resource Current Management Framework Key Threats and Pressures
Aquatic Habitat Types Fish Habitat: spawning grounds and nursery, rearing, food supply, and migration areas on which fish depend directly or indirectly in order to carry out their life processes.» From Federal Fisheries Act.
Aquatic Habitat Types cont d - Open Water
Aquatic Habitat Types cont d - Nearshore
Aquatic Habitat Types cont d - Wetlands
Aquatic Habitat Types cont d - Connecting Rivers
Aquatic Habitat Types cont d - Large Tributaries
Aquatic Habitat Types cont d - Small Tributaries
Aquatic Habitat Types cont d - Headwaters
Aquatic Habitat Types cont d Within Kawartha Lakes over last 30 years, shift from a more turbid open water state towards a clear-water aquatic plantdominated system. WHY?? shallow lakes + zebra mussels + reductions in [P] feeding and spawning habitat for certain fish communities, habitat for others.
Fish Communities Warmwater Fishes dominate Diverse: approx. 40 species 8 non-native (i.e., introduced, or invasive) No *known* aquatic species at risk in Balsam, Cameron, Sturgeon, Pigeon
Fish Communities cont d Predators Omnivores Prey Native Muskellunge Yellow Perch Suckers (3) Sm. Bass Pumpkinseed Minnows (10) Bullhead (2) Darters (4) Burbot Other (8) Introduced Walleye Lm. Bass Carp Invaders Rock Bass Bluegill Round Goby Black Crappie Northern Pike
Fish Communities cont d Over 30 years in Kawartha Lakes region, decline in abundance of Walleye and increase in abundance of Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass species. Associated with reductions in phosphorus concentration and increase in water clarity and water temperature.
Value of Fisheries Resources Contributes to a functioning aquatic ecosystem e.g., foodweb contribution, healthy fish=healthy lake Provide signals for change in lake environment Contributes lots of $$$ to local economy Significant recreational fishery, even at provincial-level Lake-specific $$$ contributions not known Contributes to lake enjoyment and property values e.g., fishable waters, healthy lake perception)
Value of Fisheries Resource cont d
Value of Fisheries Resource cont d
Management Framework Ministry of Natural Resources Fishing regulations (e.g., when, where, how much harvest, etc.) and Enforcement Strategic Planning (FMP Zone17) Science and Monitoring (KLFAU in Lindsay) Fish die-off response coordination Fisheries and Oceans Canada Delegated fish habitat review to TSW (open waters) and KRCA (shoreline/tributaries) within Kawartha Lakes
Management Framework cont d Trent-Severn Waterway Flow and water level management Historic Canals regulations Conservation Authorities Indirect, through CA regulations Direct, through tributary Fish Habitat review
Management Framework, cont d Municipalities Indirect, through Provincial Policy and Official Plan zoning and by-laws Ministry of Environment Contaminant testing Community Groups/Organizations E.g., FMZ17 Advisory Council, OFAH, KHC, Bassmasters, individual stewards
Key Threats and Pressures Aquatic Invasive Species Pike now present, expanding range impact Muskellunge Round Goby on horizon biomass, changes foodweb Black Crappie increasing potential impacts to foodweb **ACTIONS** BMP and enforcement to prevent spread/transfer Early detection and eradication of new invaders Promote harvest, capitalize on new angling opportunities
Key Threats and Pressures cont d Habitat Alteration, Destruction, Fragmentation Significant shoreline/streambank modification loss of nearshore habitat and land-water interface Siltation from tributaries and eroding shorelines Restricted access to spawning habitat **ACTIONS** Naturalize shoreline (e.g., cover, bank stability, refuge, Utilize BMP s for effective sediment and erosion control Maintain migration corridors, and connectivity Protect critical spawning habitat
Key Threats and Pressures cont d Decline in Walleye Poorer quality angling opportunities Loss of top predator, foodweb impacts **ACTIONS** Protect critical habitat (e.g., well oxygenated cobble spawning habitat) Reduce siltation (covering of spawning habitat)
Key Threats and Pressures cont d Significant Angling Pressures High harvest mortality, increased stress **ACTIONS** Encourage angling BMP s Maintain sustainable stocks, natural reproduction Enforcement Establish fish sanctuaries
Key Threats and Pressures cont d Water Flow/Level Management Requirements of TSW operations not based on maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems **ACTIONS** Appropriate depth/flow conditions for spawning Effective communication and response
Key Threats and Pressures cont d Climate Change Increased water temperatures Beneficial to fish that prefer warmer waters, detriment to others **ACTIONS** Increase cover, temperature moderation Protect groundwater input sources
Key Threats and Pressures cont d Pathogens and Contamination Koi-herpes, Columnaris leading to fish kills Eating restrictions (e.g., PCB s) **ACTIONS** Invasive species BMP s Chemical storage BMP s and spill management Don t disturb toxic sediments
Summary Many different aquatic habitat types contribute to functioning ecosystem Lake-based fish communities have changed in past 30 years less walleye, more bass Significant local and provincial economic driver Management is multi-partner approach, MNR lead Lakes facing significant threats/pressures
Questions?