CTC111-De´pliant Modifs Ang · 2016-11-30 · this water is of suitable quality and quantity! Spawning sites for the perpetuation ... Fondation de la faune du Québec Website, under

GREATER UNDERSTANDING LEADING TO BETTER PRESERVATION

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Fish habitat:more than meets the eye

CTC111-De?pliant_Modifs_Ang:CTC111-De�pliant_Modifs_Ang 30/09/10 16:59 Page 3

A sufficient quantity and quality ofwater

The various species of fish havespecific habitat requirements,notably with regard to waterquality, temperature anddepth.

In a cool spot, shelteredfrom danger

Fish shelters offer protection frompredators and allow fish to rest and enjoycooler waters. Pools, riparian or aquaticplants, fallen branches and rocks can allprovide shelter. Fish also use shelters wherethey lie in wait to ambush their prey.

Fish, like all other animals, must haveaccess to a habitat where they canfeed, find shelter and reproduce. Eachspecies has its own specific habitatrequirements. In Quebec, streams, rivers,lakes, wetlands, estuaries, coastal watersand the St. Lawrence River offer a widevariety of fish habitat. In fact, from anecological point of view, any environmentwhere there is water, whether permanentor intermittent, is likely to provide ahabitat for fish… as long, obviously, asthis water is of suitable quality andquantity!

Spawning sites for the perpetuationof the species

A spawning site, where fish lay their eggs, isusually a substrate of sand or gravel, or evenan area of vegetation. These same sites areoften used by young fish in early stages ofgrowth. Depending on the species and thespawning period, these sites might be usedmost of the year. For example, brook trouteggs are laid during the fall and only hatchthe following spring. Any work carried outin an aquatic environment during this periodcan therefore have negative impacts onbreeding success.

Adequate food sources

The growth and health of fish notably relyupon the quality and quantity of the foodsources available in their habitat.Depending on the species, fish may feed onalgae, microscopic animals, insects, worms,crustaceans, smaller fishes, amphibians, etc.

no fish!

Brook trout on a spawning ground

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In springtime, water temporarily floods the upper portion of the littoral zone, which is alsocalled the flood plain (Figure 1). This area is very important for a number of fish species,

like northern pike: it is notably used for reproduction, growth,feeding and as shelter as well. Shores, less frequently flooded thanthe flood plain, can also be used by fish.

In an environment exposed to tides (Figure 2), the area locatedbetween the highest and the lowest tides forms the intertidalzone. Like the flood plain, the area, though exposed at lowtide, is part of the fish habitat. It hosts mussels, soft shellclams, worms, and a vast number of other small organismswhich will be a treat to fish when the area is again flooded.

Intermittent streams and ditches can also constitute a habitatfor fish. For example, streams that dry up over the summer may contain

enough water during the spring to allow several species of fish to feed orreproduce.

Spring water level (ordinary high water mark)

Summer water level

Flood plain

Shore Littoral Bed

Figure 1: Freshwater fish habitat

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Fish must be able to movefreely between the various siteswithin their habitat.

No habitat, no fish!


Works carried out in or near the water may have significant impacts on fish habitat. Did youknow that proper planning, adequate working methods and compliance with legislativerequirements can help minimize these impacts? Remember, even minor work can causeserious damages to fish habitat. For example, in a lake, the accidental destruction of aspawning area can have a major impact on fishing activities, especially if there is no otherspawning ground.

• Use appropriate techniques to installculverts,to allow for the free passage of fish.

• Prevent oil or fuel spills in waterbodies, and have a response kit forhydrocarbon spills available,to avoid water pollution.

• Maintain a forested buffer strip alongthe shores of water bodies,to keep water cooler and prevent bankerosion.

• Keep the bed of the water bodyintact,to prevent stirring up fine sedimentparticles into the watercourse andspawning areas destruction.

• Use good forestry practices such assmall cutblocks or partial-cutharvesting,to minimize the modification of flow onwater runoff, the impact on water flowand fine particles transport in the water.

You’reexploitinga woodlot?

FINE SEDIMENT PARTICLES IN SUSPENSION = PROBLEMS FOR FISH

Whether it is due to natural bank erosion or work carried out near or in the water, finesediment particles transported in water may disturb fish and fish habitat. They may settle inspawning grounds and suffocate the eggs or even render spawning grounds unsuitable forbreeding; they irritate the gills of fish and reduce water transparency, thereby hampering fishmovement. Fine particles may also have fatal impacts on organisms that are food for fish.

Properly installed culvert

Natural banks

Incorrectly installed culvert

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Habitats in good condition,thanks to well-planned action!

Deforested banks


Poor agricultural practice – exposed bank

Good agricultural practice – bank with shrubs

• Don’t do any landfilling: don’t dumpearth, sand or any other kind ofmaterial in the marine littoral, streams,lakes or marshes; conserve a naturalbuffer strip of riparian vegetation;stabilize eroded banks by favouring theuse of plants,to preserve fish habitat.

• Don’t build any dams in streams,to maintain free movement of the fish andaccess to critical habitats.

• Maintain your septic tank in propercondition,to prevent the release of substances, such asphosphorus, which contribute to excessiveaquatic plant and cyanobacteria (blue-greenalgae) growth. The decomposition of plantsdepletes the amount of oxygen available tofish, while also causing unpleasant odours.

• Reduce your speed when boating andrestrict boating activities generatingstrong waves near the shore,to reduce the risk of erosion.

• In a motor vehicle, stay clear ofbanks, water bodies and wetlands,to avoid destroying vegetation, causing thesuspension of soil particles and creating rutsaltering the natural flow of water.

• Install a dock or a boathouse that isfloating or built on piles,to avoid altering water currents, obstructingfish movement or destroying aquatic plants.

• Use public boat launch ramps,to preserve fish habitat.

You’reexploitinga farm?

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You live on, or oftenvisit, the shores ofthe St. Lawrence River,a stream, a lakeor a marsh?

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YOU WANT TO DO MORE?IT’S POSSIBLE!There are some financial assistance programsfor fish habitat restoration projects. Visit theFondation de la faune du Québec Website,under "Wildlife initiatives - Assistanceprograms" to check whether your project iseligible to one of these programs.

AVAILABLE TOOLS

You’re planning to build a bridge or a culvert? Or to stabilize eroded banks in front of your property? Or to clean up a stream? A series of factsheetsand documents are available with the ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune (www.mrnf.gouv.qc.ca/faune/habitats-fauniques/index.jsp;in French) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/habitat/habitat-eng.htm) and provide information on these activities.

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• Avoid digging in streams or modifyingtheir meanders,to prevent an increase of flow velocity andbank erosion.

• Conserve or plant a buffer strip ofvegetation along the shores of lakes andstreams,to reduce erosion and the subsequent loss ofcrop land, to maintain cooler watertemperatures and retain pesticides, fertilizersand soil particles.

• Save topsoil in the fields through soilconservation practices,to prevent it entering water bodies andsmothering critical habitat.

• Avoid spreading manure, fertilizers andpesticides near water bodies,to reduce water pollution.

Preserved natural bank

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Shores and littoral zones of water bodies are used by several animal and plantspecies, and so constitute critical environments for maintaining biodiversity. Did youknow that these environments also contribute to the richness and quality of oursocial, economic and recreational well-being?

Environments that attractmany visitors

Shallow waters contain habitat providingshelter, feeding and breeding sites fornumerous species other than fish, includingbirds, frogs, turtles and snakes. Severalmammals such as muskrat, mink and moosealso use this vital environment.

Figure 2: Salt water fish habitat

River

Essential environments for thehealth of our lakes and streams

Riparian and aquatic vegetation stabilizesthe soil, prevents erosion and helps regulatewater flow. This is particularly important asclimate change may increase the frequencyof exceptional flooding. Moreover, theriparian strip contributes to maintain goodwater quality, essential to aquatic life andrecreational aquatic activities such asswimming and canoeing.

A more pleasant livingenvironment... beneficial in manyways

Healthy riparian and aquatic environmentscontribute to the aesthetic beauty of ourlandscape and improve our quality of life.These environments can be developed fornature observation, hunting, trapping andfishing. Such activities offer sustainable

economic development potential in everyregion of Quebec.

Fishing: a family activity

Recreational fishing,a family activity!

What better than to cast a line out on thewater, hoping to catch a fish! In 2005, over650,000 Quebecers enjoyed recreationalfishing. This activity generated economicspin-off of 1.7 billion dollars. Over 8,000 jobsin Quebec depend on recreational fishing.

Commercial fisheries in Quebec

Over fifty species of fish, shellfish andcrustaceans are commercially harvested inQuebec waters. In 2007, the landed valuereached 144.8 million dollars for marinespecies and 1.6 million for freshwaterspecies.

Highly valuable habitat...not only for fish!

Fresh waterwetland

Salt water wetland

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Ask questionsbefore interfering in fish habitat

A SHORT PHONE CALL COULD HELP YOU AVOID A COSTLY MISTAKE!Remember that modifying fish habitat without authorization can be costly, not only for the natural environment, but alsofor the person who has committed the offence. This person may be subjected to injunction, legal proceedings, fines as wellas court order to restore the premises, and might also be required to pay any expenses incurred for restoring the alteredhabitat. Better be safe than sorry. Contact us before taking action!

Remember: fish habitat is not just found in wilderness areas! Urban and agricultural areasalso provide essential environments for supporting many species. In fact, any habitatwhere there is water, even sporadically (only at springtime for example), can be vital tofish. Be aware and exercise caution.

Fish habitat is part of our collective heritage, even when found on private land; itrepresents a natural, cultural and economic resource. Its preservation is guaranteed by AnAct respecting the conservation and development of wildlife as well as the Regulationrespecting wildlife habitats and the Fisheries Act, which apply to both salt water andfreshwater. It is essential that these provisions be observed.

Before carrying out any activity that could alter fish habitat, whether on private or publicland, make sure that you comply with applicable municipal, provincial and federal lawsand regulations.

Bas Saint-Laurent418 [email protected]

Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean418 [email protected]

Capitale-Nationale418 [email protected]

Mauricie–Centre-du-Québec418 [email protected]

Estrie819 [email protected]

Montréal–Montérégie450 [email protected]

Outaouais819 [email protected]

Abitibi-Témiscamingue819 [email protected]

Côte-Nord418 [email protected]

Nord-du-Québec418 [email protected]

Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine418 [email protected]

Chaudière-Appalaches418 [email protected]

Laval-Lanaudière450 [email protected]

Laurentides819 [email protected]

Montréal 514 289-1010

Québec 418 648-7727

Mont-Joli 418 775-0726

Sept-Îles 418 962-6315

Gaspé 418 368-6818

Îles-de-la-Madeleine 418 986-2390

FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA,QUEBEC REGION, CONTACTINFORMATION

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THE GENERAL OFFICE OF THE MINISTÈRE DES RESSOURCES NATURELLES ET DE LA FAUNE IN YOUR REGIONAND FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA.

MRNF GENERAL OFFICES CONTACT INFORMATION

SuzanneLepage

St. Lawrence Estuary

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www.mrnf.gouv.qc.ca/en/contact-us-ministere.jsp • 1 866 248-6936 www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca • 1 877 [email protected]

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CTC111-De´pliant Modifs Ang · 2016-11-30 · this water is of suitable quality and quantity! Spawning sites for the perpetuation ... Fondation de la faune du Québec Website, under