Native Species Protection.

Working to advance native trout recovery via cumulative effects analysis, habitat restoration, restoration stocking, land use planning, watershed and fish population assessments, and public education.

The Alberta Native Trout Collaborative is a group of partner organizations working to advance native trout recovery in Alberta via cumulative effects analysis, habitat restoration, restoration stocking, land use planning, watershed and fish population assessments, and public education.

Together, we coordinate resources to mitigate threats and promote recovery of Alberta’s Threatened native trout via watershed prioritization and on- the-ground habitat restoration and monitoring. But these efforts are unsustainable if they’re not supported and maintained by the general public. For this reason, we also work together to educate, engage and inspire all Albertans to take pride in native trout, and to take action to help care for their habitats.

The Alberta Native Trout Collaborative receives funding through the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR) from Fishers and Oceans Canada.

Mission

When it comes to the health of Alberta’s headwaters, native trout are the canaries in the coal mine. Adapted to the cold, clean, complex, and connected waterways of the Eastern Slopes of Alberta, they can only thrive when these waterways are well cared for.

Unfortunately, westslope cutthroat trout, Athabasca rainbow trout, and bull trout (Alberta’s provincial fish) are all threatened species. This does not bode well for the health of our headwaters, or for the millions of Albertans downstream who rely on them.

The Alberta Native Trout Collaborative is working hard on the ground to restore native trout populations and habitats, but we all need to work together to make a difference. No matter how we use the land in the Eastern Slopes — camping, hiking, fishing, off-roading, farming, ranching — we can choose to pursue our activities in ways that keep our waters cold, clean, clear, and connected.

Our goal is to help all Albertans understand how and why they can help protect native trout and their habitats. After all, what’s better for Alberta’s native trout is also better for us!