A Post-Restoration Success Story: American Eel found in Lowville Park
Photo Credit: Ontario Parks
Who couldn’t use some good news to wrap up 2019? The discovery of an American Eel (Anguilla rostrata) in Lowville Park in 2018 is a major indicator of success for the large-scale restoration project that TUC completed in 2012.
Pre-restoration, Bronte Creek within Lowville Park had been degraded over time due to misuse. Bronte creek had widened up to 150% and became shallow with a uniform single habitat type not suitable to diverse fish communities. During the summer there was barely enough water for a minnow to swim.
The multi-year restoration project entailed rebuilding and stabilizing stream banks, planting vegetation, installing 7 riffle crests and digging 3 pools in hopes that the creek would eventually return to its natural, healthy state. The presence of the American Eel found within this stretch of restored creek is a testament to high-quality work accomplished by TUC and its partners.
The American Eel is considered Endangered under the Endangered Species Act with populations that have declined by 99% in some areas. As a species of historical and ecological importance, there are many reasons why the discovery of this fish in Lowville park is good news.
With a very interesting life history, the American Eel lives in both freshwater and saltwater at different points in its life, which are two of the most diverse species habitats in the world. It is considered a catadromous species, which means it is born in saltwater, migrates to freshwater and then moves back to saltwater to spawn. Fragmentation of freshwater systems in Canada has hindered the ability for the American Eel to carry out its migratory life cycle lifestyle.
Additionally, American Eels have historically been an integral part of Canada’s freshwater ecosystems. In fact, they have been an important food source for Aboriginal people living in Ontario for thousands of years and were more recently one of the most harvested fish for commercial fishing until the 1990s.
Most importantly, American Eels are considered an indicator species, meaning their presence indicates a healthy ecosystem. They also contribute to the ecosystem they inhabit, as they are an important food source of many other species (birds, fish and aquatic mammals). They additionally become important predators themselves in their adult years. These functions make this species of special interest in conservation.
To observe this species in Bronte Creek in Lowville Park is a big milestone for the success of restoration there. With continued efforts like this across Canada, we hope to continue to help aquatic species like the endangered American Eel re-establish in their historical range. Many thanks to the Conservation Halton team for sharing this fantastic news with us!
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