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Reconnecting Quigley Creek: Many of Alberta’s native salmonids (the family that includes trout, char, whitefish and grayling), have experienced serious declines in both their range and population. Typically this is a result of multiple historic and current threats and impacts, which can include habitat loss and degradation, overfishing, impacts from non-native species, and fragmentation. Fragmentation occurs when human-caused barriers prevent fish from accessing habitats. Often we think of dams as barriers to fish passage but road crossings can be a significant culprit as well. Culverts are a common way to convey a stream under a road but when culverts are undersized, improperly installed, or at the end of their lifespan, they not only create barriers to fish movement but result in erosion as well. Sometimes the barrier is a result of high velocity flows within the culvert itself, other times fish actually have to jump into a culvert when the outlet is hanging above the stream. This summer, Trout Unlimited Canada (TUC) partnered with West Fraser Mills (Hinton Wood Products)  to restore fish passage and improve the functionality of Quigley Creek, a tributary of the McLeod River within the Athabasca River basin. This project benefits the local fish population by increasing the amount of available habitat. To fix the problem, the existing hanging culvert was replaced with an open-bottom arch structure. The arch allows the water to flow under the road unimpeded, which also allows for the natural process of sediment delivery downstream. Most importantly, fish can now easily move upstream past the road to access more habitat. Special acknowledgment goes to the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnership Program , which is delivered by the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans for supporting this project. Financial support was also provided by the Alberta Conservation Association . Thank you also to West Fraser and the Foothills Stream Crossing Partnership for working with TUC to improve our fisheries, and to Repsol Oil and Gas Canada Inc . for supporting TUC’s national Reconnecting Canada Campaign . The Geosynthetic-Reinforced Soil (GRS) arch was installed by Landmark Solutions Ltd , in collaboration with Terratech Consulting Ltd.

Aquatic Ecologist Dr. Mark Taylor works with a contractor to set gill nets in Johnson Lake Reservoir in Banff National Park. Photo Credit-Bill Hunt, Parks Canada Breaking the Life Cycle-Eliminating Whirling Disease from Banff National Park’s Johnson Lake. Banff National Parks has begun removing fish from Johnson Lake in an effort to eliminate whirling disease. Whirling disease is caused by an invasive, microscopic parasite called Myxobolus cerebralis. The parasite requires two hosts to complete its life cycle: an aquatic worm (Tubifex tubifex) and a salmonid fish (e.g. trout, char, or whitefish). Whirling disease can have serious impacts on some species of trout and salmon including physical deformities and in some cases mortality rates reaching up to 90%. In August 2016, whirling disease was detected in Johnson Lake in Banff National Park; the first time this fish disease had been confirmed in a Canadian waterbody. This immediately triggered a response by both provincial and federal government which included testing other sites in the wild for whirling disease. Although there remains a backlog of samples collected in Fall 2016 which still need to be tested for whirling disease, the disease has been confirmed in the Bow River and some tributaries, as well as the Crowsnest River. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has also declared the Bow and Oldman watersheds as “infected”. Although whirling disease was just recently detected in Canada, much can be learned from fisheries managers in the U.S. as some states have had to deal with this disease in the wild for several decades. Recent work on managing whirling disease in the U.S. has included controlling “hotspots” for the disease. Although it was previously understood that myxospores (one of the life stages of the parasite) could remain viable in the sediment of a waterbody for as long as 30 years, recent research indicates the long-term survival of myxospores is actually much shorter. Additionally, tubifex worms can only become infected by ingesting the myxospores released when an infected fish dies – they do not pass the disease to the next generation without the fish host. In Placer Creek in Colorado, fishery managers successfully eliminated all evidence of the parasite by removing all of the fish from the reach of stream they were concerned about. Without the fish host, the lifecycle of the parasite was broken. Rio Grande native Cutthroat Trout have since been reintroduced and a barrier installed to protect the population from downstream Brook Trout invaders. Aquatic Ecologists Dr. Mark Taylor and technician Colby Whelan use an electrofisher to capture fish in Johnson Creek as part of a fish removal effort underway in Banff National Park. Photo Credit-Bill Hunt, Parks Canada Historically, Johnson Lake was home to a population of native suckers but was stocked with non-native Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Brown Trout. Following removal of fish from Johnson Lake, Parks Canada will re-stock the lake with native White Suckers. This aligns well with Parks Canada’s policy to remove non-native species when practical to do so, in an effort to help native species. Thus, removing the fish from Johnson Lake is not only a big step towards breaking the lifecycle of Myxobolus cerebralis and therefore whirling disease, it will also be a positive move forward in efforts to help native species persist and an excellent test case in Canada for innovative treatments to deal with whirling disease. Banff National Park is home to two at-risk salmonid fish species: Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Bull Trout. Protecting these species from whirling disease is extremely important, requiring action to reduce risk to these populations. Johnson Lake is considered a hotspot not only because of the prevalence of whirling disease but also due to its proximity to Lake Minnewanka and the Cascade watershed (which are currently whirling disease free). The Cascade watershed is of significance because it is home to four of only 10 core populations of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Banff National Park. Johnson Lake is also a very popular recreation area so the potential for the movement of the parasite via boats, boots, and birds is high. Historically, Johnson Lake was home to a population of native suckers but was stocked with non-native Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Brown Trout. Following removal of fish from Johnson Lake, Parks Canada will re-stock the lake with native White Suckers. This aligns well with Parks Canada’s policy to remove non-native species when practical to do so, in an effort to help native species. Thus, removing the fish from Johnson Lake is not only a big step towards breaking the lifecycle of Myxobolus cerebralis and therefore whirling disease, it will also be a positive move forward in efforts to help native species persist and an excellent test case in Canada for innovative treatments to deal with whirling disease.

Photo Credit Apache Reconnecting South Tony Creek. Many of Alberta’s native salmonids (the family that includes trout, char, whitefish and grayling), have experienced serious declines in their range and populations. One threat facing many of these populations is fragmentation, when larger reaches of habitat are broken into smaller reaches. Culverts are often a big culprit in fragmentation; when undersized, improperly installed, or at the end of their lifespan, culverts often create barriers to fish movement. Sometimes the barrier is a result of high velocity flows within the culvert itself, other times fish literally have to jump into a culvert when the outlet is hanging above the stream. Last fall, Trout Unlimited Canada (TUC) partnered with Apache Canada Ltd. to restore fish passage and improve the health of South Tony Creek, a tributary of the Little Smoky River near Fox Creek, AB. This project will benefit the local Arctic Grayling population by increasing the amount of available habitat. Apache’s planned upgrades to the Bigstone Road provided a unique and timely opportunity to upgrade the crossing over South Tony Creek to something better. Rather than replace the existing two hanging culverts with the status quo, they were replaced with a much larger, open bottom arch. The new arch allows the water to flow under the road unimpeded, which also allows for the natural process of sediment delivery downstream. Most importantly, fish can now easily move upstream past the road to access more habitat. Downstream of the new arch, looking upstream along South Tony Creek (Photo credit Landmark Solutions) Special acknowledgment to the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnership Program, which is administered by the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans for supporting this project. Thank you also to Apache for working with TUC to improve our fisheries, and to Repsol Oil and Gas Canada Inc. for supporting TUC’s national Reconnecting Canada Campaign. The Geosynthetic-Reinforced Soil (GRS) arch was installed by Landmark Solutions Ltd, in collaboration with Terratech Consulting Ltd. For more information, please contact Lesley Peterson .

Responding to Whirling Disease in Alberta Waters By Kate Wilson Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist Alberta Environment & Parks Image Courtesy Alberta Environment and Parks Whirling disease is becoming more widely known in North America as a serious fish health issue. It can affect salmonid populations including trout and whitefish and is caused by a microscopic parasite called Myxobolus cerebralis. The parasite also requires a segmented worm, Tubifex tubifex, a species native and common in Alberta waters. Myxobolus requires two hosts to complete its lifecycle – salmonid fish and the tubifex worm. The parasite is not transmissible to humans or wildlife. The impacts of the disease can be highly variable, depending on species susceptibility and environmental factors, but can lead to spinal deformities, erratic swimming and death of affected fish. Not all susceptible species exhibit signs of whirling disease – for example, brown trout are known to be carriers/hosts of whirling disease, but have been found to be quite asymptomatic. Westslope cutthroat trout and some strains of rainbow trout, however, are highly susceptible. There is concern that a fish disease like this could really prove to be problematic for species at risk, especially in locations where there is already a fair amount of disturbance or habitat issues. Anglers will want to pay special attention to whirling disease positive waters, and ensure that they take the necessary steps to curb the spread of the disease to uninfected waters. In August 2016, the first detection of whirling disease was reported in Canada, inside Banff National Park at a popular fly fishing spot, Johnson Lake. It is not known how the parasite was introduced, but research and literature suggest it is most commonly introduced primarily by the movement of infected fish, either by fish culture practices or anglers. It can then be spread downstream or with the movement of fish, but also by fishing and boating activities, any kind of in-water work, and even potentially waterfowl. The parasite is introduced to a waterbody in the form of microscopic spores found in the bottom of the river or earthen pond, in the sediment. The spores are then ingested by the tubifex worm, which is found in some waterbodies in Alberta. Fish most often contract the disease unknowingly, as once the parasite matures inside the infected worm, it produces tiny triactinomyxons (“TAMS”) that are carried in water currents and can infect a fish through the skin. Penetration of the fish by these TAM spores takes only a few seconds; within a few hours, the infectious sporoplasm is spreading via the nerves. This process takes days to weeks, eventually reaching the cartilage where most of the damage occurs. The organism has a sequential affinity for skin, nerves & finally cartilage of the fish. Once a tubifex is infected, it is infected for the life of the worm. Image Courtesy Alberta Environment and Parks Whirling disease mainly affects juvenile fish, such as fingerlings and fry, causing skeletal deformation and neurological damage. Fish exhibiting signs often “whirl” forward in an awkward, corkscrew-like manner, have difficulty feeding and are much more vulnerable to predators. The mortality rate can be high for affected fry/fingerlings with losses up to 90 percent of an infected population. Those that survive heavy infection may be deformed by the parasite’s destruction of cartilage and resulting abnormal bone formation (e.g. crooked tails). These survivors, as well as asymptomatically infected fish, are carrier fish that can then act as a reservoir for the parasite, which is released into water/sediment following the fish’s death. The Government of Alberta took immediate action upon being notified of the detection in Banff National Park in August, working closely with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Parks Canada. The “Early Detection, Rapid Response” Plan developed for invasive Dreissenid mussels was utilized for the response, given the many similarities with an invasive mussel introduction (larvae are microscopic) and spread. An Incident Command System was set up to respond to the detection, as well as teams to address the myriad of aspects needed in a response, including policy development, risk assessments, mapping, communications and monitoring. Fisheries biologists province-wide were deployed to sample all “susceptible waters” in the province (e.g., waters that support trout and whitefish), which over the course of a few months equated to more than 200 sites in six watersheds. Whirling disease cannot be detected directly in water or soil samples, so fish tissue must be sampled. Wild fish samples were collected last fall by Alberta Environment and Parks staff and stored in -80°C freezers; but we currently do not have the ability to analyze such large numbers internally, so this has created some delay in obtaining results. Samples are being processed by both CFIA labs and AEP labs; presently we’re working with the University of Alberta for molecular testing of Myxobolus cerebralis, a test which has more sensitivity than spore detection, thus is more appropriate for smaller fish. At this time, some salmonids in the Bow River watershed have yielded positive results for the Whirling disease agent. The CFIA posts positive results on their website when they are confirmed. Decontamination protocols are in development for all government staff conducting in-water work, and more information on the issue and what you can do can be found on the AEP website. Currently, fish from several locations within Banff National Park, as well as many locations outside of the Park in the Bow River watershed (including some tributaries) have tested positive for Myxobolus cerebralis. In addition, fish from five private aquaculture facilities have also tested positive, all of which are currently under quarantine. This means that no fish or fish culture equipment is allowed to leave the positive facilities until infected fish are no longer present, the facilities are decontaminated and deemed to no longer be a risk by the CFIA and the Government of Alberta. Be part of the solution! Fish diseases and aquatic invasive species are commonly spread by organic material (fish, plants), mud and standing water. It is imperative that anglers, boaters, aquatic ecologists, researchers and anyone coming into contact with water CLEAN all equipment, DRAIN any residual standing water and DRY watercraft, waders and equipment thoroughly before using again. These “boat and gear hygiene practices” are always a good idea, as this reduces the chances of spreading all kinds of aquatic invasive species. But these practices are especially important for those who are going from positive zones to susceptible waters. If possible, use hot water (90C) to wash your gear, and ensure water does not go down a storm drain or enter surface water. If you are using a boat, the drain plug must be pulled while in transport – it’s the law! Boat inspections are mandatory for all passing watercraft when inspection stations are open. Do your part to protect Alberta waters from aquatic invasive species and fish disease – CLEAN, DRAIN and DRY your watercraft and equipment before you leave the launch/lake every time. To report suspect fish or aquatic invasive species, please call 1-855-336-BOAT (2628).

An unhealthy riparian area. What are Riparian Areas and Why are they Important? -The scientific community, including TUC biologists and staff, often use terms, such as riparian, that most people aren’t aware of or perhaps don’t understand. Riparian areas are defined as the transitional area between an upland dry area and a water body such as a stream or lake, commonly referred to by some as the shoreline region. The key distinguishing characteristic of a riparian area is its hydrology or how both surface and groundwater are delivered to, routed through and absorbed by the area. Riparian areas are further identified by the occurrence of various water-tolerant types of plants and trees such as cottonwoods, willows and sedges. The presence of these species usually depends on the size and location of the stream or water body. For example, larger streams may have a combination of these species, while smaller streams may only have sedges growing within their riparian area. Riparian areas are rich in biodiversity and much more productive than their adjacent upland areas. The un-compacted soil beneath riparian areas is honeycombed with cavities and passageways created by decaying roots, burrowing animals and fungi, making it porous and absorbent. Riparian areas serve critical ecosystem functions important in maintaining the balance and water quality of a river, stream or lake including; Zone of Influence in a Riparian Area (Courtesy National Research Council) Vegetation filters out sediment from entering the stream. Their roots also bind the soil together to reduce erosion, The surrounding trees and plants provide important food sources for aquatic insects and shelter for fish. The shoreline vegetation offers shade and wind protection that helps regulate water temperature. Provides critical habitat for insects, amphibians, and other wildlife. During high flows, such as spring run-off, riparian areas store water, releasing it to the stream during low flow periods. Riparian areas absorb and dissipate water energy during floods and other high water situations. Water quality is also enhanced by other physical, chemical and biological processes, which are driven by the local ground and surface water. These processes, which occur in the soils and vegetation, assist in removing or lessening the impact of excessive nutrients and harmful pesticides entering the water. Rip Rap along Alberta’s Elbow River During a flood or other high water occurrence damage to the riparian or shoreline area may occur resulting in the removal of vegetation or sections of the bank. After the event, the riparian area begins to heal naturally. Over time vegetation, such as willow shoots, sprout up through deposited gravels and mud reinforcing the bank once again. Human intervention to repair the damaged shores and banks of riparian areas frequently involves “quick fix” solutions by replacing the lost vegetation with rip rap. Rip rap, loose stones and rocks used to form a foundation for a shoreline or breakwater structure, alters the riparian area, preventing the natural re-growth of vegetation. Bank armoring using rip rap may also impede the flow of groundwater into the stream and deflects water energy to less protected areas resulting in addition damage. This practice is particularly harmful to smaller streams where groundwater is a major source of stream flow that maintains water levels and adequate temperature to support aquatic life. Bio-engineering techniques, which may be more labor-intensive but often take significantly less time to install and are less costly allow natural growth to develop and restore disturbed banks and shores. Wattle fencing and live staking using willows and poplars within riparian areas preserve the connection between the upland areas, stream channels and the shore. Wattle fencing consists of short retaining walls using live vegetation such as willows and poplars and can be used to stabilize slopes of disturbed riparian areas. These fences, installed in terraces down the slope, preserve the connection between the upland area and the river, stream or lake. Wattle Fencing TUC has partnered with other organizations on several projects such as Mallard Point where bioengineering techniques were successfully used to restore and protect damaged riparian areas. What can you do to Protect Riparian Areas? Everyone has the responsibility of protecting riparian areas. Some of the actions you can take include: Think about the consequences of removing riparian vegetation before replacing it with a lawn to minimize mosquito infestations or to get a better view. Flourishing riparian areas consist of a healthy, balanced, diverse ecosystem. Retaining riparian vegetation attracts, birds, insects such as dragonflies and bats, all of which prey on common pests such as mosquitos. The vegetation, wetlands and even the soil of riparian areas function like human lungs and kidneys to clean the air and water and recycle nutrients. Maintaining natural habitats and natural soils are critical for a balanced ecosystem Respect trail surroundings when hiking, biking or recreating. Avoid trails or establishing camping sites that are in close proximity to water bodies and are showing signs of erosion. Restore damaged or worn fences along river banks or lakeshore prone to livestock access. Install off-stream watering troughs to keep cattle away from riparian areas and banks. Volunteer  and participate in a TUC workday or Donate to support a project

Trout Unlimited Canada’s Stop the Spread campaign focuses on preventing the spread and impact of invasive species and pathogens that threaten Canada’s fisheries. There are a number of invasive species threatening Canada’s water. Meet the Zebra Mussel. Identification Zebra mussels can be identified by their triangular-shaped convex shell that is black or brown with zigzagged bands ranging from white to yellow, although color patterns may vary. Its average size is 2 to 2.5 cm long but can reach up to 4 cm. They usually grow in clusters and are generally found in shallow (2 to 15 m) algae-rich waters. Zebra mussels first arrived in Canada, through the Great Lakes, from ballast water discharged from ships, originating from the Black and Caspian seas region in southeastern Europe, which were contaminated with them. Impact of Zebra Mussels on Our Environment Zebra mussels feed on phytoplankton by filtering up to one liter of water per day, severely depleting phytoplankton communities and altering food webs of native aquatic life and aquatic ecosystems. In addition, selective feeding of this invasive species increases blooms of toxic algae. Large colonies of zebra mussels often kill native mussels, crayfish and snails by attaching themselves to these animals, hindering their movement, feeding and respiration.  Zebra mussel clusters can also suffocate fish spawning areas. Female zebra mussels can lay up to one million eggs each year. Easily dispersed, the microscopic larvae are scattered by water currents, wind and waves. Within a few weeks, their shell begins to develop and they can begin dispersing by attaching themselves to the hulls of boats. Why Should We Care? Zebra mussels cost taxpayers. In Ontario alone, the impact of zebra mussels is currently estimated to be about $75 to $91 million per year.  It is estimated that if there was a zebra mussel infestation in Alberta, for example, would result in $75 million in annual costs to remove them. Like many other aquatic invasive species, it is nearly impossible to eradicate zebra mussels once established. Prevention is critical. Zebra mussels destroy native fish populations, Within five years of an infestation of zebra mussels in the Great Lakes system, previously robust walleye populations were decimated. Infested beaches and shallows are hazardous to walk as the zebra mussel’s sharp shells cut human skin. How Can You Stop the Spread? Become familiar with whirling disease and its impact on fisheries Using the Clean, Drain, Dry philosophy, remove any mud, aquatic plants, other animals and debris from all equipment that entered the waterbody (e.g. boating, wading and fishing equipment) before leaving the waterbody. Dry for at least five days before visiting another waterbody. Drain ballast tanks, portable bait containers, bilges, livewells and baitwells prior to leaving the waterbody. Keep drain plugs removed while transporting watercraft. Dry for at least five days before visiting another waterbody. Dispose of all unwanted bait and fish waste in the garbage to ensure that zebra mussels, which may go unnoticed are properly disposed of. Talk and inform others about the dangers of whirling disease and other aquatic invasives. Support Trout Unlimited Canada’s Stop the Spread program.

Trout Unlimited Canada’s Stop the Spread campaign focuses on preventing the spread and impact of invasive species and pathogens that threaten Canada’s fisheries. There are a number of invasive species threatening Canada’s water. Meet Myxobolus cerebralis, better known to most as whirling disease. Brown Trout infected with Whirling Disease Whirling disease is caused by a microscopic parasite that lives in the sediment of waterbodies and affects the younger life stages of some salmonid species such as trout, salmon and whitefish. As an infected fish can’t feed efficiently or avoid predators, whirling disease can be fatal. Symptoms can include the following: “Whirling”, circular, swimming pattern Skeletal deformities of the body or head Darkened or black tail. It is also common for fish to carry the disease without showing any symptoms. Whirling disease likely originated in Europe where native brown trout developed resistance to the disease. The disease spreads primarily through the transfer of already infected fish, fish parts along with mud and water containing the spores. Hatcheries are also considered as possible sources. Whirling disease requires two hosts, the Tubifex worm (which reside naturally in the sediments of lakes and streams) and a salmonid fish. Impact of Whirling Disease to the Environment Currently, cases of whirling disease in Canada have only been identified in Alberta. However, this disease can impact populations of susceptible salmonid species and severely limits water recreational activities (e.g. waterskiing, fishing). Why Should We Care? Whirling disease kills trout.The disease is particularly hard on juvenile trout. have resulted in severe population losses of trout in some systems, in some cases up to 90%.   There is no known cure or remedy for whirling disease.   Whirling disease can spread quickly throughout river systems.  Becoming familiar with whirling disease and taking steps to stop the spread is critical. The loss of tourism and other economic impacts of whirling disease results in losses into the millions of dollars. How Can You Stop the Spread? Become familiar with whirling disease and its impact on fisheries Using the Clean, Drain, Dry philosophy, remove any mud, vegetation and other debris from all equipment that entered the waterbody (e.g. boating, wading and fishing equipment) before leaving the waterbody. Use of car washing facilities is not recommended as disposal of the dirty water from the facilities may not be to a wastewater treatment plant that has the required processes in place for removal of the whirling disease spores. Allow time for equipment to thoroughly dry prior to entering another water body. Drain boats, equipment, coolers, live bait wells and any holder of water which can hold the parasite before leaving the site. Never move fish, whether alive or dead or fish parts. After cleaning fish, dispose of all fish waste in a garbage bin on site. Talk and inform others about the dangers of whirling disease and other aquatic invasives. Support Trout Unlimited Canada’s Stop the Spread  program.

Trout Unlimited Canada’s  Stop the Spread  campaign focuses on preventing the spread and impact of the invasive species and pathogens that threaten Canada’s fisheries. There are a number of invasive species threatening Canada’s water.  Meet one of the most serious threats to Canada’s fish, Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS). Identification  Photo by Dr. P. Bowser, Aquatic Animal Health Program, CVM, Cornell University. Photo courtesy of the Center for Food Security and Public Health, Iowa State University. Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia is a deadly infectious disease to both freshwater and marine fish. The VHS virus has been found in farmed rainbow trout in Japan and Europe as well as fish in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. VHS was first detected in Canada in Lake Ontario in 2005. It has since spread to all the Great Lakes and a number of tributaries. Clinical signs of freshwater-impacted fish may include one or all of the following symptoms: Bulging eyes Pale gills and organs Bleeding on the body and organs Dark body coloration Swollen abdomen Gasping at the surface Corkscrew swimming behavior Death How Do Fish Contract VHS? The exact cause of  Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia is not known but it is considered to be a mutated marine virus that became pathogenic for freshwater fish. The latest science suggests that VHS is probably native to certain areas. How Does VHS Spread? Due to its primary method of spreading via urine and reproductive fluids, VHS transmission to other fish can occur through direct contact with contaminated water or infected fish. The VHS virus enters a fish through the gills or wounds. VHS can also be spread through contact with nets, buckets, footwear and vehicles, as well as fish-eating birds, such as herons and ‘carrier’ fish. Healthy, uninfected, fish can also contract VHS by consuming infected fish. The effect of VHS virus on fish species is influenced by environmental conditions such as water temperature; the optimal temperature for infection is 9-12 degrees Celsius. Why Should We Care? VHS impacts our fisheries and fish.  The VHS virus has resulted in large die-offs of freshwater species including Walleye, Freshwater Drum, Bass, Muskellunge, Black Crappie, and Bluegill in the Great Lakes. Due to its infectious nature, the VHS virus has been found in more than 50 species of freshwater and marine fishes. VHS can change and mutate. The Great Lakes substrain of VHS virus is suspected to be a newly evolved variant of the native North American Genotype. How Can You Stop the Spread? Become familiar with VHS and its impact on fisheries If you fish with bait, use only locally harvested baitfish and roe. Request from bait dealers the location of their supply sources to ensure they are buying locally. Do not introduce fish from another country or province into natural waters. If you see someone moving fish from one water body to another, observe their actions, record what you see and report it to the appropriate authorities. When cleaning and gutting fish, safely dispose of all fish waste in the garbage. Using the Clean, Drain, Dry philosophy, remove mud and aquatic plants from gear, boats, anchors, motors and trailers prior transporting them to another water body. Empty live wells and bilges at least 30 meters away from any water body. Once emptied, disinfect the live well or bilge with a 10% household bleach to water solution Talk and inform others about the dangers of VHS and other aquatic invasives. Support Trout Unlimited Canada’s  Stop the Spread program.

Trout Unlimited Canada’s Stop the Spread campaign focuses on preventing the spread and impact of invasive species and pathogens that threaten Canada’s fisheries. There are a number of invasive species threatening Canada’s water.  Meet the Asian Carp. Courtesy Simpson Street Free Press Asian Carp arrived from Asia to North America in the 1960s and 70s. Since their initial introduction, Asian Carp have steadily migrated north through American waterways towards the Great lakes.  There are four different species of Asian Carp in North America Bighead, Black, Grass and Silver. Once introduced, Asian Carp spread quickly through canal and river systems.  In the Chicago Area Waterway System, the spread was unbelievably rapid.  Humans also aid the spread of Asian Carp through the use of live bait, ballast water, cultural and religious releases, live trade and pond aquaculture and management. Impact of the Asian Carp to the Environment Due to their ability to adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions Asian Carp spread at an exponential pace making them difficult to control and eradicate.  Asian Carp are voracious feeders depleting waterbodies of microscopic animal and plant life. Consumption of aquatic plants which would otherwise provide cover from predators for native juvenile fish and potential spawning habitat.  The presence of Asian Carp also aids the potential introduction of other parasites, such as the Asian Tapeworm. Silver Asian Carp are particularly dangerous to boaters and water skiers.  The vibration of boat propellers elicits an escape response causing Silver Carp to jump up to three meters out of the water. Images and videos of jumping Asian Carp are common on the internet and through social media channels.  Boaters and water skiers have been seriously injured as a result of an impact with a jumping Asian Carp. Why Should We Care? Asian Carp significantly alter habitat. They can completely change the natural bottom substrate of lakes and streams by uprooting aquatic plants, negatively affecting water clarity and productivity. The foraging habits of Asian Carp compete with native fishes for both food and habitat.  During the course of a single day, Asian Carp can eat up to 40% of their body weight! They also prey on native fish and destroy the natural balance within the food chain. Asian Carp act as carriers for diseases or parasites that could spread to native fishes that have no natural immunity. The reproductive power of Asian Carp can be overwhelming, easily outcompeting native fish reproduction rates including popular sportfish pursued by anglers. Leaping Asian carp physically hurt humans.  Each year boaters, water skiers and others are seriously injured after being struck by leaping Asian Carp. Asian Carp cost taxpayers.  Millions of dollars are spent annually trying to control and eliminate Asian Carp How Can You Stop the Spread? There are four ways you can help Stop the Spread of Asian Carp Never move fish species from one water body to another If you see someone moving fish from one water body to another, observe their actions, record what you see and report it right away to the appropriate authorities. Talk and inform others about the dangers of Asian Carp and other aquatic invasives. Support Trout Unlimited Canada’s Stop the Spread program.

Trout Unlimited Canada’s Stop the Spread campaign focuses on preventing the spread and impact of invasive species and pathogens that threaten Canada’s fisheries.  There are a number of invasive species threatening Canada’s water. Meet the Spiny Water Flea. The Spiny Water Flea was first introduced to North American waters from the ballast tanks from merchant ships traveling into our waters from Europe and Asia. Identification Spiny Water Flea is currently found in the Great Lakes.  Ranging in size from approximately 8 to 12 mm including the tail, these fresh-water crustaceans are native to northern Europe and Asia. The head of the spiny water flea consists primarily of a large black eye that is well defined from its abdomen, which has four pairs of legs. Its tail is barbed (with 1 to 3 pairs of barbs) and is twice as long as its body.  The barbed tail acts as an effective deterrent to small fish trying to feed on them. Asexually produced fleas have a kink in the middle of their spine whereas sexually produced fleas do not. Impact of Spiny Water Flea to Our Environment The Spiny Water Flea is capable of asexual production, resulting in population explosions. Sexual production increases their genetic variability and their ability to survive and disperse under adverse environmental conditions and a wide range of water temperatures. Sexually produced eggs can go into a semi-static dormant metabolic condition and can over-winter and hatch when temperatures exceed 4oC. In addition, dormant eggs can survive passage through fish digestive tracts. Why Should We Care? Spiny water fleas disrupt the biodiversity of lakes they invade by out competing and consuming large numbers of the native zooplankton,creating an imbalance that ripples throughout the entire food chain. Although capable of  sexual reproduction, most spiny water fleas reproduce asexually.  A single female alone can quickly colonize new habitat pushing out and negatively impacting native species. Spiny water fleas reduce the available food for our native fish and they are mostly non-digestible or palatable to larger fish. Large numbers of spiny water fleas gather together forming a jelly mass that clogs fishing gear and other equipment. How Can You Stop the Spread? There are four primary ways you can stop the spread of Spiny Water Flea Boating and fishing equipment should be cleaned with hot (140 C) high-pressure water and allowed to dry for at least five days prior to transporting to another waterbody, but longer periods are recommended. If you are using bait, bait buckets should always be emptied on land, far from water bodies. Talk and inform others about the dangers of Spiny Water Flea and other aquatic invasives. Support Trout Unlimited Canada’s Stop the Spread program.

Water Edu-Kits a Big Success-All of the 200 Ontario-bound Water Edu-kits are gone! TUC sent letters out to let schools and community groups know about this amazing new education program during the last week of August, and it took only six weeks for teachers and leaders to send in their requests and order them all. The kits were sent to school boards, schools, conservation authorities, municipalities, and environmental organizations across Ontario with the exception of the Greater Toronto Area. Kits will be used by science, biology and outdoor education teachers, city and conservation authorities, environmental education coordinators, as well as Girl Guide, Pathfinder, Beaver and Scout community group leaders. The kits were designed for Grade 7-10, but also link to the Ontario science curriculum for Grade 11 and 12. They include water testing supplies, teachers manual and student field sheets, basically, all tools needed for a self-directed study of water quality, the issues of water pollution and stewardship opportunities in Ontario. We promoted this opportunity through our website, and on social media, and word spread quickly. The program will now be used and tested in 50 different cities across the province. We anxiously look forward to feedback about the kits through our evaluation sheets and an online survey. In this way, we can understand the programs impact, strengths, and weaknesses, and improve the program as needed. Ultimately we want to ensure success, as we hope to launch it in other provinces as well as provide a bilingual version. Thank you to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for sponsoring this great opportunity for Ontario educators and leaders to learn about water and how to protect it. Here is some of the initial feedback we received: “We are excited to use them soon, and can’t wait to pass along feedback from students and teachers alike on the program.”… “I received the Water kit today – it looks great and in a handy bag, too!” “Thank you very much for the attached material, we are thrilled to have material for secondary aged students, it will definitely allow us to expand our education scope in our watershed!’ “We’ll definitely put it to good use. I’ll let you know how it is utilized and any ideas we come up with for other resources that could be developed.” “We are excited! One of the kits will be going to our aboriginal school that is located in an urban setting in the hopes that this will provide a means to get the students out and learning in a natural setting. Will let you know how it works out.” “We received the package today. It looks phenomenal and we cannot wait to use it with the girls! We started last week by talking about our local watershed and potential sources of impact.” “We are making efforts to encourage our Pathfinder girls to engage in scientific inquiry about the natural world. As an MSc student working with water quality… I would love to be able to engage our girls with the watershed. Unfortunately up to this point, we’ve lacked the resources to do so.”

TUC Branches Out With Canon Canada-Trout Unlimited Canada recently partnered with Canon Canada Inc. (Canon) for their annual “Branch Out” Program. Four events were held in western Canada in with help from Canon staff. Canon helped with a Fish Rescue in Calgary on October 3 and three Yellow Fish Road projects that took place between October 4 and 6 in Edmonton, Victoria, and Vancouver. Since 1991, Canon has had a formalized commitment to environmental conservation by creating the Clean Earth Campaign. This campaign guides all of Canon’s workplace conservation and recycling activities. In addition to its own initiatives, Canon partners with organizations that represent the best thinking and programming to improve our natural surroundings – that’s where Trout Unlimited Canada comes in. The Yellow Fish Road storm drain painting projects were both great fun and highly successful. They provided a volunteer activity for a great team of enthusiastic employees wanting a philanthropic experience that is ‘making a difference.’ In fact, the Edmonton group was so hard-working that we ran out of the informative door hangers. The events earned the groups lots of positive praise and encouragement for what they were doing. More importantly, they helped educate the people in the communities they were that ‘Rain Only’ should go down the storm drain to our rivers. Their work helped to protect their local waters and fisheries and they accomplished a lot. Here are their results: Edmonton: 15 people distributed , 200 door hangers and painted 54 storm drains Victoria: 10 people distributed 200 door hangers and painted 37 storm drains Vancouver: 27 people distributed 500 door hangers and painted 119 storm drains Total= 900 door hangers distributed and 210 storm drains painted! At the Fish Rescue, Canon staff helped rescue 2,611 fish from a draining irrigation canal. The Fish Rescue is a great opportunity for participants to learn about the fish in our river systems and some of the issues facing our fisheries. To inquire about event sponsorship opportunities with Trout Unlimited Canada please  contact us .