Enhancing the downstream riffle raised the water level of the pool to improve fish passage. Reconnecting Caton Creek-A few years ago during our annual Fish Rescue, one of our volunteers was surprised that we were rescuing all of the fish from a draining irrigation canal. In particular, he said, “this isn’t Suckers Unlimited, it’s Trout Unlimited” and asked why would we rescue suckers. This was a good opportunity for our staff to mention that our interest is in the fish community, not just trout. Although they aren’t considered a sport species outside of the micro-fishing community, minnows and suckers play an important role in the ecosystem. In fact, while many of our habitat rehabilitation projects are indeed focused on native and naturalized trout and trout habitat, we recently completed a project in southwestern Saskatchewan where the target species is the humble Plains Sucker (Pantosteus jordani). The Cypress Hills of Southwestern Saskatchewan are a unique geographical feature in the prairies. Untouched by the last glaciation, the highest elevation in the Cypress Hills is actually slightly greater than that of the Banff townsite. The region receives more precipitation than the surrounding prairie. Precipitation soaks into the ground emerging as the springs that feed coldwater streams which flow into the Frenchman River. These streams are cold enough to support trout which have been stocked in the area for recreational fishing opportunities. They also provide habitat for Plains Sucker (formerly known as Mountain Sucker ). The Milk River population of Plains Sucker (which includes the Milk River in southeastern Alberta and the Battle and Frenchman River watersheds in southwestern Saskatchewan) were recently listed on the federal Species at Risk Act as “Threatened”. This population faces a variety of threats including water management and irrigation, agricultural and livestock practices, and habitat fragmentation. During construction, water quality was monitored to ensure too much sediment was not released downstream. As part of our national Reconnecting Canada initiative, TUC is working with partners to improve conditions at stream crossings (like culverts) where fish passage barriers exist. Man-made barriers can completely or partially block fish passage. A research document published by Fisheries and Oceans Canada suggested a hanging culvert along Caton Creek was one such barrier for Plains Suckers. While culverts are commonly used to convey streams under roads, over time (or where poorly installed or undersized), scour at the outlet can cause them to become perched, blocking upstream fish movement. Sometimes it is feasible to replace problem culverts with a larger or embedded pipe or install open-bottom structures such as arches or bridges. However, sometimes there are feasibility or cost barriers to these large-scale projects. Alternatives to full replacement can include modifications to the stream or culvert to improve connectivity. This was the approach taken to improve connectivity at Caton Creek. In late 2018, TUC worked with a local construction contractor to augment a riffle downstream of the culvert outlet to raise the water level in the outlet pool by about 20 cm. This is enough to reduce the hang height of the culvert making it easier for fish to travel upstream. In the coming years, TUC will be back to evaluate the project and explore other opportunities to help recover Plains Sucker in this unique part of the world. Thanks to Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk and Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation and Fish and Wildlife Development Fund for supporting this project. The design was completed by Matrix Solutions and construction was completed by Davis Excavating. Thanks also to TransCanada Corporation for supporting this project as part of our national Reconnecting Canada initiative.

Atlantic Salmon Fish Species Management-With another field season around the corner and many stream rehabilitation projects on the horizon across the country, we felt it was timely to re-emphasize TUC’s priorities when it comes to our Fish Species Management policies. First and foremost, when prioritizing projects, we aim to focus on those that support existing native, naturally reproducing species within their natural habitats and range. Each region of Canada has a unique mix of locally adapted native species and stocks, many of which have been altered, modified, or lost since European settlement.  Protecting what is remaining and restoring what has been lost is a major focus for TUC and can be considered one of our contributions to Canada’s native biodiversity. In Ontario and eastern Canada, our focus tends to be on Brook Trout ( Salvelinus fontinalis ) given they are an existing native coldwater species with immense ecological importance that also acts as a crucial indicator for overall environmental health within a system.  TUC also collaborates with partner organizations on the reintroduction of other historically abundant native species, such as the Atlantic Salmon ( Salmo salar ) that have been extirpated from Lake Ontario since the 19th century. The Bring Back the Salmon program involves stocking in targeted locations, to help re-introduce these fish to their natural range. In western Canada, many of the native coldwater species are also listed as threatened.  Over the years, TUC has dedicated much of our work on the rehabilitation of aquatic habitat quality and quantity for species such as the Westslope Cutthroat Trout ( Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi ), Bull Trout ( Salvelinus confluentus ), Arctic Grayling ( Thymallus arcticus ). These species are threatened by many of the same habitat-related issues which should be addressed strategically on a regional basis, as often their habitats overlap with each other. Arctic Grayling TUC’s secondary management priority includes introduced species where they currently exist as naturalized populations.  TUC supports initiatives focussed on naturalized populations where they do not conflict with or threaten the physical, biological or genetic integrity of native fish species.  An example of this approach is the Mallard Point project in Calgary, AB.  This was a large-scale bioengineering project along a side channel of the Bow River, completed in 2015. The Bow River is a world class Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout fishery.  Large woody structures and trees and shrubs were planted to stabilize a slumping and unstable bank, creating habitat and cover for fish, and preventing excess erosion and sedimentation.  Despite this stretch being within the historical range of Bull Trout and Westslope Cutthroat Trout, these species no longer inhabit this reach for a variety of reasons. As such, improvements to habitat along the Bow River in Calgary benefit the overall aquatic community which includes native fish species such as Mountain Whitefish ( Prosopium williamsoni ) and Northern Pike (Esox lucius ) as well as highly-sought after naturalized species, like the Brown Trout ( Salmo trutta ) and Rainbow Trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ). Lastly, we support the development of new fisheries using non-native or naturalized stocks, where there is evidence no social and/or ecological conflicts exist.  Overall, restoring or protecting habitat so that fish can reproduce successfully on their own is the most cost effective and ecologically sound approach to fish community management. A focus on habitat also provides broader values such as clean water and resilient rivers and streams that benefit communities for future generations.

River Snorkeling-The best way to see the fish is to be the fish! Fisheries biologists often carry out snorkel surveys to assess aquatic habitat and fish populations, survey stream reaches for specific fish species, or document fish during important life stages such as spawning, overwintering, and early rearing. While electrofishing and other capture methods are extremely useful and widely used tools for fisheries biologists, in some situations snorkeling can present a useful low impact alternative as fish don’t need to be captured or handled and stress can be minimized. In addition to its place in fisheries science, snorkeling can also be a great recreational activity. If you are a capable swimmer and interested in seeing your local water bodies in a whole new light, you should consider calling a friend, donning masks and snorkels (and probably wetsuits) and diving into the underwater realm of river snorkeling. Snorkeling is a great way to see aquatic habitat in a new light, and a chance to observe underwater critters carrying out their day-to-day activities in their natural setting. In addition to the tried and true fishing and swimming holes in your area, chances are that even the smallest and seemingly emptiest creeks are teeming with species you have probably never seen. Better yet, small creeks and side channels that are hardly deep enough to swim in are also the safest and best places to wet your feet in the hobby before moving up to larger creeks and rivers which can be dangerous even for experienced snorkelers. Notions of sports fish being the only “cool” fish quickly fade away after watching suckers graze peacefully on the stream bed or a school of whitefish shimmering in the scattered sunlight. A whole spectrum of minnows, sculpins, darters, and other tiny fish too small for the sports angler to target and mostly unknown to the general public display a rainbow of spawning colors and a myriad of fascinating behaviors that would be at home in a big budget nature documentary. Sports fish make great subjects for observation too, and spending some time underwater might challenge some of the ideas you have about the character and habits of your favorite species. Don’t know anyone who wants to spend their afternoon crawling or swimming around in your local creek? There is a growing community of river snorkeling enthusiasts around the globe, and chances are there is someone in your area who might be able to introduce you to the hobby or join you on your outing, perhaps even a member of your local Trout Unlimited Canada Chapter . Regardless of where you choose to explore or how long you spend in the water, we promise that you will be wet, probably cold, and much more appreciative of our amazing freshwater resources. If you are considering river snorkeling, be sure to go with a buddy. Know what to expect in the stream you are snorkeling in, and develop some good safety habits such as trip planning and check-in procedures. There are also courses available in swift water rescue as you progress from knee-deep creeks to larger rivers. Don’t let larger aggressive water intimidate you. There is a lot to see in small, gentle creeks!

Importance of Fishing Restrictions During Times of Low Water/High Temperatures-Fish and other aquatic animals are subject to a variety of stressors and are dependent on the conditions of their surrounding environment. Low water levels and high temperatures can be very stressful on fish. Dissolved oxygen (DO) levels can become low in warm water. Extremely low DO levels create an environment that is not compatible with life for certain species that require more oxygen.  Metabolic rates of fish also decrease during high water temperature periods, leaving fish with an inability to process increased levels of lactic acid and other toxins that build up during a fight after being hooked by an angler. Any additional stress on these fish results in a much higher mortality rate even while practicing proper catch and release techniques. As climate variability increases with larger floods and deeper droughts, action needs to be taken to help protect our natural resources. Unlike many other provinces, Ontario does not restrict angling on waterways and waterbodies during environmentally stressful times of the year. We need to emphasize the need to protect our fish stocks by temporarily restricting angling during times of low water and high temperatures. Please join the movement and sign the attached petition and email it to Drift Outfitters or submit a hard copy to the Drift Outfitters Fly Shop at 199 Queen Street East Toronto, Ontario M5A 1S2.

Please Sign the Petition to protect Canada’s ecosystems. Neonicotinoids, also known as neonics, are nicotine-based pesticides commonly used to control insects on various agricultural crops, turf, Christmas trees and forestry/woodlots. Scientific evidence strongly suggests that these pesticides can be very harmful, not only to our pollinators but also to our aquatic insects, fish, frogs, birds, soil, surface water and groundwater, etc. – the whole ecosystem is affected! Trout Unlimited Canada, along with a group of other environmental and human health organizations, recently sent a letter to the Prime Minister of Canada to urge our government to take immediate action to end the use of neonicotinoid insecticides and prevent the registration of similarly harmful agrochemicals in the future. European Union member countries voted in April 2018 to ban all outdoor agricultural uses of neonicotinoids by the end of this year, after updated scientific assessments published by the European Food Safety Authority confirmed serious risks to bees. Canada must take similarly decisive action to protect pollinators and other insects that are fundamental to our food security, biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. We encourage you to sign the petition to urge the Government of Canada to address this issue.

In a pinch, Crayfish in Alberta-Northern crayfish (Orconectes virilis) have been reported outside their native range in several locations in Alberta, including Nose Creek, the Bow River and most recently the Elbow River in the City of Calgary. The expansion of northern crayfish outside its native range in the Beaver River watershed in northeastern Alberta may be a combination of natural movement and deliberate or accidental transfer by humans. Trout Unlimited Canada is aware that crayfish sightings have increased across southern Alberta and recent media attention has brought crayfish back into the limelight. Since the 1960’s there have been reports of crayfish across Alberta and in 2011 northern crayfish were documented outside of their native range across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Montana and North Dakota. In recent years, news outlets in Calgary have focused on crayfish discoveries by members of the public in Nose Creek and the Elbow River. While Trout Unlimited Canada is aware of the existence of crayfish in the Calgary area, we not currently working to control or monitor the crayfish population. However, the spread and persistence of this non-native species serve as a reminder of how important it is to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Once a new species is established in an ecosystem, it can be very difficult to control the potential impacts. Introduction of non-native species into new environments can alter the delicate balance of the ecosystem. For example, crayfish are bottom feeders that may compete for habitat and food with small-bodied, native fish including Longnose Dace and Spoonhead Sculpin. These small-bodied fish are an important piece of native biodiversity. The specific impact of non-native crayfish on trout is not known. “Don’t let it loose”! Transport of live fish and crayfish is illegal. In fact, the penalty for illegally moving fish or in this instance crayfish into any water body aside from the one it was captured in can be up to $100,000, and/or a year in prison. In Alberta, crayfish can be harvested, but they must be killed before leaving the location where they were caught. Please check with your local public health authority for guidelines on consumption of crayfish and other fishes.

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.