Status and Challenges of Redside Dace in Lynde Creek

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1 Status and Challenges of Redside Dace in Lynde Creek Jeff McNeice Fisheries Biologist, CLOCA Ian Kelsey Aquatic Resource Analyst, CLOCA

2 Outline Previous Studies (Background) Lynde Creek vs. Other Watersheds Watershed Threats Results and Challenges from 2009 Monitoring Cochrane Tributary Case Study Next Steps Conclusion CLOCA

3 Previous Studies Historic sampling by ODPD (1959); Tumey (1984); various other sources (1990 s) Andersen (1999/2000) All historic sites sampled Redside Dace caught at 4 sites CLOCA sites sampled in known range Redside Dace caught at 6 sites MNR/CLOCA 2006 Sampled 6 known sites Redside Dace caught at 2 sites

4 Lynde Creek vs. Other Watersheds Less competition/predation threats? No Brown Trout, No Salmon, No top predators at all in some branches Wide distribution but typically low numbers at sites compared with other RSD watersheds Spotfin Shiner, Rosyface Shiner, Stonecat, Redside Dace, high Rainbow Darter numbers Lack of information on habitat quality and abundance

5 Watershed Threats Redside Dace Recovery Strategy (2008) Urban development (predominant) Most rapidly developing area in Durham Region Agricultural activities (contributing) Introductions (contributing) Barriers Water Taking?

6 Urban Development Existing Conditions Urban ~22% Agriculture ~48% Natural Cover ~30% Imperviousness ~9%

7 Urban Development (2013) Expansion of Highway 7 to 4 lanes with culverts built for the ultimate 6 lanes Construction of Highway 407 Mainline and West Link

8 Urban Development (2031) Current population of Whitby is 117,275 (2006) Population forecasts: 140,625 (2016) 156,915 (2021) 179,150 (2026) 192,860 (2031) Urban development targeted around some of the best remaining habitats

9 Results and Challenges from 2009 Dip netting Qualitative sampling Used where electofishing was not permitted Only conducted outside of their known range Great way to supplement other datasets Low cost and minimal effort Difficult to standardize effort Caught RSD in a tributary where they had not been previously documented

10 Results and Challenges from 2009 Video Good depending on quality of equipment and if you don t have a permit Temp loggers Over 50 sites throughout the watershed SWM impacts Habitat surveys Measurements of pools

11 Results and Challenges from 2009 Electrofishing (OSAP) Obtained ESA 17(2)(b) permit in mid-august Caught RSD at 2 of the 9 historical sites Did not catch RSD is some sites with high historical abundance Difficult to find fish with random site selection Standardized sampling requires a lot of effort.

12 Results and Challenges from 2009 Rosyface Shiner Preliminary results suggest declines in abundance and distribution Narrow range of habitat requirements and responds quickly to changes in habitat quality Clear, clean flowing waters, silt free pools, intolerant to high summer water temp Sensitive to turbidity and siltation (Scott and Crossman, 1973; Trautman, 1981)

13 Cochrane Tributary Case Study Barrier to Migration creates habitat upstream Stressors include sediment/turbidity from agriculture, flow issues Highest RSD abundance (2001, 2006) No RSD caught during 2009 Electrofishing Property access limited Video of RSD in May 2009

14 Cochrane Tributary Case Study Higher flows this year may provide additional habitat upstream RSD known to move between pools One RSD caught during test shock in downstream plunge pool Culvert to be replaced in and will be designed to pass RSD

15 Next Steps Public Outreach and Stewardship Future monitoring: Fish community sampling in tributaries Winter feeding and behavior Habitat surveys (fill in the gaps)

16 Conclusion Will existing populations and habitats be sufficient to sustain a viable population given future threats? Continue to support and implement the Redside Dace Recovery Strategy Need for better understanding of habitat quality and quantity All known habitats are privately owned Need to engage landowners and promote stream stewardship

17 Thank You! Acknowledgements Warren May (MNR) Chris Strand (DFO) Dave Lawrie (TRCA) Mark Poos (U of T) Redside Dace Recovery Team Andrew Brown (CLOCA) CLOCA Staff April Marton (MTO)