Visit our Website: www.maliseetnationconservation.ca and Like us on Facebook A Quarterly Newsletter Summer (Nipon)

Two-Eyed Summer Fish Habitat Fish habitat and Seeing time/ Stream and population Methodol in woods Population (continued) ogy

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Page 1 Fish habitat, fish population and water quality assessment of McIntosh and Cochrane Brooks and Rusagonis Stream,

By Dr.Aruna Jayawardane .A portable YSI Professional Plus Mean depth and stream velocity Although fish population Multi Parameter water quality meter estimated for Cochrane and assessment was not conducted in was used for water quality testing. McIntosh Brooks and the the Cochrane Brook due to Background Parameters measured included vegetation indices estimated for unavoidable circumstances, the In 2017, MNCC has conducted a dissolved oxygen (DO), specific all three brooks were less than present investigation indicated study to evaluate water quality, fish conductance, temperature, pH, optimal values recommended for that current status of fish habitat habitat health and dynamics of fish atmospheric pressure, oxidation salmonid spawning habitats. and water quality of Cochrane populations in Cochrane (Tobique) reduction potential (ORP), total Most of the water quality Brook was favourable for and McIntosh Brooks () phosphorus, nitrate + nitrite, nitrates parameters estimated for three sustaining cold water fish and the Rusagonis Stream and nitrites. The water quality was water bodies investigated were populations. Impacts of (), New Brunswick (NB). measured in 17 locations in the supportive of sustainable anthropogenic activities on fish Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk Cochrane Brook, 25 locations in the existence of cold water fish. habitat, water quality and fish (AFSAR) has funded the recently McIntosh Brook and 28 locations in However, estimated values for populations in all three water concluded study. McIntosh Brook the Rusagonis Stream. Water samples the water quality parameters such bodies were evident during the is a third order tributary to the St. collected from sampling locations as temperature, ORP, total N and present analysis. As it is John River (). McIntosh were analyzed at the Research and Nitrate concentrations have important to maintain quality of Brook supports Atlantic salmon, Productive Council (RPC), exceeded the recommended the fish habitat to support current American eel and two species of Fredericton to determine Phosphate, levels for salmonid spawning and fish populations in three water trout. There is more than 33000 m2 Nitrate and Nitrite concentrations in rearing habitats. Present study bodies, a management strategy of good quality spawning and the water. Water quality analysis was has also indicated that there was (draft) was formulated to mitigate rearing habitat of salmonids conducted during summer (July and a diverse and abundant fish fauna impacts on freshwater available on the brook. However, August) 2017. in the McIntosh Brook (estimated ecosystems due to anthropogenic due to fish passage problems (3), total fish density=84.6 fish/100 activities and natural processes. access to vast majority of spawning McIntosh Brook and the Rusagonis m2) where 3 species of The proposed management habitat on the brook is severely Stream were surveyed using a salmonids were caught including (draft) plan emphasizes restricted. There are established backpack electrofishing unit to Atlantic salmon. American eel mandatory actions, studies and cold water fish assemblages estimate the diversity and abundance was the only economically viable establishment of various (salmonids, American eel etc.) in of fish populations. Due to fish caught during the fish structures (watershed Rusagonis Stream and in the unavoidable circumstances, a fish population assessment conducted management committee, Cochrane Brook. The Rusagonis population assessment was not in the Rusagonis Stream. technical committees etc.) to Stream is a tributary to the conducted in the Cochrane Brook. A As revealed during the present execute the formulated strategy which empties into total of 120.4 m2 of the McIntosh investigation, light to moderate for sustainable management of Wolastoq near the town of Brook and 182.2 m2 of Rusagonis erosion has been one of the major fish habitat, water quality and Oromocto. The Cochrane Brook is Stream were surveyed to ascertain environmental issues in all three fish populations in three water a small tributary of Wolastoq near diversity and abundance of fish water bodies surveyed. There bodies Tobique, New Brunswick. It runs populations in these two water were cold water fish populations southwest from its origin in the bodies. in McIntosh Brook, while warm Environmental issues and woods (near Arthurette) before it water species were found in problematic areas of three water empties into the Wolastoq close to Outcome Rusagonis Stream. Present study bodies identified during the the mouth of the Tobique River. Light to moderate erosion has been revealed that McIntosh and present investigation will be used one of the major environmental Cochrane Brooks had sufficient to formulate programs/projects Methodology issues observed in all 3 water bodies. cover (>40%) for salmonids and for restoration planning, bank During the present study 2.6 km of There were 3 fish passage barriers on to modify water temperature. stabilization, riparian tree the Cochrane Brook, 3.42 km of the McIntosh Brook before 2013. However, estimated cover for planting, culvert repairs, long- McIntosh Brook and 6.4 km of the MNCC in collaboration with the the Rusagonis Stream, Oromocto term monitoring and assessment Rusagonis Stream were assessed to Fredericton Fish and Game was extremely low (11%). of fish habitat, water quality and evaluate health of the fish habitat Association (FFGA) had addressed Although all three water bodies fish populations for sustainable and geomorphic characteristics of the first fish passage problem, an old surveyed had enough pools, none management of ecosystems. As water bodies. Each water body was concrete dam at the mouth of the of them had favourable amounts emphasized in the proposed divided into 50 m sections and brook in 2013 to provide fish access of gravel or rubble in the management plan, public several sections (selected randomly) to good quality spawning and rearing substrate to maximise salmonid education and awareness will be of each water body were habitat in excess of 5000 m2. In spawning. a key aspect of the strategy and is comprehensively assessed to 2017, the deteriorated culvert under mandatory for successful ascertain potential environmental the walking trail was removed to implementation of the plan for issues, presence of uncommon enhance upstream fish passage. management of fish habitat and plants and animals, signs of MNCC has conducted this project in fish populations in Cochrane and impaired water quality, recreational collaboration with the City of McIntosh Brooks and Rusagonis and cultural use and natural in- Fredericton and the Fredericton Fish Stream. stream features. Moreover, site and Game Association. The project measurements were taken to was funded by the Recreational understand geomorphic Fisheries Conservation Partnerships characteristics of the stream and to Program (RFCPP) of DFO and the determine composition and present City of Fredericton. status of riparian vegetations. . . Page 2 Using Two-Eyed Seeing methodology to improve the understanding of CilkihtƏnat PasƏkƏs (Shortnose Sturgeon) The AFSAR project employs traditional (This is true for aquatic species as well, and ecology in the lower Wolastoq knowledge methodologies, developed by the physical properties of water offer a By Kaleb Zelman MNCC in conjunction with Wolastoqey simple medium for sampling that shed community members, to ensure the DNA. So, a water sample is collected and preservation of knowledge that has been analysed for the presence of DNA of the MNCC recently received funding already passed on for generations so that target species (in this case, Shortnose through the Aboriginal Fund for it may continue to live on for future Sturgeon). Many tests are conducted prior to Species-At-Risk (AFSAR) for a two- generations. This knowledge will be used field sampling to ensure that the eDNA year project that focuses on weaving to inform locations of surveys for monitoring tool is in fact capable of traditional and scientific knowledge monitoring the Wolastoq for the presence detecting DNA of the target species, and together with the hopes of improving of Shortnose Sturgeon. The monitoring just as importantly, not detecting DNA the understanding of Shortnose efforts consist of both visual and when the target species is not present. Sturgeon ecology in the Wolastoq. environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys. eDNA is most useful for species occurring The Shortnose Sturgeon is an Visual survey methods have been at low densities such as Species-At-Risk anadromous fish species that is adopted from traditional Wolastoqey (SAR) or recently introduced species as it currently listed on the federal Species sturgeon fishing techniques where can detect their presence with only a small At Risk Act (SARA) as a Species of torches were used at night to lure the number of individuals in the vicinity. It is Special Concern. While this species fish, before they were speared in their also a non-invasive sampling method, of sturgeon, like it’s close relative, the soft underbelly as they approached the meaning there is no need for handling the Atlantic Sturgeon, is native to the canoe. With advice from the traditional target species, which is ideal for SAR where Wolastoq, very little is actually knowledge surveys on important the survival of every individual is crucial. known about its habitat preferences locations and habitat types, crews will eDNA is a promising new tool in the and basic ecology in the Wolastoq. use spotlights to search for Shortnose biomonitoring toolbox and we are excited to We do know that after the Mactaquac Sturgeon at night to confirm their be able to offer training through this project Dam was constructed, both species of presence to AFS crews and fisheries guardians. The sturgeon, which once frequented the . will use spotlights to search for applications of eDNA are much larger than entire length of the river, were Shortnose Sturgeon at night to confirm just this project and with trained field crews, confined to the lower reaches of the their presence. communities will have the ability to develop river. The direct and indirect impacts eDNA monitoring will also use the their own future projects using eDNA to on Shortnose Sturgeon remain information collected in the traditional answer questions relevant to their own unknown at this time but dams are knowledge interviews to determine interests and needs. listed as one of the highest priority sampling locations. A previous article on The project is scheduled to begin in July of threats for this species. the topic of eDNA was included in the 2018 with the development of genetic As stated in the Management Plan for most recent Winter newsletter, however primers for eDNA sampling. Traditional Shortnose Sturgeon, "The greatest just to reiterate: environmental DNA knowledge interviews and visual surveys opportunity to improve the evaluation (eDNA) is a new biological monitoring will begin in late summer/early fall 2018. and understanding of the threats to the tool with an endless amount of eDNA training and lab/field validation will Saint John River Shortnose Sturgeon applications. The basic idea is that all also take place in the late summer/early fall population is improving our living things are comprised of DNA 2018. eDNA field sampling is currently the knowledge of habitat quality and (This is true for aquatic species as well, only activity slotted for 2019, however, if use,and identified threats. This and the physical properties of water offer there are new members of AFS crews and/or improvement in knowledge may also a simple medium for sampling that shed fisheries guardians that want to receive the represent the greatest opportunity to DNA. So, a water sample is collected training, we will offer it again in 2019. The inform and improve the management and analysed for the presence of DNA of project will end in 2020 with a presentation of this species and its habitat.” the target species (in this case, Shortnose to the Wolastoqey communities on the The AFSAR project employs Sturgeon). results of the project as well an opportunity traditional knowledge methodologies, to provide feedback on any aspect of the developed by MNCC in conjunction project. If you have any comments, want to with Wolastoqey community know more about the project and/or how members, to ensure the preservation you can get involved, feel free to contact of knowledge that has been already MNCC’s Aquatic Ecologist, Kaleb Zelman passed on for generations so that it at [email protected] or by telephone may continue to live on for future at (506) 472-3072. generations. This knowledge will be used to inform locations of surveys for monitoring the Wolastoq for the presence of Shortnose Sturgeon.

Page 3 NATION CONSERVATION COULCIL GOLF TOURNAMENT 4 PERSON SCRAMBLE AUGUST 16TH 2018 COVERED BRIDGE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB HARTLAND N.B RECEPTION STARTS AT NOON 1PM SHOTGUN START $10,000 HOLE IN ONE

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LONGEST DRIVE- MEN QUESTIONS AND /WOMEN AND YOUTH INFORMATION PLEASE CLOSEST TO THE PIN- CONTACT: BLAKE DALY MEN/WOMEN AND YOUTH (506)260-8211 OR EMAIL: [email protected]

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