Canada /Dlbsria 45 Northernriverbasins Study

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Canada /Dlbsria 45 Northernriverbasins Study ATHABASCA UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Canada /dlbsria 4 5 3 1510 00168 6063 NorthernRiverBasins Study NORTHERN RIVER BASINS STUDY PROJECT REPORT NO. 105 CONTAMINANTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLES: MERCURY IN THE PEACE, ATHABASCA AND SLAVE RIVER BASINS Ft A SH/177/.M45/D675/1996 Contaminants in Donald, David B 168606 DATE DUE BRODART Cat No. 23-221 ; S 8 0 2 , 0 2 / Prepared for the Northern River Basins Study under Project 5312-D1 by David B. Donald, Heather L. Craig and Jim Syrgiannis Environment Canada NORTHERN RIVER BASINS STUDY PROJECT REPORT NO. 105 CONTAMINANTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLES: MERCURY IN THE PEACE, ATHABASCA AND SLAVE RIVER BASINS Published by the Northern River Basins Study Edmonton, Alberta ATHABASCA UNIVERSITY March, 1996 OCT 3 1 1996 LIBRARY CANADIAN CATALOGUING IN PUBLICATION DATA Donald, David B. Contaminants in environmental samples: mercury in the Peace, Athabasca and Slave River Basins (Northern River Basins Study project report, ISSN 1192-3571 ; no. 105) Includes bibliographical references. ISBN 0-662-24502-4 Cat. no. R71-49/3-105E 1. Mercury — Environmental aspects -- Alberta -- Athabasca River Watershed. 2. Mercury - Environmental aspects - Peace River Watershed (B.C. and Alta.) 3. Mercury - Environmental aspects -- Slave River Watershed (Alta. And N.W.T.) 4. Fishes - Effect of water pollution on - Alberta -- Athabasca River Watershed. 5. Fishes -- Effect of water pollution on -- Peace River Watershed (B.C. and Alta.) 6. Fishes — Effect of water pollution on — Slave River Watershed (Alta. And N.W.T.) I. Craig, Fleather L. II. Syrgiannis, Jim. III. Northern River Basins Study (Canada) IV. Title. V. Series. SH177.M45D62 1996 363.73'84 C96-980176-9 Copyright© 1996 by the Northern River Basins Study. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to reproduce all or any portion of this publication provided the reproduction includes a proper acknowledgement of the Study and a proper credit to the authors. The reproduction must be presented within its proper context and must not be used for profit. The views expressed this publication are solely those of the authors. PREFACE: The Northern River Basins Study was initiated through the "Canada-Alberta-Northwest Territories Agreement Respecting the Peace-Athabasca-Slave River Basin Study, Phase II - Technical Studies" which was signed September 27, 1991. The purpose of the Study is to understand and characterize the cumulative effects of development on the water and aquatic environment of the Study Area by coordinating with existing programs and undertaking appropriate new technical studies. This publication reports the method and findings of particular work conducted as part of the Northern River Basins Study. As such, the work was governed by a specific terms of reference and is expected to contribute information about the Study Area within the context of the overall study as described by the Study Final Report. This report has been reviewed by the Study Science Advisory Committee in regards to scientific content and has been approved by the Study Board of Directors for public release. It is explicit in the objectives of the Study to report the results of technical work regularly to the public. This objective is served by distributing project reports to an extensive network of libraries, agencies, organizations and interested individuals and by granting universal permission to reproduce the material. This report contains referenced data obtained from sources external to the Northern River Basins Study. Individuals interested in using external data must obtain permission to do so from the donor agency. NORTHERN RIVER BASINS STUDY PROJECT REPORT RELEASE FORM This publication may be cited as: Donald, David B., Craig, Heather L. and Syrgiannis, Jim. 1996. Northern River Basins Study Project Report No. 105, Contaminants in Environmental Samples: Mercury in the Peace, Athabasca and Slave River Basins. Northern River Basins Study, Edmonton, Alberta. Whereas the above publication is the result of a project conducted under the Northern River Basins Study and the terms of reference for that project are deemed to be fulfilled, IT IS THEREFORE REQUESTED BY THE STUDY OFFICE THAT; this publication be subjected to proper and responsible review and be considered for release to the public. Whereas it is an explicit term of reference of the Science Advisory Committee "to review, for scientific content, material for publication by the Board", IT IS HERE ADVISED BY THE SCIENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE THAT; this publication has been reviewed for scientific content and that the scientific practices represented in the report are acceptable given the specific purposes of the project and subject to the field conditions encountered. SUPPLEMENTAL COMMENTARY HAS BEEN ADDED TO THIS PUBLICATION: [ ] Yes [ ] No / s / r * (Dr. P. A. Larkin, Ph.D., Chair) (Date) / / Whereas the Study Board is satisfied that this publication has been reviewed for scientific content and for immediate health implications, IT IS HERE APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS THAT; this publication be released to the public, and that this publication be designated for: [ ] STANDARD AVAILABILITY [ ] EXPANDED AVAILABILITY -y- ■■■ ■ . Y / / Y (Luciile Partington, Coj<chairj (Date) Robert McLeod, Co-chair) (Date) t CONTAMINANTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLES: MERCURY IN THE PEACE, ATHABASCA AND SLAVE RIVER BASINS STUDY PERSPECTIVE Contaminants within the aquatic ecosystem of the Peace, Athabasca and Slave rivers were identified Related Study Questions as a principal concern of the Northern River Basins Study (NRBS). The public who addressed the Study 4a) What are the contents and nature of the Board at various community gatherings and contaminants entering the system and presentations reenforced this concern. In its what is their distribution and toxicity in questions to scientists, the Board challenged the aquatic ecosystem with particular researchers to gain a better understanding on the reference to water, sediments and biota? occurrence, movement and effect of contaminants on aquatic biota, particularly as they may affect 4b) Are toxins such as dioxins, furans, human use. mercury, etc. increasing or decreasing and what is the rate of change? There exists a human health consumption advisory for mercury in fish caught from different waters of 8) Recognizing that people drink water and the basin including the Athabasca River and some eat fish from these rivers systems, what of its tributaries. Dioxin and furan are similarly the is the current concentration of subject of an advisory and for this they came under contaminants in water and edible fish scrutiny by NRBS. tissue and how are these levels changing through time and by location? This project report describes the results of an effort to gather together all the existing analytical data on mercury within various elements of the Peace, Athabasca and Slave river aquatic ecosystem. The compilation was intended to describe the temporal and spatial changes of this contaminant within the study area. While historic provincial and federal data, along with data collected by NRBS between 1992 and 1994, were the principal source of information for this report, other sources were used if available. Considerable variation was found in the data sets held by various agencies and industry. In a number of instances the variation in collection, analysis and reporting the data raised questions about reliability. Mercury is common to the sediments and biota of the study area. With few exceptions, there appears to have been a negligible increase in the occurrence of mercury within the aquatic ecosystem. This appears to contradict a general global trend which indicates an increase. Most of the exceptions within the NRBS area can be attributed to developments which promoted the release of mercury , e.g., flooding of previously exposed soils within the newly formed Williston Reservoir, run-off from site developments, and the effects appear to be localized. The compiled data illustrated the capacity for mercury to be bioaccumulated by living organisms and transferred (biomagnified) up the food chain. Consequently, fish, particularly predatory fish species like walleye, goldeye and northern pike, generally have higher levels of mercury than those species feeding on portions of the aquatic ecosystem with minimal mercury contamination. Fish, particularly walleye in the Athabasca River from the town of Athabasca to the southern boundary of Wood Buffalo National Park, were generally found to have levels that approached and / or exceeded Health Canada guidelines for human health consumption. Information from this project will be compiled with other contaminant investigations in support of two reports to be prepared by the Contaminants Component. One report will examine the distribution of contaminants , and the other will endeavor to link these analytical findings with observed effects within the aquatic ecosystem of the Peace, Athabasca and Slave rivers. REPORT SUMMARY This report summarizes and describes environmental levels of mercury in water, sediment, invertebrates, and fish from the Athabasca, Peace, and Slave river basins. Data were obtained from existing provincial and federal databases, the Northern Rivers Basins Study, and from government and private sector reports and publications. Mercury has been measured in several hundred water samples from the Basins. Mercury was detected in only a few of these samples. However, appropriate field and laboratory protocols to sample mercury in water were not used in the
Recommended publications
  • EDMONTON REGION COURT RESUMPTION PROTOCOL PART 3 Amended: December 1, 2020
    EDMONTON REGION COURT RESUMPTION PROTOCOL PART 3 Amended: December 1, 2020 Circuit Point Re-opening Circuit points in the Edmonton Region, with the exception of Ft. Chipewyan and Alexis re-opened in September 2020 for Criminal docket and trial matters. Alexis circuit court will re-open on Nation Land commencing December 3, 2020 and all matters will be heard in this location rather than Mayerthorpe as has previously occurred. Fort Chipewyan will remain closed until further notice and all Criminal Dockets and trials will be conducted remotely unless otherwise directed by the Court. Criminal Court Dockets will run at circuit points, but participants are encouraged to appear remotely with the assistance of duty counsel whenever possible (Duty Counsel 1-855-670-6149). Adjournments by counsel and self represented accused and setting of trials are required to be done pursuant to the CMO Out of Custody Protocol by telephone or email 48 hours prior to the scheduled docket appearance date. Effective immediately all Family and Civil docket matters will be heard remotely (via telephone or Webex) from the Basepoint location. All litigants and Counsel should contact the Clerk's office at the basepoint and ensure that they have a telephone number at which they can be reached on the scheduled court date. If a trial has been set, please contact the clerk for advice as to where the trial will be proceeding. All participants, including counsel, witnesses, and accused persons, are encouraged to contact the base point associated with their circuit point in advance of their scheduled appearance date to confirm that the circuit point is open and operational as intended.
    [Show full text]
  • Fort Saskatchewan- Vegreville
    Alberta Provincial Electoral Divisions Fort Saskatchewan- Vegreville Compiled from the 2016 Census of Canada July 2018 Introduction The following report produced by the Office of Statistics and Information presents a statistical profile for the Provincial Electoral Division (PED) of Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville. A PED is a territorial unit represented by an elected Member to serve in the Alberta Provincial Legislative Assembly. This profile is based on the electoral boundaries that will be in effect for the 2019 Provincial General Election. General characteristics of the PED of Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville are described with statistics from the 2016 Census of Canada, including: age, sex, marital status, household types, language, Aboriginal identity, citizenship, ethnic origin, place of birth, visible minorities, mobility, dwellings, education, labour force and income. Users are advised to refer to the endnotes of this profile for further information regarding data quality and definitions. Should you have any questions or require additional information, please contact: Ryan Mazan Chief Statistician/Director Office of Statistics and Information Alberta Treasury Board and Finance [email protected] 60 HWY 55 Fort McMurray- 51 Lac La Biche Bonnyville-Cold Lake- Fort Saskatchewan- St. Paul Vegreville 49 !Bonnyville Athabasca-Barrhead- Provincial Electoral Division 62 Westlock HWY 28a Muriel Lake HWY 18 Fort Saskatchewan- 3 WY 2 !H 8 6 Vegreville Smoky Y W Lake Provincial Electoral H St. Paul HWY29 ! Division Elk ! H ! Y 646 !Legal Redwater
    [Show full text]
  • Wet Snow and Wind Loading
    Snow and Ice Loading Zones Weather Loading Summary - AESO Tower Development Wet Snow & Wind Loadings 100 Year Return Values Wind Speed Wind Pressure Wind Pressure Wind Pressure Radial Wet Snow (km/hr) at 10m (Pa) at 20 m (Pa) at 30 m (Pa) at 40 m Accretion (mm) Height Height Height Height Zone A 70 77 295 320 340 Zone B 70 71 240 260 280 Zone C 50 67 210 230 245 Zone D 50 64 190 205 220 75 Year Return Values Wind Speed Wind Pressure Wind Pressure Wind Pressure Radial Wet Snow (km/hr) at 10m (Pa) at 20 m (Pa) at 30 m (Pa) at 40 m Accretion (mm) Height Height Height Height Rainbow Lake High Level Zone A 65 75 270 290 310 Zone B 65 70 235 255 270 Zone C 45 65 200 215 230 Zone D 45 62 180 195 210 La Crète 50 Year Return Values Wind Speed Wind Pressure Wind Pressure Wind Pressure Radial Wet Snow (km/hr) at 10m (Pa) at 10 m (Pa) at 20 m (Pa) at 30 m Accretion (mm) Height Height Height Height Zone A 60 74 220 255 280 Zone D Zone B 60 69 190 220 240 Zone C 40 63 160 185 200 Zone D 40 60 145 170 185 Wet snow density 350 kg/m3 at -5C Table Data Last Update: 2010-03-25 Manning Fort McMurray Peace River Grimshaw Fairview Spirit River Falher McLennan High Prairie Sexsmith Beaverlodge Slave Lake Grande Prairie Valleyview Lac la Biche Swan Hills Athabasca Cold Lake Fox Creek Bonnyville Westlock Whitecourt Barrhead Smoky Lake St.
    [Show full text]
  • Transmission Reinforcement in the Central East (Cold Lake, Vegreville and Provost) Area
    Transmission Reinforcement in the Central East (Cold Lake, Vegreville and Provost) Area For more information please contact the AESO at 1-888-866-2959, www.aeso.ca or [email protected] Who is the AESO? Alberta’s transmission system, also referred to as the Alberta Interconnected Electric System (AIES), is planned and operated by the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO). The transmission system is comprised of the high-voltage lines, towers and equipment (generally 69 kV and above) that transmit electricity from generators to lower voltage systems that distribute it to cities, towns, rural areas and large industrial customers. Our job is to maintain safe, reliable and economic operation of the provincial transmission grid. Where is the AESO’s planning study region? The AESO’s planning study region runs from Cold Lake south through the Battle River, Wainwright and Vegreville areas, and east to the Provost area. The Central East region also covers Lloydminster, at the border with Saskatchewan. Larger communities in this region include Cold Lake, Bonnyville, Vermilion, Kitscoty, Lloydminster, St. Paul, Elk Point, Vegreville, Wainwright, Hardisty, Sedgewick, Strome, Jarrow, Edgerton, Castor, and Killarney Lake. Why is transmission development required in the Central East (Cold Lake, Vegreville and Provost) area? Transmission system reinforcement is needed in the study region to meet growing demand for electricity from oil sands development and pipelines, and to interconnect proposed gas fired electricity generation as well as wind farms in the study region. The AESO has received applications to interconnect over 500 megawatts (MW) of wind power and natural gas generation projects in Central East Alberta.
    [Show full text]
  • Science, Assessments and Data Availability Related to Anticipated
    Science, Assessments and Data Availability Related to Anticipated Climate and Hydrologic Changes in Inland Freshwaters of the Prairies Region (Lake Winnipeg Drainage Basin) David J. Sauchyn and Jeannine-Marie St. Jacques Fisheries and Oceans Canada Freshwater Institute 501 University Crescent Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N6 2016 Canadian Manuscript Report of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 3107 i Canadian Manuscript Report of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Manuscript reports contain scientific and technical information that contributes to existing knowledge but which deals with national or regional problems. Distribution is restricted to institutions or individuals located in particular regions of Canada. However, no restriction is placed on subject matter, and the series reflects the broad interests and policies of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, namely, fisheries and aquatic sciences. Manuscript reports may be cited as full publications. The correct citation appears above the abstract of each report. Each report is abstracted in the data base Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Abstracts. Manuscript reports are produced regionally but are numbered nationally. Requests for individual reports will be filled by the issuing establishment listed on the front cover and title page. Numbers 1-900 in this series were issued as Manuscript Reports (Biological Series) of the Biological Board of Canada, and subsequent to 1937 when the name of the Board was changed by Act of Parliament, as Manuscript Reports (Biological Series) of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada. Numbers 1426 - 1550 were issued as Department of Fisheries and Environment, Fisheries and Marine Service Manuscript Reports. The current series name was changed with report number 1551. Rapport manuscrit canadien des sciences halieutiques et aquatiques Les rapports manuscrits contiennent des renseignements scientifiques et techniques qui constituent une contribution aux connaissances actuelles, mais qui traitent de problèmes nationaux ou régionaux.
    [Show full text]
  • Yellowhead East Health Advisory Council Continues Recruitment for Members
    David Thompson/ Yellowhead East Meeting Summary January 22, 2020 / 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. / Telehealth Introducing your Health Advisory Council members: In attendance David Thompson: Carole Tkach (Chair), Deryl Comeau (Vice Chair), Marie Cornelson, Gerald Johnston, Dawn Konelsky, Phyllis Loewen, Shelagh Slater Regrets: Geraldine Greschner, Melanie Hassett, Peggy Makofka, Selena Redel Yellowhead East: Cyndy Heslin (Chair), Sarah Hissett (Vice Chair), Glenys Reeves, Lesley Binning, Stephanie Munro, Taneen Rudyk Regrets: Deborah McMann, John Erkelenes Alberta Health Services: Sherie Allen, Maya Atallah, Leanne Grant, Debora Okrainetz, Janice Stewart, Marlene Young Community Input Two members of the public were in attendance and shared the following: Community members from Coronation expressed concern about response times of ambulances, as a result of being held up in emergency departments. The feeling is it would be more efficient to have hospital staff assigned to a patient when Emergency Medical Services (EMS) drops them off so ambulances are free to respond to calls. Lara Harries, consultant with Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP), shared information on the Rhapsody Awards for 2020, and the Building a Better Community Rural Workshop it is hosting. She shared that May 25-29, 2020 is Alberta Rural Health Week and is a great opportunity to host appreciation events/efforts in communities. She encourages attendees to sign up for the monthly and weekly newsletter to be kept up to date on events and news. AHS Presentation Central
    [Show full text]
  • Welcome! Bienvenue!** Vegreville United Church
    **Welcome! Bienvenue!** All: Many of us have come from other places, arriving from distant shores, our families arriving years ago or some Vegreville United Church & of us more recently. When settlers came, they were met by Salem United Church others who were already here, already knew these lands, 4th Sunday after Pentecost, June 20, 2021 already lived rich and full lives based on ancient and proud Indigenous Day of Prayer cultures. A Zoom Service. You are invited to say the words to the One: Let us take time to name the peoples of this land now. I prayers and sing the songs, even if you are muted. invite you to speak out loud or in silence the local people(s) who traditionally and still call these lands home. If you are aware of the status of Indigenous claims to this land (unceded, treaty, etc.), REFLECTION please name this too (the people speak the names…). No one can paddle two canoes at the same time. Bantu proverb O God, as we acknowledge the peoples who have lived on and stewarded these lands since time immemorial, and their WE GATHER AS COMMUNITY continued claims to the land, help us to become neighbours that we might live together in better ways. WELCOME All: For we are all kin in Christ, "All My Relations," with ACKNOWLEDGING OUR KINSHIP each other and this earth, its waters, air, animals, and plants. One: Creator, we come together today as diverse, united peoples to give thanks to you, Maker of Heaven and Earth. DANCE WITH THE SPIRIT, CREATION MV #156 Dance with the Spirit early in the mornin’, All: We come to listen, to learn, to sing and pray, to Walk with the Spirit throughout the long day.
    [Show full text]
  • Alberta Walleye (Lakes), Fish Sustainability Index
    Alberta Walleye (lakes), Fish Sustainability Index The Walleye (lakes) Fish Sustainability Index (FSI) summarizes scientific and local knowledge to assess the health of walleye in lakes in Alberta. Alberta walleye populations in rivers will be assessed separately. Walleye FSI Maps Adult Density (Historic and Current) Figure 1. Historic (generally pre-1960) and current (generally 2008-2014) adult density Fish Sustainability Index (FSI) rankings for walleye in Alberta, 2015. Please note that data reliability is not currently displayed in these figures. 80 74 70 65 60 47 Current Adult 50 40 34 Historical Adult 30 22 22 22 22 17 Freq(# of lakes) 20 14 9 10 2 0 0 1 2 3 4 5 FSI Adult Walleye Density score Figure 2. Frequency histogram of historic (generally pre-1960) and current (generally 2008-2014) adult density Fish Sustainability Index (FSI) rankings for walleye in Alberta, 2015 Habitat and Overharvest Protection Needs Figure 2. FSI rankings for habitat protection and overharvest protection needs for walleye populations in Alberta, 2015. Please note that data reliability is not currently displayed in these figures. Walleye Population Status Walleye in Alberta are located near the northern edge of this species’ range, and compared to southern populations, growth rates are slower, maturity is later and consequently the fisheries are less productive. Historically, walleye were likely abundant in only about half of Alberta’s fish-bearing lakes. Many Alberta lakes are naturally limited by low oxygen, small size, or high salinity and would not have supported walleye. Collapse and Recovery Because of their popularity as a sport and commercial fish, walleye were severely overharvested in Alberta.
    [Show full text]
  • Status of the Arctic Grayling (Thymallus Arcticus) in Alberta
    Status of the Arctic Grayling (Thymallus arcticus) in Alberta: Update 2015 Alberta Wildlife Status Report No. 57 (Update 2015) Status of the Arctic Grayling (Thymallus arcticus) in Alberta: Update 2015 Prepared for: Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) Update prepared by: Christopher L. Cahill Much of the original work contained in the report was prepared by Jordan Walker in 2005. This report has been reviewed, revised, and edited prior to publication. It is an AEP/ACA working document that will be revised and updated periodically. Alberta Wildlife Status Report No. 57 (Update 2015) December 2015 Published By: i i ISBN No. 978-1-4601-3452-8 (On-line Edition) ISSN: 1499-4682 (On-line Edition) Series Editors: Sue Peters and Robin Gutsell Cover illustration: Brian Huffman For copies of this report, visit our web site at: http://aep.alberta.ca/fish-wildlife/species-at-risk/ (click on “Species at Risk Publications & Web Resources”), or http://www.ab-conservation.com/programs/wildlife/projects/alberta-wildlife-status-reports/ (click on “View Alberta Wildlife Status Reports List”) OR Contact: Alberta Government Library 11th Floor, Capital Boulevard Building 10044-108 Street Edmonton AB T5J 5E6 http://www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/Library.cfm [email protected] 780-427-2985 This publication may be cited as: Alberta Environment and Parks and Alberta Conservation Association. 2015. Status of the Arctic Grayling (Thymallus arcticus) in Alberta: Update 2015. Alberta Environment and Parks. Alberta Wildlife Status Report No. 57 (Update 2015). Edmonton, AB. 96 pp. ii PREFACE Every five years, Alberta Environment and Parks reviews the general status of wildlife species in Alberta.
    [Show full text]
  • Quaternary Stratigraphy and Surficial Geology Peace River Final Report
    SPE 10 Quaternary Stratigraphy and Surficial Geology Peace River Final Report Alberta Energy and Utilities Board Alberta Geological Survey QUATERNARY STRATIGRAPHY AND SURFICIAL GEOLOGY PEACE RIVER - FINAL REPORT Alberta Geological Survey Special Report SPE10 (Canada – Alberta MDA Project M93-04-035) Prepared by L.E. Leslie1 and M.M. Fenton Alberta Energy and Utilities Board Alberta Geological Survey Branch 4th Floor Twin Atria Building 4999 98 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T6B 2X3 Release date: January 2001 (1)Geo-Environmental Ltd., 169 Harvest Grove Close NE , Calgary AB T3K 4T6 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors wish to thank Dr. B. Garrett (Geological Survey of Canada) for providing a GSC till standard to use as controls in geochemical analyses of the samples submitted to various laboratories during this study. Thanks also to R. Richardson and R. Olson for reviewing the manuscript and T. Osachuk and D. Troop of Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration regarding the Grimshaw groundwater report. The co-operation and assistance received from the personnel at Municipal Districts of 22, 131 and 135, the Peace River Alberta Transportation Regional office is sincerely appreciated. The various companies involved in locating subsurface utilities conducted through Alberta First Call were completed efficiently and without delay The writers are indebted to the willing and able support from the field assistants Solweig Balzer (1993), Nadya Slemko (1994) and Joan Marklund (1995). Special thanks also goes to Dan Magee who drafted the coloured surficial geology map. Partial funding for field support in 1994 was provided by a grant from the Canadian Circumpolar Institute. i PREFACE This report is one of the final products from a project partly funded under the Canada- Alberta Partnership Agreement on Mineral Development (Project M93-04-035) through the Mineral Development Program by what was then called the Alberta Department of Energy (now Department of Resource Development).
    [Show full text]
  • Summer Lakekeepers 2019 ALBERTA LAKE MANAGEMENT SOCIETY’S OBJECTIVES
    Summer LakeKeepers 2019 ALBERTA LAKE MANAGEMENT SOCIETY’S OBJECTIVES The Alberta Lake Management Society (ALMS) has several objectives, one of which is to collect and interpret water quality data on Alberta Lakes. Equally important is educating lake users about their aquatic environment, encouraging public involvement in lake management, and facilitating cooperation and partnerships between government, industry, the scientific community and lake users. ALMS would like to thank all who express interest in Alberta’s aquatic environments and particularly those who have participated in the LakeKeepers program. These leaders in stewardship give us hope that our water resources will not be the limiting factor in the health of our environment. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The LakeKeepers project was made possible with support from Alberta Ecotrust. We would like to thank the volunteers from Graham Lake, Haig Lake, Snipe Lake, Swan Lake, Lac La Nonne, Tait Lake, Westover Lake, and Beauvais Lake. We would also like to thank the Mighty Peace Watershed Alliance for their assistance with coordinating volunteers and sample shipment. A special thanks to Cerina Lee for developing the LakeKeeper training videos. This report has been prepared by Bradley Peter and Caleb Sinn. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In 2018, the Alberta Lake Management Society (ALMS), with financial support from Alberta Ecotrust, piloted the LakeKeepers project. This project was designed to enable stewards to conduct lake monitoring by providing them with training and sampling equipment. In the first Summer LakeKeepers season in 2018, five lakes were sampled for a total of 14 monitoring trips. To see the results of the Summer LakeKeepers 2018 sampling program, find the report on our website (https://alms.ca/reports/).
    [Show full text]
  • Lac La Nonne Fisheries Management Objectives
    Lac La Nonne Fisheries Management Objectives Summary Information Version Date: Prepared by: Reviewed by: Approved by: October 2018 Nate Medinski Marcel Macullo Curtis Brock Waterbody ID: Surface Area: Hydrologic Unit Code Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC_8): 5448 1293 Ha Name (HUC_8): Lower 17030201 Pembina River Sport Fish Species: Walleye, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Lake Whitefish, Burbot Indigenous Fishery: Yes Environment and Parks Region: Fisheries Management Fisheries Management Office: Upper Athabasca Region (UAR) Zone: Northern Boreal Athabasca 2 (NB2) Background Lac La Nonne is located approximately 90 km northwest of Edmonton. It supports a sport fishery for walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, lake whitefish and burbot that receives very high angling pressure due to the local communities and villages, campground facilities and short travelling distance from the Greater Edmonton Area. A commercial fishery previously existed on Lac La Nonne, with detailed records dating back to the 1940’s. Commercial fishing no longer occurs anywhere in Alberta, including at Lac La Nonne. Prior to 1998, regulations which permitted the overharvest of walleye stocks resulted in a decline in population abundance, ultimately resulting in a collapsed recreational fishery. In response to the observed declines, catch and release regulations were implemented from 1998 through 2009, allowing the walleye fishery to recover. In order to create a sustainable harvest walleye fishery, a Special Harvest License (SHL) system was implemented in 2010. The SHL was implemented successfully until 2015, when a severe winterkill occurred. Since the winterkill event, SHL tags have not been allocated to expedite the recovery of the walleye population. Fall Index Netting (FIN) following the winterkill revealed that walleye and lake whitefish suffered substantial population declines, whereas other fish species decreased in abundance but to a lesser degree.
    [Show full text]