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Activities of the Resource Development Branch Newfoundland Region March - September, 1974

p 16. fifth line from bottom of page should read

Four of these were tagged in 1971, , four salmon were recaptured on the south coast of Insular Newfound- land; one was recaptured in Salmonier Arm,

Rex Porter Activities of the Resource Development Branch Newfoundland Region January-February, 1974 ,

On Friday, March 1, 1974, the Branch Executive met at 3:00 p.m.

Attending were V.R. Taylor, B.R. Bauld, R.J. Wiseman, W.J. Walsh, J.

D. Pratt, L.G. Riche, and C.A. Whalen.

General: Discussion of the 1974-75 budget took up almost all the meeting time. Generally speaking, the Branch budget for 1974-75 is not substantially greater than that of the past fiscal year. The general concensus expressed was that some "belt-tightening" would be required by all Groups if we are to keep our operations within budgetory limits.

Meetings!

On January 3, 1974 an informal meeting was held in Building 302 between representatives of the Branch and H. Lear and R. Payne of the

St. John's Biological Station to discuss the agenda and format of the

forthcoming Program Working Party on Atlantic Anadromous Fish to be

tentatively held during April 23-25 in St. John's. Representing the

Branch were V.R. Taylor, J.D. Pratt, R.J. Wiseman, and D. Waldron.

R.J. Wiseman, C.A. Whalen, M. Farwell, and L. Coady of the Branch attended the 27th Annual Meeting of the C.C.F.F.R. held in Ottawa

during January 7-8, 1974. Larry Coady attended the twenty-seventh annual meeting of the

C.C.F.F.R. in Ottawa, January 7 and 8. Following the conference,

Mr. Coady traielled to Winnipeg for discussions with personnel of the

Freshwater Institute on aspects of Arctic char research in the North- west Territories.

On January 11, 1974 V.R. Taylor, J.D. Pratt, R.J. Wiseman, and

G. Hare of the Branch met informally with J. Pippy of the St. John's

Biological Station to provide input from the Branch into a workshop being attended by Mr. Pippy on the control of fish diseases in Canada.

The workshop is being held later in the month at Nanaimo, B.C.

On January 14, 1974, C.A. Whalen and C. Morry met with Hal Mills and John Mercer of Inland Waters Management, and Jim Swiss of E.P.S. concerning progress on the sub-task report of the Come-by-Chance

Environmental Design Criteria Study.

R.J. Wiseman of the Branch, and L. Dominy of Environmental Pro- tection Service held discussions with representatives of Montreal

Engineering (Consulting Services) on January 21, 1974 in Building 310,

Pleasantville. The consultants are presently preparing a document for

Environment Canada, Water Management Service, on Economic Damages

Resulting from Pollution in Canada. They are presently seeking Branch input on the value of recreational and commercial fisheries affectd by pollution.

From January 21-25, C.A. Whalen and Drs. N. Campbell and J.

Kingham (F & M Service, Ottawa) met with various Provincial government departments in the Atlantic region and Quebec, concerning proposed

Federal legislation on ocean dumping practices. C.A. Whalen and C. Morry attended a meeting at the Bedford

Institute, Halifax, January 29-30, called for the Establishment of

Deep Water Oil Port Ecological Inpact Index. Representing R.D., Halifax

were W. Watt and W. White; H. Power represented F & M S Maritimes; D.

Scarratt attended from F.R.B. St. Andrews, and D. Dobson represented

B.I.O.

R.J. Wiseman addressed a general meeting of the St. John's Rod

and Gun Club, held at the National Film Board in Pleasantville on

January 30, 1974. The subject of the talk concerned Branch programs

in general and Metro-Area trout programs in particular.

On February 1, 1974, R.J. Wiseman met with J. Pippy of the St.

John's Biological Station to draft a revision of the Salmonidae

Import Regulations for presentation, on behalf of the Region, to

Headquarters staff, Ottawa.

During the week of February 18, Don Waldron was in St. Andrews,

N.B. at the Biological Station. He was conferring with the resident

Biostatician, Shreedharan, concerning the use of Biostatistics in

Fisheries Research.

On February 26, C.A. Whalen met with Mr. J. Kirch of the con- sulting firm of R.L. Walker and Partners. The purpose of the meeting was to survey and identify specific water quality data users require- ments, to evaluate these in terms of the practical aspects of monitoring and data collection. The survey is being undertaken for the Inland

Waters Directorate.

Rex Porter attended a meeting with the Conservation & Protection personnel in Grand Falls on February 26 and in Corner Brook on February

27 and 28. At both meetings discussions centred around the proposed new weekly salmon angling report form, and inter-related activities for the coming field season. DEVELOPMENT GROUP

January & February 1974

During January and February, the Group's activities were primarily confined to writing reports and planning for the 1974 field season. The

following reports were completed: "River Investigations on the Southwest

Coast of Insular Newfoundland", and "A Report of Biological Investigations at Sand Hill River, 1972". A summary of tagging data was forwarded to Dr.

H. Lear. Benefit:Cost was calculated for the proposed developments of

Gilbert River, White Bear River and Canairiktok River in Labrador and

Terra Nova River, Torrent River and Humber River, in insular Newfoundland.

The two spawning channels were periodically checked with no incuba- tion problems arising due to the annual freese-up of the rivers.

Further discussions with Ottawa Headquarters and Senior Regional

Personnel on the proposed commercial fishery restrictions occurred which

resulted in amending the original submission. The restrictions are now

proposed only for the Bay of Exploits. There was optimism that Head-

quarter's approval for these restrictions would be available by early March.

J.D. Pratt, Leader Development Group RECREATIONAL FISHERIES GROUP

January, 1974

Lake and Reservoir Fish Stocks Management - W.J. Bruce R.F. Parsons

During the month of January this Unit's activities were divided between the field and office. In the field, attempts were made to collect a winter sample of landlocked smelt at Black River Pond, near

St. Catherine's, during the second week of the month. Using the prairie ice-jigger technique, smelt gill nets were set under the ice at varied depths. Although no luck was encountered at this time, plans call for attempts again within several weeks. An oxygen-temperature profile was also obtained at the time of the netting experiment.

In the office work continued on the smelt data collected during

1973. Fecundity study on a sample of 100 smelt from Clarks Pond,

Placentia was completed, and the average number of eggs per female was approximately 2,500. It was determined that smelt first spawn at the

end of their second year of life (age 1 4), and they rarely spawn more

than twice in their short life span. Age and size composition of the + samples were also analysed. The I age group constitutes between 69- + 80 percent of the samples; the II group between 18 - 27 percent; and

the III age class only occlIrs infrequently, with only 5 fish of this

age encountered in the whole sample. Landlocked smelt sampled ranged

in length from 76 to 126 millimeters and there is no significant

difference in the size or growth rate between the sexes. Also during the month considerable attention was paid to analysis of data collected on the fish populations of Jacopie Lake,

Labrador. Work consisted of the completion of the scale interpreta- tion analysis done on the fish samples and the subsequent back- calculation of growth rates. Preliminary results indicate that northern pike were the fastest growing fish in the lake and they + attained greatest longevity - XIV years. Brook trout demonstrated the second fastest growth rate, followed by lake whitefish and long- nose sucker respectively. These were the only species having sufficient sample size number to calculate growth rates. Calculation of the morphometric parameters from the bathymetric map of Jacopie

Lake was also started.

Most of the final two weeks of the month was spent preparing a draft submission for the 103 Annual Report.

Term Technician C. Walters continues to be extremely busy con- ducting repairs and maintenance to field gear at the Bishop's Falls workshop, and this work is expected to require considerable effort for the next couple of months.

Sport Fishery Management (Metro-Area Lakes) - W.G. Whelan

Most all activities of the Unit were confined to the office during the month, however some assistance was provided the Lake and

Reservoir Fish Stock Management Unit in conducting their smelt investi- gation field work. Considerable time was spent during the month examining topo- graphic maps and determining the amount of sport fish producing water in insular Newfoundland. This data, together with a water quality atlas being produced by the Water Resources Group, should permit the production of sport fish productivity and yield matricies for any given geographic area of the Island. This data will be of immense value particularly in estimating the extent of the resource base and its economic value for the island in general and for regions or areas in particular.

Analysis of data collected from Metro-area studies during 1973 continued and was particularly intensive during the latter part of the month in preparation for Annual Report write-up.

Significant effort was expended in conducting a task for the

Come-by-Chance Environmental Design Criteria Study. The Group was asked to prepare a brief on the existing and potential sport fish resource, and its value, in the zone of influence of the new refinery.

An attempt was also made tot point out the impact of thisand any future industrial development in the area ) on the resource.

Some time was spent during month's end in reorganizing the Group's photo and transparency files and reviewing same for material for the 1973 Annual Report.

Recreational Fisheries Statistics and Evaluation - C.E. Button T.J. Wells

The highest priority work for the month of January was the collection and integration of all statistical data pertaining to the history of the Province's sport salmon fishery. Data sources examined to date include C & P Branch annual statistics on catch- effort compared to calculated catch-effort data derived from salmon fishing licence returns, yearly revenues of, and the number of visitors to the province's sport fishing camps. This information will be the subject of a data report to -be completed by early spring.

Much of the Unit's effort this month has been devoted to the designing of two major data collecting projects.

Changes in the structure of licencing and licences have been developed with the frequent consultation of the Provincial Department of Tourism. The Province, which. is the licencing body, has approved and adopted our new format and this will be used during the 1974 season. The new design of the licence return stub should greatly increase the efficiency and effectiveness of our generation of catch and effort data 'directly from the angler.

The feasibility of an automated system of data development using questionnaires mailed to fishery licence holders or by random populace selection has been confirmed by recent literature on the

subject. A system to distribute mailed angler questionnaires to the province's recreational fisherfolk has been designed and most of the

logistic problems have been solved. Cost estimates per received questionnaire do not appear to be prohibitative. Implementation of

this system will be subject to any modifications suggested or

required by the Recreational Fisheries Branch, Ottawa. These should

be known by the end of February at which time Mr. A. Tuomi, Chief of the Branch, will be meeting with representatives of the Group in St.

John's. During the month the Unit was also involved in the design of a procedure to collect data on the catch of fish made in the sport fishing camps of Labrador. Such statistics as species, age, length, weight, how angled, and where angled would be collected. Samples of this tentative design have been forwarded to the District Protection

Officer in Goose Bay for his perusal and criticism. A "Data Collec- tion Kit" comprising a measuring board, small spring balance, scale knife, scale envelopes, and lucid instructions are to be supplied to the Labrador camps at the start of their fishing season, by Fisheries personnel, and reclaimed at the season's closing. A small monetary compensation ($0.50 per fish processed, to a maximum of 200 fish) will be paid to the guide or outfitter who does the data collection.

Literature review in the above mentioned areas, as well as in the general area of sport fish culture, management, and development, continues.

R.I. Wiseman, Leader teereatiomal Fisheries Group. Recreational Fisheries Group

February, 1974

The Croup Leader spent much of the month in the co-ordination and co-editing of the 1973 Branch Annual Report. A final draft was complete by month's end. Significant time was also spent during February preparing a submission for Montreal Engineering Company, Limited, a consulting firm preparing a document for Water Management Service, Environment Canada, on Economic Damages Resulting from Pollution in Canada. The

Group's effort in this area consisted in supplying information on estimates of economic damage to the province's recreational fisheries as a result of pollution and industrial development.

Toward the end of the month plans were being laid for the preparation of an overview report, for DREE and the province, on the

Recreational Fishery Capabilities of Labrador. The Gfoup Leader is one of a working committee of three set up to provide this input on behalf of the Service.

Lake and Reservoir Fish Stocks Management - W.J. Bruce R.F. Parsons

During the first half of the-.month, the Unit's activities were

confined to the office. A final draft outlining the 1973 programs was prepared for the Annual Report during early February. Work was completed on compilation of morphometric data on Jacopie Lake. The

lake, which consists of about 22 square miles, represents less than

1 percent of the total area of the Smallwood Reservoir Complex

(2,500 square miles). Estimates of potential fish yield from the

lake indicate an annual harvest (recreational and/or commercial) of

approximately 2 pounds per acre could be sustained.

Food analysis of the major fish species present in Jacopie

Lake during 1973 was commenced during the month. Analysis of the

food habits of northern pike was completed and results show they are highly piscivorous with 80 percent of their, diet consisting of fish.

Burbot is the major food item (frequency of occurrence) constituting

20 percent of the diet.

Activities switched to the field during the latter half of the month. Further attempts were made to collect landlocked smelt under

the ice at Black River Pond. Gangs of gill nets (bottom and surface

sets) were fished at selected stations. The nets, comprised of 1/2",

1" and 1-1/2" stretched-mesh were not successful in capturing smelt.

Brook trout were taken, however, in the 1-1/2" net. Immediate

indications are that the smaller mesh nets (1/2" and 1") in which it was expected smelt would be taken, are not "fishing". During early

March, it is planned to fish the gear at Clarks Pond, Placentia, a much smaller lake with a heavier concentration of smelt, in order to

evaluate its performance conclusively. Sport Fishery Management (Metro-Area Lakes) - W.G. Whelan D.P. Riche

With the exception of some field assistance provided to the

Lake and Reservoir Fish Stock Management Unit in smelt studies, activities were confined to the office. By month's end most of the sport fish resource data (age, growth rates, etc.) collected during

1973 had been analysed and compiled.

Considerable time was spent in preparation of the Unit's

Annual Report submission during mid-month. By month's end consider- able planning had gone into the proposed activities for the forth- coming field season.

Work was all but complete, by the end of the month, on the preparation of a sport fish-bearing water inventory of the Island.

The inventory was conducted from review of topographical maps, and preliminary indications are that approximately 10-15 percent of the total area of insular Newfoundland is comprised of salmonid habitat.

Detailed calculations on sport fish habitat have been made for over

300 topographical map sections. Completion of this inventory will permit determination of the amount of sport fish habitat available within any given area of the Island.

Recreational Fisheries Statistics and Evaluation - C.E. Button T.J. Wells

The Statistics and Evaluation Unit, this month, completed the

collection of catch, effort, and revenue data on the history of

salmon angling in Newfoundland and Labrador. These data will be graphed, tabulated, and presented in report form during March.

The newly designed inland sport fishery licences for the province have gone to the printers and will be in use for the

1974 sport fishing season. A questionnaire on the social, economic, and recreational utilization of the resource is being designed for implementation in September, 1974. A systems outline for the Unit has been completed. It will be forwarded to the Group Leader for review and thence copies will

be distributed throughout the Branch to solicit comments, criticisms,

and suggestions for effective implementation.

A. Tuomi, Chief, Recreational Fisheries Branch, Ottawa, was

to visit the Region in late February to co-ordinate and plan imple- mentation of the various data development systems proposed for

1974-75, however his visit has been postponed until March 13, 1974

at which time our role can be fully defined and required planning

implemented.

R.J. Wiseman, Leader, Recreational Fisheries Group. Commercial Fisheries Group

Stock Identification Unit L. Coady C. Best

An investigation of the reliability of age determinations of

Arctic char from otoliths and scales has been carried out. Three individuals independently reading the same otoliths have shown that similar answers are achieved in only 60-65% of cases, even after grinding. We will attempt to increase the degree of reliability by treating the otoliths in various ways (e.g. burning, staining,

clearing). If these fail, otoliths will be categorized at the time

of reading by the measure of accuracy attached to the interpretation

by the reader.

Char scales have proven generally inaccurate in age determination •

Comparative readings of scales and otoliths have shown that in younger

fish (to the age of 5-7) there is a close correlation of readings from both, whereas in older individuals the discrepancy become progressively

greater. Where differences occur, scales always show fewer annuli than

otoliths from the same fish. It seems probable that scales provide a

reasonably accurate measure of age up to the first spawning at which

time the scales develop a dense edge and cease to form zones. We will

continue to sample scales with otoliths in the field until the problem

is more clearly resolved. Mr. Nat Duggan, District Protection Officer for Labrador, has

forwarded a suggested list of regulations for the Arctic char fishery of Northern Labrador to the St. John's Office. It is hoped that such regulations can be resolved and introduced before the start of the upcoming char fishing season in late June. The Group has suggested that a meeting be arranged with the joint fisheries councils of the

Northern Labrador communities before the fishing season so that final opinions can be gathered on the regulations. A further meeting could be held in the fall after the fishing season to judge the suitability of the restrictions in the operation of the fishery. With the completion of the annual report submission and of various written reports on the field results of 1973, attention has now been turned to the planning of the upcoming field season. Scheduling is near completion.

gio.statistics Unit D. Waldron R. Dewling A. Savoury

The months of January and February were busy for the Bio-Stats

Unit. On January 16th the Group finished aging the scales sampled in

1970 and 1973. The total number being 7,227 scales read. This data

is being analysed and hopefully a combined report with H. Lear and R.

Payne will be written shortly.

The staff is currently summarizing the various tagging programs

which have been undertaken in Newfoundland. It is hoped with this

information that a tagging program can be undertaken. The first report from this Group was published under the Data

Record Series and is entitled - "Codes used in Newfoundland Commercial

and Recreational Fishery". During the month of March a second report will be published in the Data Record-Series dealing with the Catch-

Effort in the Salmon Fishery.

On February 15, Technician R. Dewling terminated his employment

with the Group to take up his new duties as a Protection Officer in

District "C".

Lester Riche Leader Commercial Fisheries Group. Water Resources

February, 1973

During January and early February emphasis was placed on preparation and completion of the Annual Report submission.

Data Record Series No. NEW/D-74-3, "Results of Water

Analysis on Selected Streams and Lakes of Newfoundland and

Labrador 1972-1973", has been published. This report presents the results of over 400 water samples collected throughout the province. In addition, the data made available in this report has been compiled in the form of a "Water Quality Atlas for insular

Newfoundland", which is now ready for publication.

An information report, "Habitat Protection; Recommended Guide- lines for Construction and Forestry" is nearing completion and will be available in the near future. This report is designed for distri- bution to engineering firms, contractors and forest operators throughout the province.

Preparations have begun for the up-coming field season.

Physical Hazards Unit - L. Cole R. Hart L. Rowe

Compilation of data, collected during the 1973 field season,

for both the Come-by-Chance River and White Bear River projects, has been completed. Plans for the ten mile section of the Burgeo Road from Dry

Pond Brook toward Top Pond Brook were reviewed. The road will cross several tributaries of Grandy's River, however, obstructions near the outlets of these tributaries make them inaccessible to

Atlantic salmon. Recommendations were made to reduce siltation.

St. George's water supply dam and fishway plans were reviewed and processed. Hydrologic data provided, indicated that water flows through the fishway and volume of water available downstream of the structure should be adequate at all times.

Plans were submitted for the realignment of a 175 foot section of the Horwood River, to facilitate construction of a new bridge.

This measure is essential since the existing bride site experiences severe seasonal flooding. General recommendations were made with respect to bridge construction and stream diversion, also, it was specifically recommended that the transfer of water to the new channel take place between July 30 and September 15.

An application from the Provincial Highways Department for a bridge across North Harbour River, St. Mary's Bay, is under con-

sideration. The proposed crossing site is in the same location as

the F.R.B. pink salmon counting facility. Consideration is being

given to a new route for the highway and timing of construction

activity to minimize interference with the counting facility. Water Quality Unit - C. Morry - A. Jamieson

C. Whalen of Water Resources Group acted as the representative from the Atlantic Region on the Ocean Dumping Committee.

The Federal government has signed the International Convention on the prevention of Marine Pollution by dumping of wastes or other matter. In order to ratify the International Convention it is necessary for Canada to first have national legislation in place.

During January, Dr. N.J. Cambell and Dr. J. Kingham of Ottawa and C.

Whalen visited the Provincial governments of the Maritimes, Newfound- land and Quebec with the view to explaining the proposed goals of the new legislation.

Come-by-Chance Environmental Design Criteria Study

The study management team reports that the project is approxi- mately two weeks behind schedule. Two major components of the study have been completed, i.e. the water effluent model from B.I.O. and the air model from Atomspheric Environment Service, Toronto.

Our Fisheries Service Task Force Report is progressing well due to the efforts of all our Branches, which have submitted papers on different aspects of the proposed refinery effects. The following is a list of sub-tasks that have been completed to date: Task (FMS 7-2) Present Fishing Activity Mr. G. Randell and Gear Location in Placentia Bay.

(FMS 7-3) Industrial Development Mr. G. Brothers Potential for the Placentia Bay Fishery

(FMS 7-4) Influence of Refinery Mr. K. Spencer Effluent Constituents on Fish Processing Plants

(FMS 7-5) The Freshwater Game Mr. R.J. Wiseman Fishery of Placentia Bay Environs

Other sub-tasks reports in progress include the Freshwater Quality

Task by Resource Development and Inland Water Quality Branch (Moncton), and the Economics and Intelligence Branch report on Fisheries Economics of Placentia Bay.

East Coast Deep Water Oil Ports

A report on seven Newfoundland Bays that could be developed for deep water ports has been submitted to Mr. H. Power, Co-ordinator of

Environmental Issues. Using primarily fish landing statistics and environmental conditions such as currents, ice, winds, coastline complexity• a subjective environmental vulnerability index was determined for potential port sites in the St. Lawrence, Maritimes,

Quebec, and Newfoundland.

FENCO Study

Information on fishing activity in relation to two proposed sewerage outfall sites for Conception Bay was forwarded to Mr. Mirza.

The information is to be used in a preliminary assessment by FENCO of suitable areas for sewerage outfalls for Conception Day South communities.

C.A. Whalen, Leader Water Resources Group ENGINEERING GROUP

Group activities were mainly confined to the office during the period.

An engineer, Wayne Hamilton, reported for duty on January 2, 1974.

Personnel from the group made several visits to Bishop's Falls and

Grand Falls during the two-month period.

B.R. Bauld attended several meetings of the Working Committee for the

Newfoundland Environment Institute which is proposed to be built in St. John's.

Exploits River Development Program

Grand Falls Fishway and Collection Facilities

The contractor, D.W. & G. Construction Ltd., returned to the site on

January 7, 1974. Our personnel returned on January 8, 1974. The weather had been very severe over the close down period. After inspection of the job site and consultation, it was concluded that it would be in the best interest of the project to close down until Spring. The contractor was informed to have a request submitted by the Canadian Surety Limited requesting shut down.

The project will remain closed until late April or early May. There is approx- imately 4-5 weeks of work to complete the project. The project should be ready for operation well in advance of the salmon run.

In the meantime, effort will be made to have all the calculation for quantities brought up to date. By the end of the period most quantities were completed and meetings were proposed for early March with the interested parties.

Attempts are being made to settle quantities with Corinthian Enterprises

Limited, in bankruptcy and Canadian Surety Limited.

2 -2--

Personnel visited the site during the period and everything seems

to be in order.

Camp One Fishway

Work still suspended on this project due to vteather conditions.

Visit made to site during the period.

Bishop's Falls Forebay Smolt Bypass

Additional work at the forebay will be discussed with Price (Nfld.)

Company Limited, owner of the dam. The remaining work requires lowering and

deepening the hole through the dam. The work will be carried out in April, as water levels permit.

The facilities will be put in operation toward the latter part of

April or early May.

Lake Access Road, Avalon Peninsula

Work was carried out on the proposed access in Southwest Pond.

Surveys were carried out as weather permitted. Specifications and plans were

reviewed.

Survey of the proposed road into Camp One Fishway was continued as weather and road conditions permitted. Plans for the road were being prepared.

Main Falls Fishway, Upper Humber River

The plans for the proposed fishway at this obstruction were reviewed

during the period. It is proposed to modify the plans in order to reduce the

cost of the fishway.

3 Bishop's Falls Workshop

Work at this location was confined to carrying out repairs to equipment, building traps, etc., for the various groups.

Personnel at this location utilized annual leave as the work load permitted.

Miscellaneous

The group, in conjunction with the Water Resources Group reviewed plans for water and sewer projects, road construction projects. Activities of the Resource Development Branch Newfoundland Region March-September, 1974.

On Thursday, October 3, 1974, the Branch Executive met at 2:00 p.m. In attendance were B.R. Bauld, W.J. Walsh, R.J. Wiseman, L.

Riche, L. Coady, and M. Farwell. Absent was H. Lear. Appointed

Secretary to the Executive was M. Farwell.

General

There was a review of the budget with the concensus being that a slow down of spending be initiated in order to maintain the Branch within the budget.

Also discussed were the Project Information 1976-77 sheets.

Further instructions are on the way and the Branch's submissions are required for mid-October. Group submissions for new projects must be prepared prior to that date.

A look at office space will be initiated in order to accommodate the expansion of the Commercial Fisheries Group after reorganization.

Reorganization

On September 27, 1974, a meeting was held between the Regional

Director-General, L. Cowley, Director of the Biological Station, A.

May, and all available staff of the Resource Development Branch. The proposed reorganization of the Branch was outlined and placed in effect on an interim basis. The Branch will contain five Units, Administra- tion, Engineering, Development, Commercial Fisheries and Recreational

Fisheries and will answer to the Director of the Biological Station. Joining the Branch was H. Lear as Commercial Fisheries Group Leader

and three Technicians in that Group. Transferred from the Branch

were two vacant positions and two unclassified positions. V.R. Taylor

assumed the Senior Biological Advisor position within the Director-

General's office and L.G. Riche was seconded to the position of

Licencing Co-ordinator with the Conservation and Protection Branch.

Position Changes

V.R. Taylor, Branch Chief, moved to an advisory position within

the regional office on September 24. B.R. Bauld_assumed the duties of

Branch Chief on an acting basis.

Water Resources Group Leader, C.A. Whalen moved to the Environ- mental Protection Service in St. John's in March. R.J. Wiseman

assumed his duties. Development Group Leader, J.D. Pratt, moved to

the Ottawa office of E.P.S. in May. M. Farwell assumed his duties on an acting basis.

Engineers K. Powell and W. Hamilton moved to the Dept. of Public

Works, St. John's in July. Engineering Technician D. Stone moved to the Small Craft Harbours Branch in August. These positions are in the process of being staffed.

V. Pepper joined the Development Group as a Biologist in May and

B. Moores was taken on as a Development Group Technician in July.

Technicians K.M. Mercer and H.P. Murphy of the Development Group moved to the Provincial Department of Fisheries in May.

Technician R. Dewling of the Commercial Fisheries Group moved to the Conservation and Protection Branch. N. Oliver was taken on strength in the vacated position in July. D. Riche was taken on strength as a

Technician with the Water Resources Group in July after R. Hart moved to the Provincial Department of Fisheries. Stenographer C. Barrett left the Branch in September to join the Dept. of Regional Economic Expansion.

Meetings, etc.

The 1974 Program Working Party on Atlantic Anadromous Fish meeting was hosted by the St. John's Regional Office this April 23 and 24.

Mr. Bauld, as service representative, attended numerous meetings of the Regional Steering Committee for the Newfoundland Environment

Institute. A trip was made during April to view laboratory space in various buildings in Toronto and Winnipeg.

Mr. Bauld was appointed a member of a committee to review the docking facilities required for the Service's ships. Several meetings were held during the period and a report submitted to the Regional

Steering Committee during July.

M. Farwell and M. Guilchard of E.P.S. met with Price (Nfld.) in

July, in an attempt to clarify our requirement for clean water in the stretch of river adjacent to the Grand Falls fishway. Assurances were made that if spilling into the river was necessary in the future, the company would guarantee adequate dilution of the effluent.

M. Farwell and R. Porter met with W. Thurlow and M. Roed of

Thurlow and Associates in August regarding the river crossings of the proposed Lower Churchill Power Transmission route. Access to the stream catalogue for more detailed assessment was allowed.

B.R. Bauld and M. Farwell met with G.S. Taylor of Price (Nfld.) on September 18 in order to hasten approval for use of the land adjacent to the Grand Falls fishway and approval for construction of a water supply at the Grand Falls dam for the new fishway.

The Atlantic section of the Canadian Institute of Forestry, on a three day field awareness seminar, toured the Noel Paul's Spawning

Channel during late June.

Biologists G. Turner, J. Pepper, R. Alexander, W. Penny of the

Maritimes Region toured the Development Group's field sites the week of July 8-12. As a result of this tour two further groups from the

Halifax office came over to see specific aspects of our work from an engineering and technical point of view.

F. Dickson, Special Projects Biologist, from Ottawa, toured the

Exploits and Indian River Development Projects July 21 and 22.

R.J. Wiseman and J.D. Pratt visited District Office, Goose Bay on March 4-5, 1974 to meet with N. Duggan. The meeting was held to outline the format to be followed in the preparation of a Recreational

Fishery Capability Study of Labrador for D.R.E.E. and the Province.

A. Tuomi, Chief, Recreational Fisheries Branch, Ottawa, visited the Region March 26 and held discussions with R.J. Wiseman, and C.E.

Button regarding the planning of the Province-wide sport fishery evaluation to be conducted this year.

R.J. Wiseman attended a meeting on March 26, between D.R.E.E. the Province, Economics and Intelligence Branch, and A. Tuomi with regard to planning the economic evaluation of sport fishing camps in

Labrador to be conducted by the Recreational Fisheries Branch, Ottawa, during 1974. Representing D.R.E.E. were Brian Ross and W.M. Baker; D.

Pike and E. Jamieson attended from the Province; and E. Dunne and J.

Nelson represented the E. & I. Branch. B.R. Bauld, R.J. Wiseman and C.A. Whalen met a representative from FENCO on March 25, 1974, to review plans for a flood control structure on Black Duck Brook, Lance aux Meadows. Incorporation of fish-passage facilities through the dam were discussed.

C.A. Whalen and C. Morry attended a second meeting at the Bedford

Institute, Halifax, on March 20, 1974, regarding the Establishment of

Deep Water Oil Port Ecological Impact Index. Representing R.D.,

Halifax was W. Watt; D. Scarratt represented F.R.B. St. Andrews; K.

Yuon attended on behalf of F. & M.S. Ottawa; and the B.I.O. Halifax was represented by D. Dobson and C. Maunsell.

On April 3, 1974, Mr. Eric Hiscock of the National Parks Service met with Branch representatives to discuss future management and development of sport fish and fisheries within the Gros Morne Park, the responsibility for which lies with that Service. Representing the

Branch were V.R. Taylor, R.J. Wiseman, J.D. Pratt, and M. Farwell.

R.J. Wiseman represented the Service at a meeting held April 15,

1974, at Northwest River, Labrador, to discuss the development of commercial fishing operations on Smallwood Reservoir by native peoples.

Representatives from Band Councils, The Native Peoples Association,

Indian Affairs and Northern Development, I.G.A., N.L.S.D., Rural

Development, CFLCO the Clergy, and Department of Education, attended the meeting. A detailed proposal is being prepared for Indian Affairs for funding of the program expected to get off the ground during 1974.

On April 25 and 26, 1974, R.J. Wiseman and W.J. Bruce visited

Churchill Falls and held informal discussions with Mr. R. Hickey,

Manager of Administration and Finance, CFLCO, regarding accommodation, driver licences, equipment transport, etc., for the forthcoming field season. On the evening of April 25, R.J. Wiseman attended the Churchill

Falls Rod and Gun Club meeting and together with Dr. R. Ferguson, CFLCO

Conservationist; and Mr. Ray Cooper, Labrador Sport Fishing Camp Operator; participated in a discussion of Labrador Brook Trout Management.

On Thursday, May 2, 1974, R.J. Wiseman and L. Rowe met informally with representatives of Federal Forestry Service who are planning a position paper on "The Environmental Impact of Access Roads". Our

Service's input will consist mainly of information contained in L.

Rowe's Habitat Protection report as well as literature reviews of the effects of construction on fish populations.

On Wednesday, May 8, 1974, V.R. Taylor and R.J. Wiseman had informal discussions with Dr. R. Ferguson, CFLCO Conservationist, and

Dr. A. West, Special Consultant to CFLCO, with respect to proposed field programs by both agencies during 1974 in the Churchill Falls,

Labrador area.

R.J. Wiseman and W.G. Whelan attended a dinner meeting of the St.

John's Rod and Gun Club held at the Holyrood clubhouse on the evening of May 22, 1974. A report on Avalon Peninsula lakes and their sport fishery resources was presented together with several copies of the

Branch Annual Report.

On May 24, 1974, Mr. Ian Thomson of the Recreational Fisheries

Branch, Ottawa, visited the Region and had informal discussions with

R. J. Wiseman. Mr. Thomson has been given the responsibility for conducting an economic evaluation of Labrador sport fishing camp operations. C. Morry attended the International Conference on Transport of

Persistent Chemicals through Aquatic Ecosystems, held in Ottawa on May

1-3, 1974. The Conference, sponsored by N.R.C. and the University of

Ottawa, dealt mainly with mercury, D.D.T., and P.C.B's.

On Tuesday, June 4, 1974, Dr. C.W. Andrews and Mr. M. O'Connell of M.U.N.'s Biology Department had an informal discussion with R.J.

Wiseman regarding the University's "Placentia Bay Studies" program.

R.J. Wiseman attended the 1974 Canadian Sport Fisheries

Conference and Workshop held in Quebec City, June 9-12, 1974.

On June 7, 1974, Mr. Jean Gaudet, Acting Secretary of the

European Inland Fisheries Advisory Commission, FAO, Rome, visited the

Region on his way to the Quebec City workshop and had informal discussions with several of the Branch staff. DEVELOPMENT GROUP

Much of the proposed work this year had to be shelved because of the severe cut in manpower. Notably, the Sand Hill River tagging and enumeration project was not able to operate. This year saw only those projects undertaken which were necessary for continuing stocking of the Exploits, Indian and Torrent River watersheds. Stream survey work continued but the stream remedial program was severely restricted.

Exploits River Development - M. Farwell, J. Davis.

This year saw a couple of new records established and two major fishways finished. Most of the projects were successfully operated although the usual field problems were encountered.

Lower Noel Paul's Smolts

The fence was established well in time for the run this year.

However, an early June snowfall and subsequent thaw caused the fence to be flooded and inoperative during the peak of the run. The final actual count was some 4,900 smolts, 2,500 parr, 42 kelts, 55 trout and

75 landlocks. The fence was out of operation for one week and pre- liminary estimates of 2,000 smolts passing the fence during this time brings the total smolts up to 7,000. Further detailed analysis of the run is needed before a final estimate is established. The actual count of 2,500 parr is the highest ever recorded at this site.

Bishop's Falls Forebay

The new forebay release facility opened on May 16 and was closed on July 26 after a total of some 22,000 smolts and 715 kelts were enumerated and released downstream of the turbines. This represents the highest recorded run past this site since 1972. The new facility functioned very well and with minor changes should adequately assist numerous emigrants to avoid the hazards of this power plant in the future.

This year no kelt or smolt were observed in the Grand Falls fore- bay marking the fourth year that this forebay has presented no problems to emigrating fish.

Grand Falls Fishway

The construction of the fishway was finished this summer and operation began the last week of July. The operation was plagued by a lack of water until the early part of September. Price (Nfld.) Pulp and Paper Co. were repairing their dam and subsequently the fishway was not supplied with water except at night and on the weekends. Despite this difficulty in operating and providing sufficient attraction water doWnstream, a total of 61 fish were enumerated in the fishway. Of these, two died due to rapidly dropping water when the company cut the water. The remaining fish were either released above the dam or taken directly to the Noel Paul's Spawning Channel. There are 24 female and

4 male grilse at Noel Paul's Channel from the Grand Falls Fishway.

Bishop's Falls Fishway

Operations at this site began in late June but the fish were some two to three weeks later than usual entering the fishway. This was attributed to the late spring and persistent ice off the coast.

A record run of nearly 3,000 fish was enumerated and a further 1, 159 fish were angled below the fishway. The grilse to salmon breakdown for this year's run was 86% grilse and 14% salmon, based on visual

sizing. This is about average for the Exploits River. The parents of this returning year class numbered some 1,500 fish and even with the expected return of Noel Paul fish this represents an excellent

survival to the adult stage. It is too early to attribute this to anything specific but the ice-plagued commercial fishery and the

smolt release facility on the Bishop's Falls forebay are two potential

sources of the higher returns.

Camp One Dam and Fishway

The construction crew continued work throughout the summer and completed work in September. The new fishway will be operable next year. The fish had no trouble passing Camp One via the construction run around provided.

Noel Paul's Channel

The fry run produced from the 1973 channel deposited eggs numbered some 363,700 fry, representing a 60% over-winter survival rate, thus remaining consistent with the previous six year average

survival of 60.5%. The manual planting investigations yielded little

information due to fry "leaking" past the various barrier nets used to enumerate them. The prototype gravel incubation box produced 3,955

fry out of a total egg deposition of 11,000 eggs, for a survival of

36%. This figure was lower than expected from this type of incubation

system. The fast flow rate (2.3 cm/sec. of our box compared to the

Pacific Region's boxes (0.11 to 0.24 cm/sec.) may be one cause for this

low survival. All fry were distributed at an average density of 40 per 83.6 square metre unit. A basal level of adult stocking from Adies stream was done to ensure continued production from Noel Paul's Brook. Three hundred and twenty fish were transferred into the channel in August.

These fish, in addition to the twenty-eight Grand Falls fish, will produce in the neighborhood of 380,000 eggs, about one-half of the desired egg deposition in the channel.

The fry and parr assessments on the Brook were not done this year due to a lack of manpower.

Indian River Development - M. Farwell, J. Davis.

This project was severely restricted this year with no assess- ment investigations being done. Fish were moved where and when it was necessary on a strictly operational basis.

Fry Run

The fry run numbered 309,000 and represented a survival of 49.5% from the eggs deposited in the fall of 1973. This survival was lower than expected. This was probably due to the unstable channel banks, parts of which fell into the channel and deposited silt throughout the spawning riffles during the ice breakup. The total numbers of fry was however a record high produced at this site. The larger fry run allowed the Black Brook tributary to be stocked with fry for the first time, in addition to the continuing stocking of Indian River.

Adults

Nearly 400 fish were transferred from the adult fence to the spawning channel. This will ensure enough fry to stock Black Brook -12-

for the second year. The fishway count was some 600 fish thus leaving

approximately 200 fish in the main river to spawn naturally. The

escapement in 1974 represents a survival from the smolt stage of 6.5%.

Anglers took an additional 116 fish bringing the survival from smolts

to adults in the river mouth of nearly 8%.

Torrent River Development - R. Porter, B. Moores, T. Anderson.

The third of the five year Torrent River stocking program was

carried out with limited success during 1974. No problems were

encountered with the transfer techniques; however, there was a shortage

of donor stock and only 83 grilse (62 females and 21 males) were trans- .

ferred from West River (St. Barbe) to the upper Torrent River. As of

14 September 37 grilse and one salmon had passed through the Torrent

River fishway. This is a decrease of 59% from 1973. The estimated

potential egg deposition upstream from the fishway for 1974 is

estimated to be 200,000 eggs, equivalent to seeding the 6,000 parr

rearing units at 33 eggs per unit, The desirable seeding rate is

100-125 eggs per unit.

The assessment of the stocking program in Main Parts Brook,

tributary of Torrent River, was continued in 1974. A fyke net was

operated at the mouth of Main Parts Brook from 9 June to 30 June; a

second fyke net was installed on 17 June and removed on 15 July.

Species caught included brook trout, American eels, sticklebacks and

Atlantic salmon parr (2). It is not known if the parr were of the

landlocked or anadromous race. There was no indication that a smolt

run occurred in Main Parts Brook. Eye-bolts were set in the bedrock above the falls at the mouth of Main Parts Brook. In 1975 these bolts will be used to anchor a smolt counting fence.

A "two-way" adult counting trap was operated approximately one mile upstream on Main Parts Brook from 21 July to 28 August. This fence was used to monitor natural runs of salmon to the brook and any downstream movement of adult salmon transferred to this tributary. No salmon and only one brook trout was caught in the counting facilities.

A smolt and adult salmon temporary counting fence was operated on West River from 2 June to 4 September 1974. Smolt escapement was

12,055, up 42% from 1973. Three hundred and two kelt were passed down- stream indicating a 6.7% reduction from the number of adults passed through the trap in 1973. Incidental catches included 267 salmon parr,

593 brook trout, 216 sea-run brook trout, 574 American.eels, 338 sticklebacks, 539 American smelt and 3 shad.

The first adult salmon was passed upstream on 13 July and the laSt fish was released on 2 September. Similar to the majority of rivers in Insular Newfoundland, the upstream migration was approximately two weeks later than in 1973. This was apparently due to late ice break-up in the rivers, onshore ice conditions, and cold water temperatures during June. The migration was also spread out over the entire summer with no large peak. This probably resulted from low water levels and high water temperatures during July and August.

Total escapement through the counting fence was 399 grilse and 3 salmon.

Anglers harvested 117 grilse, 15 of these were angled up-stream from the counting fence (area upstream from fence was closed to angling on

August 3). Total river escapement was 519 fish, 6.1% survival from smolt to adult (grilse) escapement to the river. It is interesting to note that after last field season it was projected, based on 1971, 1972 and 1973 data, that the adult salmon run to West River in 1974 would be 585 grilse and that 85 of these would be available for transfer to Torrent River. Using a similar formula the estimated escapement to West River in 1975 will be 800 grilse. Anglers will take approximately 200 fish and 200 to 300 salmon will be available for transfer.

During 1974 data was collected on the salmon catch per hour by the recreational fishery on West River. These data have not been analyzed.

Salmon Population Investigations - R. Porter, T. Anderson.

Stream Surveys

Surveys were carried out on three rivers on the Avalon Peninsula,

Salmonier, Colinet and Great Barasway Rivers, and 18 rivers on the west coast; namely, Little Codroy R, Grand Codroy R, Ryan's Brook,

Brooms Bk, Fishels Bk, Blanche Bk, Serpentine R, Wild Cove Bk, Cooks

Bk, Upper Humber R, Hughes Bk, Old Mans Bk, Goose Arm Bk, Liverpool

Bk, River of Ponds, Little Brook Ponds, Big East R, and Doctors Bk.

Data collected during the surveys will be used to determine potential of each river for the production of Atlantic salmon.

Barriers to salmon migration were identified and, where feasible, recommendations will be made for enhancement of salmon populations.

Fishway Counting Traps

Counting facilities were operated at nine fishways in 1974

(Table I). -15-

Table I. Escapement of Atlantic salmon through nine fishways by 14 September, 1974.

Fishway Count Comment

Northeast Placentia R 234 Washed out August 31

Upper Terra Nova R 272 Complete count

Middle Brook 939 Complete count

Salmon Brook 833 Complete count

Bishop's Falls (Exploits R) 2,930 Complete count

Grand Falls (Exploits R) 61 Complete count

Indian R not available _Complete count

Lomond R 75 Complete count

Torrent R 38 Complete count

The count at Bishop's Falls fishway is up 175% over the 1971-

1972 average. Escapement through Middle Brook and Salmon Brook fish- ways were about average over the past three years. Escapement through

Lomond R, Torrent R, and Terra Nova R fishways were considerably lower than in 1973. The cause of low counts is not apparent. The counting facilities on Northeast Placentia fishway washed out during a period of high river discharge on 31 August. However, it appears that the escapement to this river is lower than in 1973.

Generally, in 1974, the salmon migration was about two weeks later than "normal". The peak migration was not as pronounced in 1974 as in most other years; rather, it was spread out over the entire migration. This probably resulted from the extremely low water levels -16-

experienced in most rivers throughout the island. Salmon Brook was closed to angling during the first wes,k in August due to the high susceptability of salmon to poaching, caused by the low water levels.

Creel Census

Guardians working on 16 rivers in insular Newfoundland (4 rivers in each C & P District) collected catch per hour data from salmon anglers. On one river in each District salmon were weighed and scale samples were taken. These data have not been analyzed. It is antici- pated that the data will provide a bases for determining the number of hours in a rod day for various areas in insular Newfoundland.

Sand Hill River Project

In 1974 Sand Hill River operations were limited to sampling the commercial catch in Sand Hill Cove. Scale sample envelopes were also provided to salmon fishery guides on 12 rivers in Labrador; Pinware,

Forteau, Gilbert, Hawke, Sand Hill, Eagle, Michaels, Big, Adlatok,

Hunt, Flowers and Makkovik rivers. Samples will be used to compare the age and sex composition of salmon populations from each river system to

Sand Hill River populations. If similarities exist further studies should be carried out to determine if fluctuations in the Sand Hill

River populations are indicative of fluctuations in salmon populations in other rivers in Labrador.

From the Sand Hill River smolt tagging program, 53 tag returns were received in 1974. Four of these were tagged in 1972, 22 in 1972 and 27 in 1973. For the first time since tagging operations were initiated at Sand Hill River, four salmon were recaptured in Salmonier

Arm, St. Mary's Bay; one in Paradise Sound, Placentia Bay; two off

White Point, Fortune Bay. All recaptures from the south coast were tagged in 1973. If these fish had not been caught it is very unlikely that they would have returned to Sand Hill River in 1974.

Fifteen of the 205 Arctic char tagged in 1973 in Northwest

Tributary, Sand Hill River, were recaptured. Fourteen of these were recaptured in Sand Hill Cove and one at Indian Tickle, approximately

10 miles from Sand Hill River.

Special Projects - V. Pepper, B. Moores.

At the present time this Unit is involved in four topics of investigation. These are:

1. Salmon kelt reconditioning;

2. Characterization of juvenile salmon populations;

3. Evaluation of integrity and interactions of landlocked

and anadromous salmon forms;

4. Examination of current practices of stream electro-

fishing populations estimates.

Kelt Recycling

As obtaining salmon eggs for Development Group needs has become a perennial problem an investigation in under way with a view to retaining adult salmon throughout the year for the purpose of supplying additional reproductive products.

A pilot project to hold adult salmon was initiated in the fall of 1973 at the Marine Sciences Research Laboratory. Subsequent to the transfer of thirty-seven kelts in November 1973, three started feeding within two months. Seventeen did not resume feeding and subsequently died. At present there are twenty adults left at the -18-

laboratory which appear robust enough to undergo gametogenesis. Due to a lack of simulated spawning conditions these fish will be injected with gonadotrophins to release the gametes.. The fish will then be stripped and their eggs fertilized. Incubation will be undertaken using a Heath-Techna eight tray incubator.

Meristics and Morphometry

For management purposes, it is advantageous to be able to treat the Newfoundland salmon resource in smaller geographic units. At the present time these units are largely defined by river system (ie.

Exploits River fish, Indian River fish, Humber River fish). Thus, sampling investigations have begun which are aimed at determining racial characters (meristic and morphometric) both within a stream system (between tributaries) and between stream system's. This may enhance salmon populations by identifying individual tributary manage- ment needs.

Landlocked and Anadromous Salmon Studies

A recent F.R.B. publication (Payne, 1974) criticizes the managerial technique of stream obstruction removal as contributing to both a competitive situation between anadromous and landlocked salmon and to reducing anadromous populations by incorporation into a land- locked salmon gene pool. Although Payne presents no definitive data to support this statement, the lack of investigations of the inter- relations of these two forms makes management programs difficult.

Preliminary results of a study on landlocked salmon in Lake Douglas of the upper Exploits system indicate that mature landlocked salmon are exclusively piscivorous, at least in the fall of the year. Further seasonal data are required. This suggests that stocking this lake -19-

with salmon fry of anadromous parents may contribute more to the land- locked than to the anadromous population through direct predation.

Stream Fish Population Analysis

The time of smoltification of Atlantic salmon is a period when the fish are more sensitive to handling due to physiological adapta- tions preparing the fish for the change to a marine environment. It is therefore detrimental to salmon smolts to be impeded in their sea- ward migration (i.e. as in a counting weir). However, the necessity of evaluating the success of managerial practices requires that the size of the smolt run be determined.

In an attempt to reduce mortality among smolts, an investigation of the possibility of estimating the number of smolts from the biomass of pre-smolt stages is presently being undertaken. This investigation is being based on electrofishing data from previous years. By comparison of statistically determined stream salmon parr biomass with smolt counts, it may be possible to relate these two variables in a probabilistic model.

The first phase of this study involves the creation of a computer program that will adequately describe stream fish biomass. Previously used techniques for this analysis have been clearly inadequate.

The second phase of this study will involve a re-analysis of previously collected electrofishing data with the above mentioned computer program and comparison of these statistics with smolt counts.

Morely Farwell Development Group Leader/Acting -20-

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES GROUP

Salmon Research - W.H. Lear, F. Burfett, F. Day, N. Batten.

During August-September, 1972, the Canadian research vessel A.T.

Cameron participated in an International Salmon Tagging Experiment at

West Greenland with research vessels from Denmark, France and the

United Kingdom. In all 2,364 salmon were tagged and released (811 from research vessels and 1,553 by observers from commercial vessels) in the period from August 1 to October 16. Returns from the Experiment up to March 11, 1974, are summarized below:

Numbers recaptured Country 1972 1973 1.974 Total

Greenland 153 4 - 157

Canada 0 11 0 11

Scotland 0 19 3 22

England & Wales 0 8 1 9

Ireland 0 7 0 7

France 0 2 0 2

Spain 0 1 0 1

Total 153 52 4 209

A discriminant function analysis based on two scale characters: width of the first sea zone and the number of circuli in the first sea zone, with a theoretical efficiency of 85.6% was applied to salmon scales collected at West Greenland and Labrador Sea during autumn

1969-72 and. Labrador Sea during spring 1970-72. Estimates of the

North American proportions at West Greenland were as follows: 46%

(1969), 34% (1970), 32% (1971) and 35% (1972). The discrepancy between the estimates from biochemical studies (53%) and scale studies

(32%) during 1971 is possibly due to sampling error since no blood samples were collected from 80 fish taken in the northern area, for which there were scale samples and of which 82% were estimated from scale studies to be of European origin. Estimates of the North

American porportions in the Labrador Sea during autumn were 50% (1969),

32% (1971), and 74% (1972). North American proportions in the Labrador.

Sea during spring were estimated at 83% (1970), 89% (1971) and 72%

(1972).

April-June, 1974

During May 14-June 12, a total of 136 large salmon and 24 grilse were tagged and liberated in Conception Bay.

Routine sampling of the commercial salmon catch is being continued to monitor seasonal changes in the grilse/salmon ratios, gene frequen- cies and the smolt age composition in several areas.

During May-June, approximately 400 Atlantic salmon have been sampled at Portugal Cove, Conception Bay, 400 in Placentia Bay, 100 in

Fortune Bay and 300 in Trinity Bay.

The pink salmon fry run at North Harbour during April-May, 1974, was estimated at 35, 120. This is 70.8% of the estimated 49,600 eggs deposited by 31 females in 1973. July-September, 1974

During July 24-August 8, 26 Atlantic salmon and 10 Arctic char were tagged in northern Labrador. Stormy weather and severe ice conditions seriously hampered fishing and tagging operations in this area.

During July 29-August 15, 520 Atlantic salmon were caught in West

Greenland during a research cruise of the "Adolf Jensen". These salmon were sampled for length, weight, sex, scales, liver and blood. The object of the scale and blood samples is to compare results obtained from the scale characteristics and the transferrin patterns for determining the relative proportions of North American and European salmon in the West Greenland area.

To date there have been only 5 returns of adult pink salmon recorded - 3 from North Harbour River and 2 from the commercial fishery in St. Mary's Bay. These are the progeny of a parent stock of 58 fish which spawned in North Harbour River in 1972.

Bio-statistics Unit - D.E. Waldron, N. Oliver.

The halving of casual manpower allotments prior to the start of the field season resulted in a decrease of activities. The major pro- gram of commercial catch sampling was conducted in conjunction with the Stock Identification Unit. The areas sampled were: St. George's

Bay, Port aux Basques-Rose Blanche, Burgeo, St. John's, St. Anthony,

(limited amount), Pack's Harbour, and Nain. Ageing of scales is under- way and expected completion date will be next March.

A program designed to record the number of nets used and salmon caught has been initiated. This program was supplemented by our activities in the field. Only limited response was noted. The

processing of this data will take up a great part of the office time.

Restructuring of the commercial landing reports has been under-

way and new print-outs will be available then. Some of the new

features will be:

- metric conversion to kilograms;

- more confident estimates of small and large fish landed;

- estimated confidence limits set to local sales;

- improved estimates of effort;

- actual effort as derived from the sales receipts;

- actual mean weights of fish by week;

- inclusion of an unspecified gear column in order to

capture sales by non-licenced equipment.

Again we are actively involved in recording the number of salmon

fishermen from the local licences.

Stock Identification Unit - L. Coady, C. Best.

Work at Burgeo was delayed briefly in mid-May when the Biologist in charge of the Unit attended meetings in Hopedale, Labrador on matters of Fisheries policy affecting the northern Labrador coast.

The Unit commenced field duties during May and June when 2-man crews were set up at Burgeo, Port aux Basques and Trepassey to sample commercial landings of Atlantic salmon for age, growth and scale information.

Total sampled: Burgeo 900, Port aux Basques 724, Trepassey 60.

The Unit was also active with salmon work in Stephenville and Pack's Harbour (Labrador). In these areas, samplings were the

prime responsibility of the Bio-statistics Unit.

Preparation for Arctic char studies in northern Labrador were

completed in late June and the Unit moved to Nain on July 8. Through-

out July and August, 1,478 char were sampled at the Nain fish plant

for variations in age and growth data (by area) as follows:

Anton's Point 202 Okak 249

Davis Inlet 285 Nain Bay 210

Tikkoatokak 193 Voisey Bay 204

Tasivyak 135

A further sample of 535 char was obtained directly from Unity

Bay in the Nain area from which additional information on whole weight

and sex characteristics was available.

In addition, 825 Atlantic salmon were examined at the Nain fish

plant for age and morphological characteristics.

While residing at Nain several nearby streams and rivers were

investigated for information on fish species composition, juvenile

fish growth rates, variations in water chemistry and stream inverte-

brates. Particular attention was paid to Anakalik River (23 miles

from Nain) where indications of the first upstream migration of char

were reported during mid-July. Anaktalik River was further surveyed

by boat for potential fence sites and found to be unsuitable.

On August 9, a three-man field camp was set up in the Tasiuyak

Lake area, north of Nain, to undertake char tagging operations, to

sample juvenile char and to judge the suitability of the area for

future study. This camp was relocated to North River in Okak Bay one week later where similar studies were carried out. During mid-August, helicopter surveys were made of coastal rivers from Voisey Bay to Hebron for potential fence sites. During these surveys adult char were sampled at various locations for ship- ment to Winnipeg and St. John's, where morphological, biochemical, parasitological and microbiological studies will be undertaken this fall by various agencies.

Work terminated in northern Labrador on August 26 whereupon all gear and equipment was moved to Goose Bay for winter storage.

W.H. Lear, Leader Commercial Fisheries Group - 26-

ENGINEERING GROUP

Group activities for the first three months of the period were mainly confined to the office preparing for the coming construction period. Personnel made trips to Bishop's Falls and Grand Falls during the period to visit the workshop and other projects. The field season was delayed in starting due to a very late Spring. Most projects could not be commenced until late June or early July.

Construction and Works - B.R. Bauld, E. Tulk, B. Flynn.

Exploits River Development Program

Grand Falls Fishway and Collection Facilities

The contractor, D.W. & G. Construction Ltd. returned to the pro- ject in early June when the weather and water levels became suitable.

There was some damage to the stems and pedestals of the gate valves in the entrance facilities. The damage was due to the movement of ice during the spring breakup.

The contractor made good progress on the project during June and

July and the facilities were put into operation by July 22. There were deficiencies remaining to be remedied as of that date, namely, the replacement of the stems and pedestals. An Interim Certificate of

Completion was issued on August 29, to the Canadian Surety Company.

We are still waiting to hold discussions with the Canadian Surety

Company to settle the final quantities for the project under the original contract.

Several smaller contracts have been, or are being, carried out at site to ensure the safety of the public and employees. The work consisted of placing guard railings around the walls of the high

section of the fishway and collection facilities. Also, steps and

retaining walls are being placed around the observation windows.

The completed project appears to work very well, as a number of

salmon and trout were counted through, and transferred from the

collection facilities. There are several other small contracts which

will be necessary to make the project complete.

These contracts could be carried out this year if manpower is

available to prepare the necessary design and plans.

Camp One Fishway

This project was resumed in July when the water levels dropped

sufficiently to allow personnel to work on the dam and fishway. The

new concrete dam was completed and the upstream walls of the fishway

were raised to control the water at higher levels. The old wooden dam

has been breeched to allow the level of the steady to be lowered.

Fish have been utilizing the fishway since the latter part of

August.

A survey for a new road into the fishway was carried out. Plans

are being drawn for the road, but it is doubtful that any construction will be carried out this year.

Bishop's Falls Forebay Smolt By-pass

The wooden structure which was constructed on the downstream face

of the forebay at Bishop's Falls was completed and put into operation

in time for the smolt migration. The by-pass facilities appeared to operate very well this year, as several thousand smolts were passed downstream. The by-pass operated well for the kelts, which also entered the forebay. Lake Access Road, Avalon Peninsula

The plans and specifications for the second access road into a pond on the Avalon Peninsula were prepared during the period. The pond selected is Southwest Pond, on the Salmonier Line, approximately 35 miles from St. John's. A tender call was issued and a contract awarded to Hynes' Construction Co. Ltd. Work commenced on the project in early

August. The project is approximately 50% complete. Considerable time has been lost due to extremely wet weather being experienced. It is hoped that the project can be completed by the end of October.

Stream Clearance

The stream clearance crew has been restricted in its operation this year due to the overall shortage of man-years in the Branch. It was possible to carry out several small projects during the summer which consisted of small drilling and blasting jobs.

It is hoped that it will be possible to reactivate this crew next year.

Miscellaneous

A request from Shawmont Engineering Ltd. to carry out seismic investigations at Gull Island Rapids site on the lower Churchill River was reviewed in conjunction with the Conservation & Protection Branch.

The work is being carried out for the Lower Churchill River hydro- electric development.

Permission was granted for the work with the understanding that

Fisheries field personnel would be present during the operations and control the setting off of the charges from observations. The work took place during August without any apparent harm to the fish stocks. The water gauging station on Grey River was replaced during the period. Inland Waters who operate the gauge at our request, installed a new recorder. Our Branch provided the labour required.

The construction crew installed new pipe sleeves on the platform at the counting fence site on Lower Noel Paul's Brook.

The Engineering section supervised the placing of gravel in the

Indian River controlled flow spawning channel. The banks of the channel were eroded during the spring breakup. The banks had to be built up. The work was carried out under contract.

Arrangements have been made with the Dept. of Highways to up- grade the access road into Indian River Channel. The access will now be from the Bay Verte Road instead of the T.C.H. This will eliminate maintaining the bridge across Indian River.

A request from Price (Nfld.) Pulp & Paper Co. Ltd. to increase the height of Goodyear's Dam on the Exploits River was received by the

Branch. The company was requested to install two fishways at the dam.

The company have engaged Shawmont Engineering Co. Ltd. to design the fishways. Work is proceeding on the project.

The Engineering Group has reviewed numerous plans for highway and bridge construction. This was carried out in conjunction with the

Water Resources Group.

The Branch was involved in the oil spill at Saglak Bay in that the Chief Engineer was the contact point between E.P.S. and F.M.S.

Conservation & Protection personnel were on site for several days and offered all possible assistance.

B.R. Bauld, Chief Engineering Group RECREATIONAL FISHERIES GROUP

March, 1974

The Group Leader spent considerable time during early March editing the 1973 Branch Annual Report. The final draft was forwarded to the printers before month's end, and the finished product will be available for distribution by April 19, 1974.

Considerable effort was also made during the month in prepara- tion of an overview report on the Sport Fishing Capabilities of

Labrador. Data analyzed and tabulated included location of commercial and private fishing camps, growth rates of sport species, species distributions, annual catch-effort information for each species, and water chemistry. The report is being prepared for D.R.E.E. and the province as part of an overall Recreational Capability Study of

Labrador. This task is planned to be complete by May or June.

Sport Fishery Management (Metro-Area Lakes) - W.G. Whelan D.P. Riche

The staff of the Unit were involved in very little field activity during March, with the exception of some on-going help provided one of the other Units in landlocked smelt studies.

By month's end all of the data collected during limnological and resource inventory work in 1973 had been analyzed and compiled. A start has been made on the production of a Data Report on this work entitled "The Limnology and Sport Fish Populations of 10 Avalon

Peninsula Lakes". -31--

Work was also completed during the month on the production of a

"trout" bearing water inventory of the island. This work will be

forthcoming in the form of a Data Report to be produced late in 1974.

A similar effort is scheduled for Labrador next winter.

Plans are now all but complete for the 1974 field season. Major

activities will relate to the introduction and evaluation of landlocked

smelt as forage for resident sport fishes. Introductions of smelt are

expected to employ both egg transplant and adult transfer techniques.

Some additional work on evaluation of sticklebacks as forage, and limited

inventory work will complete the 1974 field schedule for the Unit.

Lake and Reservoir Fish Stocks Management - W. Bruce, R.F. Parsons.

During the first week of the month the Unit travelled to Placentia

to continue the winter smelt investigations. Monofilament smelt gill nets

were set under the ice at Clarks Pond for two nights but no smelts were

taken. The nets caught brook trout and sticklebacks. As a result of

these findings, and the numerous net-settings at Black River Pond,

Salmonier, it appears that smelt don't "mesh" during the winter for some

unknown reason. Two smelt were found in a trout stomach however,

indicating their presence in the lake.

For the remainder of the month time was spent analyzing the food

habits of the Labrador fishes collected during 1973, as well as preparing

a report on Jacopie Lake. Results showed that adult lake whitefish,

longnose suckers, and brook trout had similar diets, feeding mostly on benthic organisms. The smaller lake whitefish and longnose suckers fed mostly on cladocerans. 93% of the lake trout stomachs contained some

type of fish remains. The two ouananiche taken were eating speckled

trout and minnows. The 4 round whitefish were eating aquatic insects,

4 burbot stomachs were found to contain aquatic insects along with

other aquatic invertebrates and fish remains.

Recreational Fisheries Statistics and Evaluation - C.E. Button T.J. Wells

The month of March was utilized in compiling and condensing C & P

catch-effort data for salmon 1954-1973 as part of the Unit's imminent

salmon statistics report. Also for this purpose, revenue information was processed by the Unit for all commercial sport fishing establish- ments in the province. All salmon information is now being graphed for

publication.

C.E. Button, under request from the Arctic Biological Station,

Ste. Anne de Bellevue, P.Q., was invited to attend the harp seal hunt

based on Les Isles de la Madelaine functioning as observer, researcher

and director of ice control activities for remote sensing of the seal

populations. The expedition occurred March 3-24 during which 53 hours were spent on the ice North of the Magdelene Is. and 20 more

reconnoitering the seal harps via helicopter. Assistance was also

given in the Arctic Biological Station's annual program of harp and

hood seal branding. -33-

April, 1974

Lake and Reservoir Fish Stocks Management - W.J. Bruce - R.F. Parsons - C. Walters

This Unit was involved in considerable field activity during the month of April. Early in the month conclusive evidence was found to document the existence of two sympatric populations of landlocked smelt in Black River Pond, Salmonier. These are the "large" (or giant) and "stunted" (or dwarf) populations. Reproductive isolation, both temporally and spatially, allow these populations to co-exist. The

"large" race spawn during late March and early April in approximately

2 feet of lake water at about 34°F. The "stunted" race spawn around two weeks later at a temperature of 38-39 ° F and at much greater depths in the lake. This discovery has important sport fish management impli- cations in that landlocked smelt are being introduced into lakes to improve the growth rate of resident salmonids. The introductions, employing mainly egg plants, will utilize only the "stunted" race as donor stock for obvious reasons. It is therefore imperative that the eggs produced by each race be easily distinguishable.

During the month the first draft of the report outlining results of investigation at Jacopie Lake, Labrador, during 1973 was submitted to the Group Leader. Completion of the drafting work on figures and graphs is to be expected by May at which time the final draft of the report should be complete. -34-

Sport Fishery Management (Metro-Area Lakes) - W.G. Whelan - D.P. Riche

By month's end ice-out has occurred on most Avalon Peninsula lakes and field activities were underway. Late in the month a start was made on the landlocked smelt introduction program at Soldiers Pond located about 17 miles west of St. John's near the Trans-Canada High- way. Soldiers Pond has a good population of small resident salmonids and this management experiment is designed to evaluate the potential of smelt as a forage food for these sport fish. During April, a pro- gram of adult transfers was initiated utilizing as donor stock the

"stunted" or dwarf race at Black River Pond, Salmonier. During May it is planned to incorporate egg transplants as well, hopefully utilizing the spawning run at Clarks Pond, Placentia, or any others that may be located. The difficulty encountered in locating concentrations of eggs at Black River Pond because of the relatively deep depths preferred by that lake's "small" race, necessitates our looking elsewhere for sources of egg collections. It is anticipated that the smelt intro- duction program will constitute most of May's field activities as well.

Recreational Fisheries Statistics and Evaluation - C.E. Button - T.J. Wells

Preparations for an expedition to Labrador trout fishing camps are continuing. The objectives of this exercise are creel censuses of species of trout angled from at least 10 co-operative angling camps distributed throughout Labrador.

The Sport Fishery Management Unit of Recreational Fisheries Group were assisted by Statistics Unit personnel in April during field trips to Black River Pond, Salmonier and Placentia. The Statistics Unit is continuing to develop rapid output data

collection systems for inland fisheries in consultation with systems

analysts at NLCS and directors of Statistics Canada (Nfld.). The basic

design of these systems have been approved by RDB and seem feasible in

the views of systems consultants. The one limiting factor to success-

ful implementation of these systems may be financial.

Final implementation of the newly designed inland fishery

licences and returns was achieved during the month of April with the

new designs going to press early in May. Fisheries and Marine Service

will be distributing posters to all post offices in the province and

to all vendors of fishing licences.

Data for a historical salmon angling review will be ready shortly

for graphing and thereafter incorporating into a data xeport.

A breakdown of all salmon angling by river derived from Economics

and Intelligence Branch of the Service will be shortly accomplished.

May-June, 1974

Sport Fishery Management (Metro-Area Lakes) - W.G. Whelan - D.P. Riche

During the month of May, most of the field program related to the smelt stocking program. By month's end the adult transfer portion of the stocking program was completed; approximately 2,000 fish were transferred from Black River Pond to Soldiers Pond. Early in the month, the egg transplant portion of the program was initiated.

Attempts to collect eggs on burlap strips placed on the stream bottom at Clarks Pond, Placentia, were unsuccessful as the anticipated -36-

spawning run did not materialize. However, another donor stock was located at Connaughtmans Pond (Five Mile Pond, Southeast River,

Placentia) and by mid-June approximately 2 million eggs had been collected and planted at Soldiers Pond. The eggs, together with the river substrate (stones, vegetation, debris, etc.), were transported in large pails or transfer tanks and placed randomly along the shore- line of Soldiers Pond at a depth of 2-3 feet.

The Unit assisted the St. John's Parks and Recreation Commission during the May 24th holiday weekend in organizing a trout fishing derby for some 200-300 kids in the Metro-area. The staff collected and stocked some 200 trout in the Bowring Park swimming pool. Several trout were tagged, and a variety of prizes were awarded the successful anglers.

During the month of June, emphasis within the forage fish evaluation program switched to the stickleback portion. Minnow traps fished at Paddys Pond indicated high levels of abundance, while at Four

Mile Pond, very low levels were encountered. In an effort to build up the levels at Four Mile Pond, some 50,000 were planted.

Late in June, field emphasis switched to inventory work. A start was made on a study of the limnology and fish populations in lakes in the Deer Park, Salmonier Line. The Deer Park consists of a number of large lakes each fairly extensively developed in terms of summer cottages. Historically, this area has been the prime producer of trophy brook trout on the Avalon Peninsula. The objective of this survey is to document some of the ecological factors contributing to this unique situation. This documentation is very important in view of the increasing development activities scheduled for the area. Lake and Reservoir Fish Stocks Management - W.J. Bruce - R.F. Parsons - C. Walters

Most of the Unit's activities were confined to the field during the month of May. Assistance was given to the Metro-Lakes Unit in transferring smelt eggs from the Placentia area to Soldiers Pond.

Five Mile Pond, near Southeast Placentia, was the site for the collection of eggs. This is a small lake which is drained by the

South East River.

Office activities during the month included the preparation of outline maps of 10-mile Lake in Labrador and the statistical analysis of smelt data collected this spring. The report on last summer's field program is near completion.

By mid-June, the Unit staff had moved into Western Labrador in preparation for its field program. The crew established an outcamp at Mile 61, located about halfway between the town of Churchill Falls and the rail connection as Esker. By month's end a start had been made on a study of 10 Mile Lake, a relatively large, natural body of fresh water located near the Esker road. A detailed limnological and resource inventory is planned.

A technical report entitled "The Limnology and Fish Populations of Jacopie Lake, West Forebay, Smallwood Reservoir, Labrador" was complete by month's end and will be sent to the printers at an early date. -38--

Recreational Fisheries Statistics and Evaluations - C.E. Button - T.J. Wells

May, 1974

The Statistics and Evaluation Unit has designed and prepared trout data collection kits to be used by guides or owners of Labrador

Sport Fishing Camps. These kits will be distributed at the commence- ment of the Labrador angling season to guides or operators of the

Sport Fishing Camps requesting that these individuals use the kits to collect weight, length, sex and scales of the sport fish angled at these camps. Kits will be left with the camps at the close of the angling season and the data collectors will receive $0.50 for each fish processed for the above data.

Groundwork has been continued with the mail-out Angler Questionnaire

Information System in meetings with personnel from Newfoundland and

Labrador Computer Services Ltd. and Beothuk Data Services Ltd. Tenta- tive designs of the questionnaire, the methodology of mail-out, and analysis of data have been formulated. Initial sample size expecta- tions are approximately 17,000.

T. Wells has assisted other Units of the Recreational Fisheries

Group in transporting smelt eggs from Placentia to Soldiers Pond.

The Unit has purchased a 14-foot aluminum skiff to be used in a draw of angler's licence returns.

A literature review of salmon angling in this province continues with a historical report in view.

June, 1974

The completion of the Labrador sport fishing camp data collection kits was accomplished this month by the printing of scale envelopes designed for use by lay personnel. The kits were delivered to Mr. N.

Duggan, District Protection Officer, Labrador, for distribution amongst the trout sport fishing camps in southern Labrador.

A reminder poster to anglers to mail their angling licence returns was designed, printed and mailed to all licencing outlets and retail sporting stores in the province for display in these establishments.

Further investigations into the type of angler questionnaire to be used in the large household and licenced angler survey planned by this Unit proceeded at a slower rate, with the heightened interest and participation of other F & M Service parties in this project.

Discussions continued with computer analysts on the implementation of this data collection system.

July-September, 1974

Lake and Reservoir Fish Stocks Management - W.J. Bruce - R.F. Parsons - C. Walters Field activities were conducted in the Labrador west area during the months of July and August. A complete limnological and fish inventory investigation was conducted on 10 Mile Lake, 51 miles west of the town of Churchill Falls.

Sections of the Smallwood Reservoir were also sampled to assess the feasibility of a commercial fishery on the Reservoir. Commercial size gill nets were used to sample fish in the Lobstick-Sandgirt Lakes area. Water, plankton and benthos samples were also taken at the same time. During the last two weeks of August the equipment was stored in the town of Churchill Falls.

On August 12, 13, and 14, a helicopter was used to survey the

Smallwood Reservoir, headwaters of the Michikamau Lake, and the

Churchill River from Churchill Falls to Goose Bay. Water samples were collected at a number of stations.

A start was made on the analysis of summer data during the month of September. Term technician, C. Walters, resumed mending nets and repairing equipment at Bishop's Falls during this month.

Sport Fishery Management (Metro-Area Lakes) - W.G. Whelan - D.P. Riche - C.M. Walsh

Almost the entire July-September period was spent in conducting lake and fish resource inventory work. During July and August, an extensive study of the fish populations present in lakes in the Deer

Park, Salmonier Line was undertaken; the lakes surveyed included:

Hawcos Pond, Oxleys (or Gibbs) Pond, and Gull Pond. Trophy-sized brook trout are fairly common in each lake. Several fish larger than

3 pounds were captured, fish 2-3 pounds are not uncommon, and 1-2 pound trout are quite common. Preliminary analysis of information collected, suggests the trophy fish situation exists for several reasons.

Primarily, it is undoubtedly due to the extremely large landlocked smelt population present in each lake; secondary factors are perhaps the rather seasonal nature of trophy fish harvest (May month almost exclusively), the generally small harvest of large trout, and the relatively large size of the body of water under consideration

(approximately 4 square miles). During September, construction started on the second of the

Group's access roads for boat anglers. This road will lead from the

Salmonier Line into Southwest Pond, a 345 acre lake containing a good population of brook trout and ouananiche. Budgetary limitation during the current fiscal year prevented the implementation of an evaluation program on these developments, however plans are being made to conduct an evaluation next field season.

Recreational Fisheries Statistics and Evaluation - C. Button - T. Wells

Though this period constituted a period of -annual vacation leave

for both members of the Unit, all ongoing programs of data collection were maintained. A field trip to the Labrador trout fishing camps was completed to assess and correct any difficulties in the data collection procedure or design of collection kits. Without exception the system was found functional.

Work continued on the selection of sample sources for the provincial angler and recreational fisheries survey which through circumstances beyond prediction will be implemented much later than the September 30 date originally chosen for increased return of survey questionnaires. The design of all facets of the system for this mail- out survey is now complete and suitable for implementation.

In August, meetings of the Newfoundland Recreational Fisheries

Evaluation Co-ordinating Committee, regarding the angler mail-out questionnaire system were held. Co-operation between this Unit and

Recreational Fisheries Branch (Ottawa) was requested.

R.J. Wiseman, Leader Recreational Fisheries Group WATER RESOURCES

March, 1974

The following list of projects have been tentatively approved for 1974:

1. Red Indian Lake Investigation; to define the present

condition of the lake with respect to fish populations

and habitat.

2. Long Harbour Area Floride Study; to determine the

effect of stack floride emmissions on water quality.

3. Reconnaissance Survey of Forestry Operations; to

document problems and areas where such operations

may affect fish populations.

4. Avalon Peninsula, Water use Inventory; to catalogue

the impact of hydroelectric and water supply projects

on stream systems.

Work has begun on the preparation of materials and data for implementation of these projects.

Data Report Series No. NEW/D-74-4. "A Water Quality Atlas for

Streams and Lakes of Insular Newfoundland" has been published. This report compares and delinates regions of varying water quality and should become an important asset in freshwater fisheries investigations.

Compilation of materials for a habitat protection manual is presently underway. The manual will include sections on pollution, construction, biological techniques, sampling, reporting procedures, regulations etc. The intent is to be as broad in scope as possible. Water Quality Unit - C. Morry - A. Jamieson

L. Cole has begun a training program to familarize him with lab

equipment and procedures.

Long Harbour Floride Study

A comprehensive study designed to determine floride levels in

lakes and streams over a twelve month period. Stations have been

selected in relation to prevailing wind directions. Samples are

collected and processed monthly.

Come-by-Chance Environmental Design Criteria Study

Work continued on the preparation of the Freshwater Quality

section of this report, which is a joint effort of both the Resource

Development Branch (St. John's) and Inland Water Quality Branch

(Ottawa).

East Coast Deep Water Oil Ports

C. Whalen and C. Morry met at Halifax with other project participants to discuss a re-evaluation of the environmental vulner- ability index. The necessary changes are to be made by K. Yuen,

Fisheries and Marine Service, Ottawa.

Physical Hazards Unit - L. Cole - R. Hart - L. Rowe

Newfoundland Zinc Mining Ltd., Daniel's Harbour, submitted a proposal to utilize two ponds of the Bowing Brook system for tailing disposal, from a new mine site. The company maintains that there is no fish life in either of the ponds. The matter was referred back to Newfoundland Zinc Mining for consideration of other possible sites

for disposal. The proposal has also been referred to E.P.S. since

marine fisheries may also be affected.

Plans were submitted by the Department of Transportation and

Communications for the upgrading and paving of four roads.

1. Baie d'Espoir Highway - 15 miles;

2. St. Lawrence to Lawn, Burin Peninsula;

3. Sections of the road between Hant's Harbour and

Old Perlican;

4. Robert's Arm to South Brook.

Problems are not anticipated to occur during construction.

It was reported that 20-25 dead sea-run brown trout were observed floating out the gut at St. Phillips. Investigation revealed that supercooling of water during a two day storm was the most probable cause of mortality.

April, 1974 Water Quality Unit - C. Morry Long Harbour Study - A. Jamieson

Collection and processing of water samples for this project continued this month.

Water Use Inventory - Avalon Peninsula

This inventory is designed to catalogue streams and ponds on the

Avalon that are presently being utilized for domestic and industrial water supplies, forest operations and hydroelectric projects. Emphasis will be placed on the effects of these activities and recommendations will be made concerning remedial action. Physical Hazards Unit - L. Cole - R. Hart - L. Rowe

During April plans for the following road construction projects were received and reviewed:

1) Deer Lake to Wiltondale; A paving project that has no

implications for this Department.

2) Reconstruction of the Cabot Highway from Birchy Cove to

Catalina intersection. Approximately 5 miles of road is to be

rebuilt; for the most part the new road co-incides with the

existing road. Environmental problems are not anticipated;

however, it was recommended that precautions be taken to reduce

silting.

3) Portugal Cove south to Trepassey; this project involves

the construction of 3 miles of new road and 5 miles of reconstruc-

tion. Since streams in this region support sea run trout,

recommendations were made for proper culvert installation and

reduction of siltation. One area of concern is the new alignment

of the road near Trepassey, where the proposed road will pass

through a small pond, it was further recommended that the align-

ment at this point, be changed to follow the existing road.

4) Forest Access Road Program; plans were received from the

Newfoundland Forest Service covering the construction of 37 roads

primarily in western and central Newfoundland. Discussion with

F/O's Marshall and Curran designated the following areas to be

most sensitive. -46-

Trinton Brook, Rodney Pond Southwest Brook

Botwood area Brig Bay

Burlington Hawkes Bay

Beaver Brook Robinsons

Main Brook Cod Brook

Parsons Pond Bonne Bay Big Pond

Of particular interest are, Robinsons, Southwest and Cold Brook, where roads are being constructed for the Labrador Linerboard woods operations. An overview of these areas is planned for May, this will accomplish two requirements, firstly, the impact of forest access roads and secondly, an evaluation of the cutting operation.

May, 1974

Water Quality Unit - C. Morry - A. Jamieson

Exploit's River Report

This report is designed to display 10 years of water chemistry

data collected on the Exploit's River system. Work continued on

compilation and analysis.

Water Use Inventory Avalon Peninsula

Work is continuing on this project. During the month emphasis was placed on the hydroelectric developments, watershed areas were measured and several dam sites in the Mobile area were surveyed.

Long Harbour Study

Samples were collected and processed for this study which is

designed to determine seasonal fluctuations in floride concentrations. -47-

Rainbow trout study

This study was initiated to determine the age and distribution of sea run rainbow trout in the Clarenville area. High water levels in the area, however, prohibited the use of electrofishing gear and con- sequently few samples were obtained. Work will be continuing on this project throughout the summer.

A. Jamieson spent considerable time reviewing literature per- taining to the effects of water supersaturated with nitrogen gas and fish behaviour at obstructions and falls. This is in preparation for further work at the Lobstick structure at Churchill Falls, Labrador.

Physical Hazards Unit - L. Cole R. Hart L Rowe

Baie Verte Newtown Water Supply

This project was referred back to the consulting engineers f6r further detail.

Plans were reviewed for the following road projects:-

1. St. Stephens to St. Mary's - upgrading

and realignment.

2. Fortune toward Point May - realignment

and upgrading.

3. Clarenville access road - this road does

not interfere with water courses.

Plans were reviewed for the construction of a bridge over

Tides Brook. Since the stream supports a run of Atlantic salmon recommendations were made to reduce silting and equipment activity in the stream. -48-

Forest Access Roads

Access road construction has been sub-contracted to the following consulting engineers:-

Deleuw Cather - Western Region

Provincial Planning Associates - Eastern, Central

and Labrador Regions.

To date work has not begun on access road construction.

Sawmills - Clarenville area

L. Rowe accompanied by W. Lynch F/O Clarenville viewed several mills in the Hickman's Harbour area. Primarily the problem relates to dumping of saw dust and chips into the harbour. Consequently

E.P.S. was notified.

Labrador Linerboard operations

L. Rowe accompanied by G. Swyers, F/W Stephenville, viewed the Linerboard woods operations in the Southwest Brook area. This type of clear cutting has the possibility of being tremendously detrimental to fish stocks. It is recommended that emphasis be placed on surveillance of the operations.

Access Road Impact Study

This is a multi-disciplinary study initiated by the Canadian

Forestry Service. At present it is hoped that a position paper will be produced concerning all environmental aspects of access road construction.

The study will incorporate; problems, sensitive areas, required research, and guidelines for further construction. Red Indian Lake

This project has not yet begun for several reasons; firstly, ice persisted in the lake for most of May and secondly, the non-arrival of the boat for the field team. An attempt was made to construct a cabin at the lower end of the lake, however, poor road conditions prevent transport of materials to the site. Water Quality Unit - C. Morry - A. Jamieson

Exploits River Report

Considerable time was spent tabulating the 10 years of water

chemistry data concerning the Exploits River System.

Water Use Inventory - Avalon Peninsula

This project has tentatively been expanded to include all of

insular Newfoundland. Work progressed on the collection of raw data

concerning hydroelectric and water projects.

Long Harbour Study

Work continued on the project with the collection and processing

of water samples.

Rainbow Trout Study

Electrofishing was carried out again this month in the

Clarenville area.

Physical Hazards Unit - L. Cole - R. Hart - L. Rowe

Red Indian Lake Project

Work on this project began in early June. A cabin has been con-

structed approximately 20 miles south of Buchans, this cabin will be used when the work load shifts to the lower end of the lake.

Roads

Plans for the following road construction projects were reviewed and approved: 1) Paving - Port au Port area.

Ship Cove

Picadilly

Boswarlos

Aguathuna

Maidstone

Highlands to St. Fintans

Flat Bay Brook

2) Burin Peninsula Highway to Monkstown. This is a new road.

The Department of Highways were requested to alter the

alignment to avoid one pond.

3) Queen's Cove - upgrading and realignment. No problems

anticipated.

4) Northern Arm to Point Leamington - upgrading and realign-

ment. No problems anticipated.

5) Loon Bay to Birchy Cove - upgrading and realignment, no

problems anticipated.

6) Caplin Cove - upgrading and realignment in vicinity of

bridge, detail plans of bridge have not yet been provided.

7) Baie Verte to LaScie - 10 miles of road involve realign-

ment and upgrading. One area of concern at Bear Pond where

proposed new alignment runs through pond. Department of

Highways have been requested to consider an alternate

alignment.

The assistance of this Group was requested by C & P District 'D' in connection with the location of a sawmill on Coney Arm River, Jackson's Arm. Concern was expressed because this river supports a

good run of Atlantic salmon, and the cutting operation may interfere

with spawning area. Recommendations concerning the locations of the

mill and the method of cutting operations were made, it is felt that

if these are followed, the operation will not have a detrimental

effect on the salmon population.

July, August, September, 1974

Laboratory Services - A. Jamieson

A small number of laboratory determinations, included salinity,

fluoride and some other small tests were conducted throughout the

three month period. Field activities included work in the Clarenville

area for rainbow trout distribution, fluoride levels in rivers and

ponds in the Long Harbour area. Blue Pinnion Barachois on the south

coast was surveyed as a prospective site for an aquaculture station.

All of these activities were conducted each month. In August in

company with R. Wiseman a survey of the Lobstick Structure on the

Smallwood Reservoir was carried out. The object of this survey was to

determine if fish that are in the tailrace of the structure were

suffering from nitrogen gas bubble disease and if the fish remain

captive in the very strong currents and backwaters.

On August 6, 1974, float releases and dissolved oxygen determina-

tions were carried out at various points in the vicinity of the

"Lobstick Structure", a control gate on the Smallwood Reservoir. Fish mortalities have been reported in this area since the beginning of

operations at the structure. Seven floats were constructed and released. The floats were made of orange coloured polyethylene film, plastic net floats, lead foot rope and lead sinkers. The floats were made to float just at the sur- face so their movements in the rough, white water, of the tailrace of the structure could be observed. The flow through the structure's one open gate (opened to height of about 18 feet) was approximately

20,000 c.f.s.

Of the seven floats released three (3) were caught up in the back current and held in front of the unopened gates (total of 3 gates in structure). The movements of the floats in the back current in front of the two unopened gates was similar to the movements of the numerous lake whitefish that were observed there. This indicated that the fish were possibly captive by the currents generated at the structure.

Oxygen determinations were conducted at various points in the vicinity of the "structure" using the modified Winkler method. The results of these tests are listed below:

August 6, 1974

Station Location D.O. Temp. ° C. % Saturation

Left gate (facing upstream) 11.1 ppm 14.8 108

Left backwater area 10.3 ppm 14.8 100

Boat launch point (downstream) 11.1 ppm 15.0 108

Above gate intake 8.3 ppm 14.3 85

Fish angled from the waters below the structure show no positive signs of suffering from gas bubble disease.

In the month of August Dennis Riche was instructed in some laboratory procedures so that he could be of assistance in doing analysis on water samples collected during summer field season.

Red Indian Lake Project - C. Morry - L. Cole - D. Riche

The water quality unit spent the summer involved in a resource assessment study of the effects of industrial activities on the ecosystem of Red Indian Lake.

For the first part of the summer studies were conducted out of

Millertown. First of all, ambient water quality of "feeder" streams of Red Indian Lake was sampled. Then the regimen of sediment, bottom fauna, water, plankton and fish sampling was established and conducted following a series of transect lines traversing.the lake and gradually covering the entire area from northeast to southwest. The netting program conducted parallel to the other sampling regimen proved most interesting and yielded some unexpected results regarding the assumed toxicity of Buchans Brook effluent to trout and ouananiche.

The week of July 22-26 was spent assisting Chris Latcham of the

Environmental Protection Service in a program of deep sediment core sampling. It is hoped that the information from this study will be useful to the overall assessment of the fisheries resource in the lake.

July-September, 1974

Physical Hazards Unit - L. Rowe

During the summer considerable time was spent assessing the impact of forest operation on the fishery resource. The assessment involved an aerial reconnaissance of cutting areas.

Forest Operations in Newfoundland

Initially it was planned to document forest malpractices through- out the province in report form; however, a report of this nature would primarily, involve the rehashing of problems and problem areas of which we are already aware.

The effects of forest operations can be tremendous. The forest resource of the province is on the whole being utilized in disregard for the fishery resource.

The question arises as to whether these malpractices are the result of disregard or ignorance.

The following approach should be utilized to educate the companies and their employees of our concerns:

1) The three major companies, Price, Bowaters and Labrador

Linerboard, be contacted so that discussions can begin

respecting the effects of logging on the aquatic environ-

ment. At this stage it is imperative that these companies

agree to comply with the recommendations as stated by the

Department;

2) If agreement is reached, we must ensure that the recommenda-

tions, as well as the whys and hows, are communicated to the

loggers. This can be accomplished through the use of a

brochure, which is presently being prepared, as well as on

site lectures and slide shows, designed as a backup to the

brochure, or the use of pictorial posters, which can be

placed in camps. It is imperative that the environmental

awareness process be communicated to each man.

Further discussion with C & P staff along this line could produce an effective approach. The problems for fish, which can be caused by forest operations, will not be directly solved through prosecutions under the Fisheries

Act. In my opinion and that of the C & P Officers, I have talked with, the best solution to the problem is through awareness and discussion; if these fail then the powers of the Act should be invoked.

The greatest stumbling block that could hamper the success of any discussions we have with the companies is the lack of research that has been carried out in Newfoundland with respect to the effect of forest operations on the aquatic environment. Although the informa- tion is presently lacking we can gain a foothold by the development of a research proposal designed to investigate these effects. The pro- posal should be longterm and extensive in scope.

A study of this nature could continue throughout the time that logging operations take place in the watershed area. A project of this nature would be expensive, but would render valuable information, in terms of habitat protection.

Also during this period plans for 7 roads and 4 bridges were routinely reviewed. Recommendations were made in each case. Fewer applications for habitat alterations were received during this period than were received during the same period in 1973.

The forest access road program for this year involves the construc- tion and upgrading of 37 roads of various lengths, however, this program was late in starting due to tendering problems. An inspection in late

August revealed no areas of environmental concern.

R.J. Wiseman, Leader Water Resources Group LIBRARY DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT Resource Development Branch 1,1811E141E3 MIME Activity Report October to January, 1974-7#T. PAWS N11.0*

On January 31, 1975, at 10:30 a.m. the Resource Development Branch met to discuss various items. Attending the meeting were B.R. Bauld,

R.J. Wiseman, H. Lear, W.J. Walsh and M. Farwell. Also attending was

J. Pippy of the Newfoundland Biological Station.

General:

Funds were discussed briefly with the consensus being we should

have enough to meet commitments to the end of the fiscal year. There

is, as yet, nothing new to report on next year's funds.

Planning for the Newfoundland Environment Centre includes a

committee on computer demands. The Branch will make its demands known

once this committee is formed.

There was some discussion on the upcoming Program Working Party

meeting in Quebec City. The dates (8-10 April) were agreeable and our

suggestions for the Agenda will be formulated within the next few weeks.

There was a brief reminder that the Annual Report submissions are

due soon. The document should be ready for the Program Working Party.

meeting.

Meetings and Movements:

Mr. E.W. Burridge, Deputy Director, visited the Region in October.

He and V.R. Taylor visited the fishway at Grand Falls.

Personnel from Underwood McLellan and Associates Limited visited

the office to outline their experiences in design of Fish Culture Establishments.

The Acting Branch Chief attended the APEN Conference in St. John's

in October.

The Acting Branch Chief attended several meetings in connection with the proposed reorganization of the Department. Also attended a meeting of the Executive Staff, in January.

A one-week course on the Biology of Atlantic Salmon and Basic

Management Techniques was given to 15 Fisheries Officers and Wardens

from the C & P Branch. The course was held at the Indian River

Spawning Channel facilities.

T. Anderson and B. Moores have been attending a scuba diving course

held at the Biological Station, St. John's. R. Porter attended the CSEB

Annual Meeting in Corner Brook and a conference in Boston on the Restor-

ation of Atlantic salmon in New England states.

M. Farwell and V. Pepper attended the Canadian Conference on

Freshwater Fisheries Research and the meeting of the CSEB in Vancouver

in January and toured some of the development facilities in Vancouver

and Alaska.

On October 10, 1974, W.J. Bruce delivered a lecture at M.U.N. for

Dr. C.W. Andrews' itchthyology class. The lecture dealt with the

biology of the Osmeridae (smelt and capelin) Family of fishes.

On November 15, 1974, R.J. Wiseman attended a meeting with repre-

sentatives of E.P.S. and Forestry Service in anticipation of the forma-

tion of a regional S.C.C. in Newfoundland within the E.A.R.P. process.

Several federally-funded projects with environmental impact were

discussed. R.J. Wiseman attendea, on November 18, 1974, a meeting with the

City Mayor and Councillors, representatives of M.O.T., Provincial

Environment officials, and others connected with the planned installa- tion of approach lights in Windsor Lake, the City's water supply reservoir. Mr. Wiseman was part of a fai .rly large Environment Canada

(E.P.S., I.W.D., and F.M.S.) contingent requested to attend the meeting and advise Council on environmental impact of the M.O.T. proposal.

C. Morry attended a one-day meeting of the Canadian Forestry Pest

Control Forum held in Ottawa on November 19, 1974.

R.J. Wiseman and W.J. Bruce attended, and participated in, a meeting of the Churchill Falls Rod and Gun Club on November 29, 1974.

On October 17, 1974, B.R. Bauld and R.J. Wiseman had discussions with Mr. C.R. Elliott of Canadian-British Consultants Limited on the impact on fish resources of expansion of the existing Stephenville industrial water supply. The principal resource affected would be the Harry's River Atlantic salmon population.

W.J. Walsh, M. Farwell, and A. Jamieson attended a Classification

Evaluation Training Course at the Battery Motel, St. John's, during

November 5-7, 1974. The course was offered by Environment Canada's

Personnel Services.

C. Morry, R. Porter, and C.E. Button attended the Annual Meeting of the Atlantic Chapter of the Canadian Society of Environmental

Biologists held in Corner Brook, October 30-November 2, 1974. C.

Morry chaired a Fisheries workshop on November 1, dealing with industrial development - fisheries conflicts.

R.J. Wiseman attended the annual C.C.F.F.R. and C.S.E.B. meetings held in Vancouver, January 6-8, 1975.

During December 17-18, F.A. Day, R.F. Burfitt and W.N. Batten participated in a First Aid Course given by the Saint John

Ambulance.

W.H. Lear and D. Waldron attended the Annual Meetings of the

Canadian Conference on Freshwater Fisheries Research and the Canadian

Society of Environmental Biologists held at Vancouver during January

6-7 and 8, respectively.

W.H. Lear visited Freshwater Institute, Winnipeg, on January 9.

L. Coady attended a P.S.C. Course on Management by Objectives, in January. Resource Development Branch

Activity Report

October - January, 1975

Development Group Activities Exploit's-Indian Development Unit: M. Farwell J. Davis

Spawning activities at both channels commenced in early October.

At Noel Paul's Brook, 267 females are estimated to have deposited approximately 608,000 eggs. Spawning was completed in early November and all fish were tagged prior to release in the river. The facilities were then secured for the winter.

At Indian River, 297 females spawned in the channel between

October 17 and November 15. After spawning was completed all kelts were tagged and released. The females are estimated to have deposited

some 615,000 eggs. The channel was then secured for the winter.

Weekly checks on temperature, water and eggs, at both channels have been carried out since the end of November.

In January a check on ice covers and water temperature was made at

Noel Paul's Brook prior to the installation of the new incubation

facilities next summer.

Analysis of data has been carried out in the office since the end

of field activities. A reorganization of the projects filing system

has also been initiated in order to reflect this spring's amalgamation

of the previous two Units.

Newfoundland River Development Unit: T.R. Porter T.C. Anderson

The activities of this Unit were centred around completing the

Stream Catalogue for insular Newfoundland and the 1973 Stream Inventory

Report for Labrador rivers. Both of these have been published. A spawning survey was conducted with the co-operation of the Conservation and Protection Branch on St. Genevieve River and on two tributaries of

Torrent River. Analysis of data collected during the 1974 field season was initiated. These included age composition of smolt and adult salmon collected on Western Arm Brook and at salmon angling camps in Labrador; and data collected during the stream surveys..

Special Projects Unit: V. Pepper B. Moores

Kelt Reconditioning

Of the 37 adult salmon kelts transferred to the M.S.R.L. in the fall of 1973, 11 survived a full year of confinement. Five of these fish

(all females) showed marked improvement in overall condition. Although vitellogenesis occurred in three of these females, there was no gonad maturation evident among males. None of the 'reconditioned' kelts

spawned. Except for one female, all 1973 kelts were sacrificed for

autopsy on November 29.

Forty salmon kelts (27 females & 13 males) were transferred to the

M.S.R.L. on November 22. Although all specimens were active unti mid-

December , this activity decreased with decreasing water temperatures.

Feeding activity also ceased at this time. The fresh to saltwater

transition was begun in early December. Saltwater supply difficulties, experienced at the end of December, severly stressed the kelts by interruptions to the water supply and supersaturation with nitrogen. The combination of water supply problems and stress, mediated by the transition to a marine environment, resulted in 20 mortalities during the first two weeks of January. None of the dead kelts had the silver coloration characteristic of adaptation to the marine environment. At the end of January, there were 17 anadromous salmon kelts remaining at the marine lab. Since January 24, water temperature in the kelt holding tank has been regulated to 4 ° C.•

Landlocked and Anadramous Salmon Studies

During the first three months of confinement for the ouananiche now held at the M.S.R.L., there have been two mortalities.

The thirteen ouananiche plus eleven anadromous salmon taken to the marine lab in late October were stripped of their reproductive products on November 4. Seven separate fertilizations were made including hybridizations between the two salmon forms. Total mortalities among

eggs to the end of January were 5.57.. The remaining eggs are eyed.

Blood Sampling Program

The results of serum gonadotropin analyses, of Noel Paul's and

Indian River salmon, show a marked cycle in hormone levels. A sharp

increase in serum gonadotropin level occurred during the period of peak

spawning activity, then tapered off as spawning activity subsided. The most pronounced change in hormone level took place among spawning

females, males generally showing smaller fluctuations. Even at the peak of spawning activity, female Atlantic salmon gonadotropin levels are much lower than those found among Pacific salmon.

Comparison of results from Noel Paul's salmon with those from

Indian River fish suggested that Noel Paul's salmon were ahead, of

Indian River fish in their spawning cycle. Daily redd counts in the two locations confirmed this.

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES

Stock Investigations: H. Lear F. Burfitt F. Day N. Batten

Current activities involve scale mounting, age reading and analysis of size and age data collected from commercial catches of

Atlantic salmon from Conception Bay, Trinity Bay, Fortune Bay and

Placentia Bay. Purpose of the study is to determine the seasonal trends in size and age composition and stock compositions of salmon exploited by the Newfoundland fishery.

During November 18-23 an attempt was made to sample Atlantic salmon taken by fishermen in the Twillingate area during autumn.

Because of very poor catches only 6 samples were obtained. Recaptures of salmon tagged as smolts in Maine and Maritime rivers suggest that many of these salmon originate from these areas and, if surviving the winter, would eventually return to Maritime areas the next spring and summer.

The total number of returns of pink salmon recorded to date is 28 as follows: 18 in North Harbour River, 5 from the commercial fishery in

St. Mary's Bay, and 5 observed in other rivers.

Statistics Unit: D. Waldron N. Oliver

Work continued on gauging and analyzing the catch effort data

from the past season. Stock Identification Unit - L. Coady - C. Best

With field activities completed for the year, the Unit has been

at work grinding, clearing and reading the approximately 1,500 sets of

otoliths collected in northern Labrador during July and August. To

ensure a high degree of accuracy in final interpretation, it has been

found necessary to have each set of otoliths read independently by two

readers. The process is, of necessity, time consuming but to date over

one-half of the sample has been completed.

A total of forty-three frozen Arctic char from northern Labrador were air freighted to Winnipeg during October, where they will be

examined by the Freshwater Institute. Electrophoretic analyses of the

sample will be carried out in a comparative investigation of char stocks

from various northern regions of Canada. In addition, the sample will

be analyzed for the following:

(i) length, weight, age, sex, maturity, fecundity,

stomach contents and parasites;

(ii) meristic and morphometric data;

(iii) enzyme variation. A further sample of twenty-five char was split evenly between the

Inspection Branch and the Biological Station in St. John's for Anasakis

and general parasitological studies respectively.

Dr. Khan of the Marine Sciences Research Laboratory kindly

consented to examine a number of blood smears collected during the

summer from commercially netted Arctic char. He has made some

interesting observations of blood parasites which may be of use to us

in segregating certain char stocks. Planning continues for the 1975 field season. A total of twenty monofilament nets have been ordered for a drift-net tagging experiment in the Nain area next season. We are optimistic, as well, that funds may become available for the construction of a temporary counting fence so that biological investigations of the char fishery may be

intensified. To this end, we are , in the process of site selection and cost estimation. The Unit's biologist visited the Freshwater Institute in Winnipeg in early December to discuss aspects of fence design and construction as they pertain to installation in northern waters.

Winnipeg's experience with Arctic char studies in the Northwest

Territories should be of great value.

A separate file has been set up in Records entitled Tagging

Investigations - Arctic char. The file is numbered 730-1-11 and con- tains all information pertaining to tagging projects carried out at

Sand Hill River and in northern Labrador over the past two years.

With increased attention to char tagging efforts in the Nain area this past summer the Unit has drafted new tagging posters and tag return form letters. Eskimo translations have also been prepared for use in northern Labrador where many commercial fishermen neither speak nor read the English language.

Prior to our char investigations in northern Labrador last summer, we made several recommendations to Northern Labrador Service Division, for improvements in the collection of catch data (purchase slips) at their fish plant in Nain. These recommendations were subsequently implemented and as slips for the past season are coded by Economics and Intelligence they are being passed over to us and information is being extracted on catch effort and relative exploitation rates along the

Labrador coast.

The Unit is attempting to obtain information on the outcome of

a spill of diesel oil which occurred in Saglek, northern Labrador, on

August 4, 1974. The spill was reported at approximately 500,000

gallons and concern was expressed that Arctic char stocks in the area may have been affected. Fortunately, no fishermen were operating in

Saglek Bay at the time of the spill, and little or no effect appears to

have been felt south of Saglek at either Hebron or Okak Bay. E.P.S. have advised us that investigations are still being carried out and

that a final report is forthcoming. Engineering Group

Group activities for the period consisted of the supervision of construction projects throughout the province. Most projects have now been completed.

CONSTRUCTION and WORKS: B.R. Bauld E. Tulk B. Flynn

Exploit's River Development Program

Grand Falls Fishway and Collection Facilities

The major contract has been completed on this project as well as several smaller contracts involving installation of guard railings to ensure the safety of the public and the employees.

Final quantities and costs have not been agreed upon with the

Canadian Surety Company. Meetings have been held and correspondence exchanged and it is hoped that agreement will be reached shortly.

Further contracts will be carried out next year to complete the first phase of the project.

Investigations and design work has been carried out during the last month or so for the proposed incubation boxes which are proposed for the Exploit's River program. Several locations have been pro- posed but it looks like the best location is Noel Paul's Brook

Spawning Channel. Design will be continued during the coming months with the hope that construction can be carried out during the summer.

Lake Access Road, Avalon Peninsula

The contractor, Hyne's Construction Co. Ltd., continued work on this project located at Southwest Pond, Salmonier Line. The contract is 95% complete with just the launching ramp and toilet facilities to be installed next year. Much time was lost on this project due to extremely wet weather being experienced during October and November.

Investigations and surveys are being carried out at several locations with the idea of constructing another access road next year.

Miscellaneous

The Engineering Group, in conjunction with the Water Resources

Group, reviewed plans for highway, water and sewerage installations, and bridged, which were submitted during the period.

The Chief Engineer attended numerous meetings in connection with the Newfoundland Environment Centre which is proposed for St. John's.

Staffing efforts continued during the period to fill several vacant positions in the Group. We have been successful in recruiting an EG-ESS-7. He will report for duty in early March. Interviews were held at the University forthe two Engineer positions in late January.

Offers have been sent out by the P.S,C. to two candidates.

Technician Tulk was on leave without pay for several weeks during the period.

R. Fitzpatrick is presently on furlough leave, having completed

20 years with the Department.

Glenn Ford returned as our co-operative engineering student, in

January. He replaced M. Balodis who has returned to university.

Annual appraisals have been completed for the professionals of

the Branch. The Technicians will be appraised in the next two month period. Price (Nfld.) Pulp and Paper Co. Ltd. continued work on the con- struction of fishways at Goodyear's Dam on the Exploit's River.

Personnel visited the project and gave assistance as required. RECREATIONAL FISHERIES AND HABITAT MANAGEMENT GROUP

October, 1974.

The formal amalgamation of the Recreational Fisheries and Water

Resources Groups became effective as of October 1, 1974. The former objectives and responsibilities of the two Groups were reviewed and consolidated. In view of current reorganizational changes within the

Service, the new responsibilities of Water Resources Group personnel have been tied in more closely to the area of fisheries management as opposed to "water resources" or "environmental assessment". For general information the new Group's organizational chart together with brief statements of objectives and responsibilities are included. The Group objective is to manage the inland sport fish resource of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador through implementation of programs in resource assessment, evaluation, development, enhancement, rehabilitation and protection.

Lake and Reservoir Fish Stock Management Unit

The main objectives of this Unit are to determine the immediate and long term effects of reservoir formation on existing fish stocks, to document the extent of the sport fish resource in our reservoirs and large lakes, and to develop management schemes for the effective and rational use of these fish resources. Responsibility areas include:-

- conduct of linmological and resource inventories

within the province's larger lakes and reservoirs;

- determine the exent of productivity changes in

reservoirs; - documentation of chanz,:s in ecology of reservoir

fish stocks;

- development of a multi-use rationale for reservoirs with respect to fish stocks.

Recreational Fisheries Statistics and Evaluation Unit

This Unit has as its major objective to document the status of recreational fishing in the inland waters of Newfoundland and Labrador and to provide significant input to the effective management and development of sport fisheries. Responsibility areas include:-. - provision of descriptive data on major fisheries;

- development of on-going data generation programs for sport fisheries;

- conduct of sport fishery evaluations; - design programs to promote sport fishing;

- conduct evaluations of various Group development and management programs.

Metro-Area Sport Fish Management Unit The overall objective of this Unit is to evaluate the demand and harvest of the fishery conducted near the metro-area in relation to the existing resource base, and to implement enhancement, development, and management techniques providing maximum recreational benefits possible.

Responsibility areas include:-

- conducting sport fish resource and limnological inventory on the Avalon Peninsula; - 3 -

- enhancing and rehabilitating the resource base through forage fish introductions;

- distribute angling pressure and develop new fisheries through the construction of lake

access developments;

- provision of scientific and technical input to the general management and development of

sport fishing in and around the Metro-area.

Resource Assessment Unit The objective of this Unit is to undertake detailed assessment of fish resources where necessary for the evaluation of the impact of proposed and on-stream developments and as a basis for recommending mitigation measures where required.

Responsibility areas include:-

- conducting resource inventories in stream and lake habitats;

- provision of resource-status feed back to industrial and private developers;

- predicting responses within fish populations as a result of environmental manipulation;

- recommending and evaluating remedial measures

where required;

- providing liaison with other environmental agencies.

Resource Impact Unit This Unit's objectives are to assess and control the impact on the

resource of proposed changes in physical habitat of fish, resulting from industrial development activities, also to conduct applied research projects designed to document the specifics of such habitat alterations. Responsibility areas include:-

- protecting fish habitat from physical deterioration due to dams, logging, construction, obstruction, diversion, gravel removal, etc.;

- reviewing applications and specifications submitted by developers and recommending measures designed to prevent, or at least minimize, habitat disturbances;

- preparation of guidelines, based on the Fisheries Act, setting out good practices to be followed by

developers; - negotiating with developers with reference to suggested guidelines and application of the

Fisheries Act;

- ensuring that agreements to protect the fish habitat are "lived up to";

- preparation and distribution of public educational material on fish habitat protection;

- provision of scientific and technical advice to the Service generally.

Laboratory Services and Special Projects Unit The objective of this Unit is to provide laboratory services to the Group's programs specifically, and to the Freshwater and Anadromous

Fisheries Management Section in general; also to conduct various support

and management projects for the Group as required. - 5 -

Responsibility areas include:-

- conduct of water quality analysis for fish habitat management/protection programs;

- conduct micronutrient studies and analysis for

fish productivity programs;

- conduct any required analyses for other Programs within the A.F.M.S., as well as outside agencies

where applicable;

- implementing varied management/development projects on

behalf of the Group and Section (site location for proposed aquaculture establishment, fish distribution

and ecology, etc.). Head, Freshwater & Anadromous Fisheries Management Program B.R. Bauld, Acting

11•1•■••••••■

Leader, Recreational Fisheries & Habitat Management Group R.J. Wiseman BI-3

Lake & Reservoir Fish Recreational Fish. Metro-Area Sport Res. Assessment Res. Impact Unit Lab. Services Stocks Mgt. Unit Stats. & Evaluation Fish Mgt. Unit Unit L. Rowe & Special W.J. Bruce BI-1 Unit W.G. Whelan C. Morry BI-1 EG-ESS-4 Projects Unit C.E. Button BI-1 L. Cole EG-ESS-4 A. Jamieson R.F. Parsons EG-ESS- 6 EG-ESS-5 T.J. Wells EG-ESS-4 D. Riche EG-ESS-4 EG,ESS-6 Lake and Reservoir Fish Stocks Management Unit - W.J. Bruce - R.F. Parsons - C. Walters

During October the Unit's activities were, for the most part,

confined to office duties. Most efforts were concentrated on scale

interpretation of fish collected from 10 Mile Lake, Western Labrador. Technician R.F. Parsons assisted CFLCO fishery biologist R. Bishop in

the techniques of scale reading. Arrangements were also made to ex-

change scale samples as a double check on both parties scale reading

compatability. On October 31, the Unit biologist met informally in St. John's with Dr. A. West, biological consultant for CFLCO, T. Waters, head of

CFLCO Conservion Group, and Bob Bishop, CFLCO fishery biologist. During

this session methods of collecting and analysing data, along with the possibility of the establishment of a small commercial fishery on the

Smallwood Reservoir were discussed. Also during the month, work continued on the analysis of data

collected on landlocked smelt biology. This work is now nearing com-

pletion and next month should see the completion of all analysis and a

start being made on the report write-up. Considerable attention was paid during October to analysis of the

data on commercial fisheries feasibility on Smallwood Reservoir, Labrador.

Preliminary analysis was initiated on such parameters as catch per unit effort, species composition, size distribution, mesh size selectivity,

etc.

Recreational Fisheries Statistics and Evaluation Unit - C.E. Button T.J. Wells Two major projects occupied the Unit during October. The Unit's first publication, a compilation of salmon angling data for Newfoundland and Labrador rivers for 1973 was completed during the month. It should be ready for Branch distribution in November. The need for an annual publication of this nature has been voiced by representatives of several groups within Resource Development Branch.

The angling licence return drawing for a 14ft. aluminum boat, sponsored jointly by this Branch and the Tourism Department,

Government of Newfoundland, was given wide pre-event coverage during October through a barrage of press releases distributed to all media.

Hon. T. . Hickey, Minister of Tourism, has been asked to perform the drawing.

Sport Fishery Management (Metro-Area Lakes) - W.G. Whelan - C.M. Walsh

During the month, considerable time was spent in monitoring the construction activities at Southwest Pond in connection with the boat access development on-going at that site. During one of the trips to the site, it was discovered that heavy silting of the pond was occurring.

The cause of this silting was found to be a small tributary stream crossing the construction site into which road fill was being washed.

The problem was brought to the attention of the work crew and the problem was alleviated immediately. Also during the month all field equipment was assembled and made ready for winter storage and/or repair. A trip was made to the Bishop's

Falls warehouse-workshop to arrange the overhaul and repair of netting equipment. This work is to be done during the fall-winter period.

- 9 -

During the month the two continuous recording Ryan thermographs located at Clarke's Pond, Placentia and Soldiers Pond, T.C.H. were changed.

The Unit staff met during the month with Environment Canada photographer L. Cave, Ottawa with respect to the Unit and Group's photographic needs for reports, public information, and activity displays. Towards the end of the month work commenced on scale reading and analysis of field data collected during the 1974 field season. Resource Assessment Unit - C.J. Morry - L. Cole - D.P. Riche

During the month of October, the Resource Assessment Unit was primarily involved in analysis of field data collected during the summer at Red Indian Lake. During the period October 30 - November 1, 1974, Unit Leader

C. Morry attended the Annual Meeting of the Eastern Chapter, Canadian Society of Environmental Biologists, held in Corner Brook. The Leader chaired a study session on freshwater fisheries environmental problems in the absence of Group Leader R.J. Wiseman, who was ill.

Resource Impact Unit - L. Rowe Two weeks were spent travelling throughout the island during

October taking photographs of various environmental disturbances in- volving fish bearing waters. This work is being carried out in conjunction with the Canadian Forestry Service, who are presently preparing eco-lectures. Horse Shoe Pond on the road between Summerville and Plate Cove was extensively discoloured by siltation during the month. The silt was derived from two road construction activities in the area; the reconstruction of the existing road by the Department of Highways, and the construction of a new forest access road perpendicular to the highway's road. It was recommended that cross culverts and settling ponds be installed in the ditch on both roads. However, to date only one such system has been installed on the forest access road. Discussions with D.T.C. and Forestry officials indicate that the remaining work will be completed during 1975.

Laboratory Service and Special Projects Unit - A. Jamieson

Much of October was taken up in laboratory analytical work. All the outstanding samples for small test and heavy metals collected during the summer were analyzed. Work was also done on the continuing program at Long Harbour. Field and laboratory instruments were checked and put in good operating condition.

R.J. Wiseman, Group Leader.

RECREATIONAL FISHERIES AND HABITAT MANAGEMENT GROUP

November, 1974.

Resource Impact Unit - L. Rowe Considerable time was spent during November preparing a slide show and discussion topic for the annual Indian. River Conference.

This was the first time that the Group participated in the seminar; it was a worthwhile experience, in terms of developing co-operation between the Resource Impact Unit and Conservation and Protection.

Newland Forest Enterprises quarry operation was investigated during the month, this operation is extensively silting a major portion of Sound Brook near Villa Marie, Placentia. Water sampling was con- ducted along the system on November 27. It was found that the effects of siltation had far exceeded the bounds of the original agreement.

E.P.S. and the Provincial Environmental agency have undertaken dis- cussions with the developer and it is hoped that a flocculent will be used to aid settling.

Work began on the preparation of a handout - Guidelines for Road

Construction. This handout will be incorporated into all upcoming forest access road contracts. It is anticipated that this will re- duce the effects of this program on the fishery resource.

Resource Assessment Unit - C.J. Morry - L. Cole - D.P. Riche

Through most of the month of November, the Resource Assessment

Unit was again primarily involved in analysis of field data collected during an environmental study of Red Indian Lake, conducted during 1974. On November 19 technician Lloyd Cole, along with Fisheries Officer

Ron Dewling, conducted a spawning survey by helicopter of Coney Arm

River, White Bay. Results disclosed that spawning does not normally take place as far up the river as had previously been supposed by local fish wardens and the regional office.

On November 19 the Canadian Forestry Services annual meeting of the

Canadian Forest Pest Control Forum was held in Ottawa. The Unit Leader attended the forum which is designed to discuss past, present and future spray programs in Canada. As a result of the attendance, it was deter- mined what spray programs would be initiated in the near future for this

Province. On November 29, the Unit Leader represented the Group at a meeting between Freshwater and Anadromous Fisheries Management Program personnel, the Director General, and senior staff of the Biological Station to discuss recent developments within the Service particularly as they relate to re-organization. Also in November, technician Lloyd Cole and Biologist Chris Morry

commenced lectures for a course in SCUBA diving offered at the

Biological Station.

Laboratory Services and Special Projects Unit - A. Jamieson

During November most work centered around preparation of a report

on ten years of water Quality Analaysis conducted on the Exploit's

River system. A three day course in classification evaluation held in St. John's

was attended by A. Jamieson and proved to be most enlightening.

The Long Harbour study continued with sampling and F-analysis being carried out. Some work on suspended solids was done for L. Rowe of the Resource Impact Unit in relation with his work at Villa Marie.

Time was spent also in assisting the Chairman of the Trinity South

Development Association, in gathering information on fish culture methods, particularly for cage culture of rainbow trout.

Preparation of the end of the year review submission for the Unit also required some time during November.

Recreational Fisheries Statistics and Evaluation Unit - C.E. Button T.J. Wells

The statistics Unit has been designing and reorganizing systems for data treatment of inland waters. These changes involves the defining of data and management areas for the province of Newfoundland, initiation of inland waters species and gear or collection codes. These systems are to be submitted within the Group for 1st approval, revision, and adoption for future Group usage.

Total inland licencing of anglers has been examined by this Unit and a memorandum-cum report with recommendations will be made prior to the new year. Preparations for the reading and coding of data collected during summer 1974 have been nearly completed. This work will commence in

January.

Lake and Reservoir Fish Stocks Management Unit - W.J. Bruce - R.F. Parsons - C. Walters

During the month of November, the Unit's activities were once again centered around office duties. Scale reading of fish collected at 10 Mile Lake was all but completed and final analysis of all data was begun.

Project technician, R. Parsons, and term technician, C. Walters

were in the Churchill Falls area the week of November 4-8. They

stored all field equipment, boats and vehicle for the winter at

Churchill Falls townsite. C. Walters continued his repairing of fyke

traps and mending of gill nets throughout November.

Also during this period, most lab analysis and statistical cal-

culations were completed for the studied smelt populations on the

Avalon Peninsula. A report entitled "Some Aspects of the Biology of

Landlocked smelt in Selected Avalon Peninsula. Lakes" was also started.

Sport Fishery Management Unit (Metro-Area Lakes) - W.G. Whelan - C. Walsh

During the month of November, the Unit completed all scale reading

and back-calculation of age-growth data collected during lake inventory

work conducted in the Deer Park, Salmonier Line, and at the Horse Chops,

Cape Broyle.

Field activity during the month only consisted of changing

thermograph paper at two stations on the Avalon Peninsula and several

trips to view progress of boat access facility at Southwest Pond. By

month's end, about 90% of the construction work had been completed and

the project closed down for the winter. It is expected that the facility will be operational in time for next spring's boat angling season.

By month's end, work had concluded on preparation of a bathymetric

map of Hawco's Pond, Deer Park. Work then commenced on Oxley's and

Gull Ponds. With respect to preparation of bathymetric maps, during

November 28, maps of various Avalon Peninsula lakes were forwarded to Environment Canada's Photographic Section in Ottawa for reduction and printing. These maps are to be used as promotionial material for public information.

All field equipment was secured and made ready for winter storage and maintenance.

R.J. Wiseman, Group Leader. RECREATIONAL FISHERIES AND HABITAT MANAGEMENT GROUP

December, 1974.

Recreational Fisheries Statistics and Evaluation Unit - C.E. Button T.J. Wells In December progress was achieved in'the design of a system to record inland waters and fishery data. This project will involve a standardization of data storage procedures for anadromous and fresh- water fish species, recommended water quality parameters, and geo- graphical descriptions. A proposal for adoption of this system will be distributed to pertinent Branch personnel in late January. The Statistics Unit will be standardizing its data collection formats as much as possible such that projects may achieve a degree of continuity and require less monitoring by systems designers; hence, specialized computer coding forms have been printed for various pro- jects, including the angling licence return system and Labrador Lake sampling system. Format sheets to be used in the final draft of the 1974 Salmon Angling Statistics have been revised and printed in complete readiness for the angling data output from E & I Branch. Contacts have been made with local business firms to obtain some idea of the selection of quick mailer documents available. The use of these documents is proposed for the rapid sampling of inland anglers in 1975. The rapid mailer should perform the functions of a questionnaire that can be despatched through EDP methods at large volume, small cost, and minimal manpower requirements. Resource Impact Unit - L. Rowe

Work has begun on the preparation of the information Booklet

"Fishways" which is designed to acquaint industry and the general public with the why, where and when of fishway construction and in- stallation.

Campbellton Water Supply

The town of Campbellton, N.D. Bay submitted plans for the in- stallation of a pumphouse and well in Indian Arm River. Near the community the river forks into two branches and it was proposed that the well be located in the branch that was used exclusively by salmon.

The project received approval provided the well was located in the other branch thus in no way affecting the salmon run.

Of greater concern to the department is the Provincial Affairs and Environment Act which provides for the closure of waters re- served for water supply. Discussion with officials of the Provincial

Environment Agency insures that they will not be prepared to prohibit salmon fishing on the River. The agreement of the Community Council in this regard was also stipulated as a condition of project approval. Victoria Water and Sewer Systems

The town of Victoria, Carbonear, has begun the installation of a water and sewer system. The water supply will be derived from Rocky

Brook. It is proposed that a small dam be built to create the reservoir.

This will not detrimentally affect migratory fish since the system is already obstructed by a hydro electric dam.

The sewer system calls for the installation of two arreated lagoons near Forest Pond, the effluent from the lagoons will feed directly into the pond. Residents of the area have expressed concern that the lagoons may pollute Salmon Cove Brook, however, the

Provincial Environment Agency advises that the system is already pol- luted and that in their opinion the sewage disposal system will improve water quality. All other information sources indicate that this type of system should not be detrimental to fish life. A research proposal regarding the system is presently being prepared.

Romaines River, Stephenville

The Newfoundland Forest Service proposed the construction of approximately 1 mile of dyke along side the river. The dyke will serve two purposes, firstly flood control and secondly forest access, through construction of a road on top of the dyke. The material for the dyke is to be bulldozed from the river bed. Since there is no spawning activity in the area, the project was approved. It was stipulated that the river bed be returned to as natural a condition as possible to prevent obstruction during low flows.

Coney Arm River was visited in early December, with F/O M. Starkes, to check on available spawning grounds. Apparently a spawning survey conducted by L. Cole was in disagreement with the Fisheries Officer's spawning assessment. The problem was merely a confusion between actual and potential spawning areas, and consequently was readily resolved.

Lake and Reservoir Fish Stocks Management Unit - W.J. Brdce - R.F. Parsons - C. Walters

Activities during the month of December were solely confined to the office. All scales collected from Ten Mile Lake, Labrador, the past summer were read and age-growth data calculated for all the species.

In addition, a start was made on the length-weight calculations for all species.

Writing of the report "Some Aspects of the Biology of Landlocked

Smelt, Osmerus esperlanus mordax (Mitchill) 1815, in Selected Avalon

Peninsula Lake" continued throughout the month, with the first draft near completion.

The repair of damaged equipment and the construction of new equip- ment along with the mending of nets was continued at Bishop's Falls by term technician, C. Walters.

Laboratory Services and Special Projects Unit - A. Jamieson

Activities during December were:

a. Methods review for phosphates and sulfate determinations,

for new programs in 1975.

b. Work on the Exploits River report was continued.

c. Second talk with Mr. Fletcher Peach, Field Work with the

Upper Trinity South Development Association, with respect to

aquaculture techniques.

d. Considerable time was spent doing a literature review of

technical and scientific papers that had collected during

the fall season.

e. The Long Harbour Flouride sampling and analysis were

continued - this being the second last month for this program.

f. Some work was begun on the bringing together of material for

the Annual Report submission.

Sport Fishery Management Unit (Metro-Area Lakes) - W.G. Whelan, - C. Walsh

During December, the Unit:

- Completed tabulating data on the inventory of trout-bearing waters of Newfoundland. On December 3, 1974, took in Ryan therographs from Soldier's Pond, T.C.H., and Clarke's Pond, Placentia. Both ponds had an ice cover of 1/2" to 3/4". Compiled data on the surface water temperatures collected from ice-out, to freeze-up, from both of the above mentioned ponds.

- Scale sampled and analyzed stomach contents of 200 landlocked smelt collected from Hawco's Pond during the summer field season.

- Requisitioned some of the major equipment needed for next summer's field season, and completed bathymetric map of Oxley's Pond in the Deer Park. On December 12, 1974, the Unit Leader accompanied the Group Leader to view the dam at Soldier's Pond which has recently been reconditioned by Nfld. Light and Power Co. Also, had a look at

Southwest Pond's new access road, now that construction has ceased for the winter season. Several photographs of each site were taken.

Resource Assessment Unit - C.J. Morry, - L. Cole, - D.P. Riche

The month of December found the Resource Assessment Unit at

Headquarters in St. John's. No field investigations were undertaken and no meetings outside of the Branch were attended. Progress was made on analysis of data collected at Red Indian Lake during the summer.

Also the age-growth determinations were done for fish collected in ponds of the Daniel's Harbour area (Newfoundland Zinc Mines leased land). Finally, following meetings and correspondence with members of the Newfoundland Game-Fish Protection Society, an agreement was reached and plans made concerning the carrying out of a qualitative survey of the Society's two fish culture ponds, Murray's and Butler's Ponds.

R.J. Wiseman, Group Leader. Recreational Fisheries and Habitat Management Group

January, 1975

Lake and Reservoir Fish Stocks Management Unit - W.J. Bruce - R.F. Parsons - C. Walters

During the month of January, this Unit's activities were confined

to the office. All statistical analyses on age and growth data for

the different fish species in Ten Mile Lake were completed. In addition

a start was made on the food analysis of these same species and a draft

describing the Ten Mile Lake project and results was prepared for the

Annual Report.

All laboratory work for the landlocked smelt population study was

completed with the x-raying of 40 fish, 20 each of the large and small

smelt races. Vertebrae counts from these x-rays along with gill raker

counts and four morphological ratios were used in comparing the two

races. Much progress was made in the writing of this report which

should be completed in early February.

A start was made on the analysis of the experimental gill net catches

for the past summer at Lobstick Lake, Smallwood Reservoir. Most of these results will be presented in the Annual Report.

Work in the form of making new nets, mending torn nets, and con- structing new field equipment, was continued at Bishop's Falls by term technician, C. Walters. Recreational Fisheries Statistics and Evaluation Unit - C. Button - T. Wells

The bulk of available time in the month of January was occupied with the design of coding systems and the actual processing of raw data obtained from the Nfld. and Labrador Inland Fishery licence returns and the sport fishing camp surveys conducted in Labrador during summer 1974.

On the basis of the quality and further need for this type of information, it is recommended that the angling licence return system be implemented once again in 1975. Small corrections have already been made in the design of the return itself for this year. Guiding personnel at the sport fishing trout camps in Labrador provided a large amount of very economical information (ie $.50 per processed fish) over a wide geographical area. Any similar survey conducted by personnel of this agency would be a manpower intensive project.

Some camps were not as helpful as others through problems in obtaining guides and invariably the less cooperative camps were those with which no personal contact was made. Though analysis of all data from these camps has not been completed due to man hour restrictions, it is recommended that a continuance and one year expansion of this system be implemented for 1975, bringing data collection kits to all Nfld. and Labrador Trout fishing camps.

Negotiations are now being conducted with a local computer service

Company to further analyse the 1974 salmon sport data. A print out of this raw information was supplied earlier this month. The completion of design for an inland waters data collection system for this province has been slowed due to the tardy supply of maps and charts from another government agency.

C.E. Button visited R.D. branch, Halifax, N.S. in late January to confer on the design of inter-provincially compatible inland waters data filing systems.

Laboratory Services and Special Projects Unit - A. Jamieson

A considerable amount of time was spent in compiling material for the Annual Report. The gathered material will also be used in reports on projects done during the past year.

A number of days were spent during the month in assisting J. Power, of the Records Section, in setting up a new filing system for the Service.

The Upper Trinity South Development Association Project on the feasibility of a commercial trout rearing operation, was looked into in some depth during January. A two-day trip was made to Trinity Bay to assess the proposed site for the pilot project to rear rainbow trout in cages in brackish water and for salt water.

The final sampling run for the Long Harbour Fluoride Study was carried on during the month. This project is now in the process of being written up.

Time was used near the end of the month to research the literature for the projects that are being planned for the 1975 field season. A field trip with R. Wiseman on January 20, 1975 located the sampling stations for a road-salt study on ponds in the vicinity of highways.

Other items

(1) Heavy metals analysis.

(2) Small number of other water analysis.

(3) Gathered and reported temperature data on Blue Pinnon Barachois for V.R. Taylor, in connection with the proposed Fish Culture Establishment.

(4) Preparing project proposals for 1975 field season.

Resource Assessment Unit - C.J. Morry - D.P. Riche - L. Cole

The month of January was spent at Branch headquarters in St. John's analysing data collected at Red Indian Lake during the summer field season. Progress was made in the preparation of drawings and illustrations for both the Branch Annual Report and the Technical Report on Red Indian

Lake.

Project biologist Chris Morry and technician Lionel Rowe of the

Resource Impact Unit spent two days in Labrador inspecting forest operations, surveying the stretch of the Lower Churchill River to be studied in the coming summer, and meeting with provincial and federal forestry and fisheries officers in Goose Bay.

Technician Lloyd Cole and biologist Chris Morry continued their course work towards A.C.U.C. (Association of Canadian Underwater Courses) accreditation in SCUBA diving.

Metro-Area Sport Fishing Management Unit - W.G. Whelan - C.M. Walsh

Activities during the month of January included: - Submitted the Unit's summary of last year's work accomplish-

ments for inclusion in the Branch's Annual Report.

- W.G. Whelan participated in the Scuba diving course, sponsored

by Environment Canada, that was instructed by an employee of

the Department's Biological Research Station.

- C. Walsh made a field trip to Bishop's Falls and Bay L'Argent to check on the progress of the repairs and maintenance being

carried out on fish catching equipment.

- Analysis of a smelt sample collected from Hawco's Pond during" last summer's field program was carried out, with aging and

back calculation data being completed for a data report.

- Made preliminary inquiries about the commencement of plans, and engineering surveys, for the construction of the boat

launching-access road site to be undertaken during 1975.

- Arranged albums of work-related enlarged color photographs, and arranged to have several enlargements framed to hang in

the hallway, to enhance public relations with visitors.

- Talked with a representative of the Dept. of Tourism, Parks Division and provided enlarged color display pictures of trout, that will be displayed in the Provincial Parks new

Information Centers now under construction.

Resource Impact Unit - L. Rowe

Burgeo Road Plans were reviewed for a 10 mile section of the Burgeo Road from

Top Pond Brook toward King George IV Lake. Recommendations were made concerning siltation and culvert placement.

Bridge - Colinet River

Along with representatives of the Newfoundland Forest Service and W. Davis of Conservation and Protection, the site was inspected.

The crossing area coincides with a spawning area. Consequently, the following recommendations were made:

1. The bridge span should be long enough to cross the

whole of the main channel;

2. Heavy equipment operations are to be confined to the

immediate area of the bridge, and under no circum-

stances will machinery be permitted to enter the

stream unless supervised directly by Fisheries personnel;

3. Ground vegetation must not be completely removed from

the right-of-way on either side of the river;

4. All fill slopes near the river must be stablized,

either by abutment wings or coarse granular material

to prevent erosion and washout;

5. Ditch drainage must be diverted to vegetated area to

permit settling of sediment;

6. Construction of the bridge can not begin until after

June 15 and must be completed prior to August 1.

During this period the construction activity will not

affect the emergence of fry or the upstream migration

of adult salmon; and

7. The Resource Impact Unit should have a person on site during the construction to ensure adherence to the

recommendations.

Victoria Sewerage System

This proposal calls for the outfalling of primary treated sewerage into Salmon Cove River. A letter was written to the consulting engineers stating that the Department is concerned that eutrophication may occur and that it is preferable that the effluent be discharged into salt water.

Several meetings were held with provincial environment officials and the community council of Salmon Cove, respecting the project.

Sawdust dumping Hickman's Harbour

A complaint was received from a resident of Hickman's Harbour stating that the dumping of saw dust and chaff into the harbour was detri- mentally affecting his fishing operation. Accompanied by W. Davis of C & P and T. Matthews of provincial environment I met with the sawmill operators concerned. The intent of the meeting was to reach some agreement on the removing of saw dust from areas where it could enter water. No agreement was reached at that time; however, it was agreed that the operators discuss the situation and try to find a solution which could be discussed in a future meeting.

Eco-lectures During the month meetings were held with Dr. F. Pollett of the

Canadian Forestry Service and David Quinton of the C.B.C., concerning the production of two eco-lectures, one designed to aquaint school children

and the public with the resources and environment of the province; the

other, regarding the impact of man's activities on the environment.

These audio-visual presentations are to be a joint production of the Canadian Forestry Service and the Fisheries and Marine Service. Draft scripts have already been prepared and photography material is presently being selected. No decision has yet been made with respect to final format or method of distribution.

Labrador Linerboard Operations - Goose Bay

Early in January I travelled to Goose Bay at the request of F/O

R. Simmons. Cutting operations were viewed from the air, however, snow' cover prevented a detailed overview.

Labrador linerboard is cutting under a special permit from the

Newfoundland Forest Service. A meeting with Unit Forester, R.D. Mercer, resulted in the future inclusion of fishery guidelines into the permit.

This will provide for better protection of the inland fishery resource

in Labrador.

Forest Access Roads At the request of the Newfoundland Forest Service, the Unit pro-

vided basic guidelines for protection of the fishery resource from road

construction activities. These guidelines are to be incorporated into

their tender specifications for each road. This should resolve many of

the problems that have existed in the past. The guidelines are as follows:

The application of these guidelines will eliminate or minimize the

detrimental effects of road construction, on the fishery resource.

1. SILTATION All efforts must be made to prevent the entry of silt into streams

or ponds. This can be best accomplished in the following ways:

- by maintaining a vegetation buffer strip of at least 150 ft.

between the road construction area and any body of water. - push lanes and drainage must not extend to streams or ponds, but must provide for settling of sediment.

- do not back fill into streams or ponds,

- gravel or fill cannot be removed from the bed or bank of any pond or stream.

2. STREAM CROSSINGS

- Tops and slash are not permitted to enter streams.

- In stream crossing areas, ground vegetation should not be removed, only the actual road area should be stripped and grubbed.

- Minimize the use of heavy equipment in streams.

- Bridges are preferred rather than culverts.

- Culverts should be set 6-12 inches into the stream bed.

- The culvert outlet should be lined with coarse rock to prevent erosion.

- Fill slopes in around culverts and bridges should be riprapped or contained by abutment wings.

Educational Activities The text for the brochure "Recommended Guidelines for Loggers and

Sawmill Operations" has been completed, only the pictorial selections have yet to be made. It is hoped that this brochure will be distributed throughout the forest industry. Work began on a booklet tentatively titled "Fishways". The purpose of the booklet is to inform industry and the public of the Why's, When's and Where's of fishway construction and installation.

Work has also begun on the preparation of a slide show and lecture to be presented at District meetings. This lecture is to be used as part of the training programs for Fisheries Officers, Wardens and Guardians.

The first presentation will be in District 'C', early in April.

R.J. Wiseman, Leader, Recreational Fisheries and Habitat Management Group