Fish Health of Richardson (Jackfish) Lake and the Old Fort River

January 2006

Prepared for:

Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Fort McMurray, AB

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. Calgary, AB

Suite 201 – 1571 Bellevue Ave., West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V7V 1A6 • Tel: 1.604.926.3261 • Fax: 1.604.926.5389 • www.hatfieldgroup.com

FISH HEALTH OF RICHARDSON (JACKFISH) LAKE AND THE OLD FORT RIVER

Prepared for:

ATHABASCA CHIPEWYAN FIRST NATION 203 – 9913 Biggs Avenue Fort McMurray, AB T9H 1S2 and

CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LTD. Home Oil Tower – Horizon Oil Sands Project Suite 1800, 324 – 8th Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2P 2Z2

Prepared by:

HATFIELD CONSULTANTS LTD. SUITE 201 – 1571 BELLEVUE AVENUE WEST VANCOUVER, BC V7V 1A6

JANUARY 2006 (FINAL)

ACFN 1194

Suite 201 – 1571 Bellevue Ave., West Vancouver, BC, Canada V7V 1A6 • Tel: 1.604.926.3261 • Fax: 1.604.926.5389 • www.hatfieldgroup.com TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF TABLES ...... ii LIST OF FIGURES...... iii LIST OF APPENDICES ...... v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS...... vi EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...... vii

1.0 INTRODUCTION...... 1 1.1 STUDY AREAS...... 2 1.1.1 Richardson Lake...... 2 1.1.2 Old Fort River and Old Fort Bay ...... 2 2.0 METHODS ...... 6 2.1 COMPILATION OF EXISTING KNOWLEDGE ...... 7 2.1.1 Literature Review...... 7 2.1.2 Traditional Ecological Knowledge...... 7 2.2 FIELD STUDIES...... 8 2.2.1 Fish Health Assessment ...... 9 2.2.2 Fish Tissue Sampling ...... 11 2.2.3 QA/QC Procedures...... 13 2.2.4 Habitat Assessment...... 13 2.3 DATA ANALYSES ...... 14 2.3.1 Fish Health Assessment ...... 14 2.3.2 Mercury Concentrations in Fish Tissue ...... 14 2.3.3 Metals Potentially Associated with Uranium Mining...... 17 3.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION...... 18 3.1 TRADITIONAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE...... 18 3.2 GENERAL HABITAT ASSESSMENT ...... 19 3.3 FISH CAPTURE RESULTS ...... 24 3.3.1 Richardson Lake...... 24 3.3.2 Old Fort River ...... 26 3.4 FISH HEALTH ASSESSMENT ...... 28 3.5 MERCURY CONCENTRATIONS IN FISH TISSUE ...... 34 3.5.1 Richardson Lake...... 35 3.5.2 Old Fort...... 35 3.5.3 Mercury in Liver Tissue...... 36 3.5.4 Correlation of Mercury Concentrations and Fish Characteristics ...... 36 3.5.5 Regional Comparisons ...... 37 3.5.6 Potential Effects on Human Health...... 37 3.5.7 Potential Effects on Fish and Wildlife ...... 42 3.6 METALS IN FISH TISSUE ASSOCIATED WITH URANIUM MINING...... 42 4.0 CONCLUDING STATEMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS...... 43 5.0 REFERENCES...... 46

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort i Hatfield FINAL LIST OF TABLES

Table 2.1 Size classes for target fish species sampled for mercury analysis...... 12

Table 2.2 Fish mercury screening criteria and guidelines for consumption and protection of human health...... 16

Table 3.1 Timeline for dominant fishing activities in Richardson Lake area by Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation members...... 19

Table 3.2 Timeline of physical features present in the Richardson Lake area...... 19

Table 3.3 Fish capture results (gillnet sampling), Richardson Lake, July and August 2005...... 26

Table 3.4 Fish capture results (gillnet sampling only), Old Fort River/Bay, July and August 2005...... 27

Table 3.5 Incidence of external and internal health abnormalities observed in fish captured at Richardson Lake and Old Fort River, July and August 2005...... 31

Table 3.6 Taxonomic identification of parasites of fish collected from Richardson Lake and Old Fort River/Bay, 2005...... 33

Table 3.7 Total mercury concentrations (mg/kg) in the tissues of fish from Richardson Lake and Old Fort River/Bay...... 35

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort ii Hatfield FINAL LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1 Overview of study area and the surrounding Peace-Athabasca Delta...... 3

Figure 1.2 Jackfish camp near the confluence of Jackfish Creek and Big Point Channel, July 2005...... 5

Figure 1.3 Moose Point in Old Fort Bay, July 2005...... 5

Figure 2.1 ACFN field guides, Arsene Berneille for Old Fort (left) and Rene Bruno at Richardson Lake (right) during the field programs, 2005...... 8

Figure 2.2 Gillnet sampling in the Old Fort River, July 2005...... 10

Figure 2.3 Deployment of water temperature data logger in Richardson Lake, July 2005...... 13

Figure 3.1 Water quality and site habitat assessment location in the Maybelle River, July 2005...... 21

Figure 3.2 Aerial photograph of northwest corner of Richardson Lake near a traditional fishing area for northern pike, August 2005...... 21

Figure 3.3 One of two log jams, located on the Richardson River, August 2005...... 22

Figure 3.4 Log jam located on the Old Fort River, July 2005...... 23

Figure 3.5 Big eddy in Old Fort River, August 2005...... 24

Figure 3.6 Species composition of Richardson Lake based on gillnet sampling, July and August 2005...... 25

Figure 3.7 Northern pike (jackfish) captured during targeted angling at Old Fort River, July 2005...... 27

Figure 3.8 Species composition of Old Fort Bay based on gillnet sampling, August 2005...... 28

Figure 3.9 Condition, liver-somatic index and gonad-somatic index for fish collected from Richardson Lake and Old Fort River/Bay, July and August 2005...... 30

Figure 3.10 Internal view of fish during dissection and internal health assessment, July 2005...... 32

Figure 3.11 Focal discolouration of a fish liver during an internal health assessment, July 2005...... 32

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort iii Hatfield FINAL Figure 3.12 Example of parasites observed in lake whitefish collected in Old Fort Bay, August 2005...... 34

Figure 3.13 Relationship between total mercury in muscle tissue and liver tissue in northern pike, Richardson Lake and Old Fort River/Bay, 2005...... 36

Figure 3.14 Relationship of fish length and mercury concentration in muscle tissue, Richardson Lake and Old Fort River/Bay, July and August 2005...... 38

Figure 3.15 Mercury concentrations in lake whitefish muscle collected from Richardson Lake and Old Fort River/Bay in 2005, relative to lake whitefish muscle from other regional waterbodies...... 39

Figure 3.16 Mercury concentrations in walleye muscle collected from Richardson Lake and Old Fort River/Bay in 2005, relative to walleye muscle from other regional waterbodies...... 40

Figure 3.17 Mercury concentrations in northern pike muscle collected from Richardson Lake and Old Fort River/Bay in 2005, relative to northern pike muscle from other regional waterbodies...... 41

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort iv Hatfield FINAL LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix A1 Information gathered regarding Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Richardson Lake and Old Fort River areas, ACFN Elders Meeting, July 5, 2005

Appendix A2 Fishing effort and habitat quality information, Richardson Lake and Old Fort River/Bay, July and August 2005

Appendix A3 Summary statistics and raw data for fish sampled in Richardson Lake and Old Fort River/Bay, July and August 2005

Appendix A4 Results of mercury analyses (Flett Research Ltd.)

Appendix A5 Results of radionuclide and selenium analyses (Saskatchewan Research Council)

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort v Hatfield FINAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This fish health study was undertaken for the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN) by Hatfield Consultants Ltd. The project was coordinated by Ms. Lisa King and Mr. Pat Marcel of ACFN. Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (CNRL) provided financial support for the project, as well as technical input from Ms. Janice Linehan and Ms. Joanne Hogg. Hatfield staff that contributed to this report included Mr. Martin Davies, Mr. Dan Moats, Mr. Chad Doherty and Ms. Melanie Ptashynski. Mercury analyses were undertaken by Dr. Robert Flett of Flett Research Ltd. (Winnipeg, MB). Fish aging services were provided by Mr. Paul Graveline of North/South Consultants Ltd., also of Winnipeg.

Hatfield personnel were provided excellent field support by ACFN Elders Mr. Charlie Voyageur, Mr. Rene Bruno and Mr. Arsene Berneille, whose extensive knowledge and skills were essential to the success of this program.

We would like to thank the other ACFN Elders who contributed their knowledge and wisdom to the program through participation in the Elders workshop in Ft. Chipewyan on July 5, 2005, including Arsene Bernaille, Margaret Simpson, Albert Voyager, Allan Adam, John Marcel, Rene Bruno, Charlie Voyager, Alec Bruno, Charlie Mercredi, Pat Marcel, and Janet Dashcevich.

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort vi Hatfield FINAL EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN) has a long tradition of resource use in the Lake Athabasca and Athabasca River delta regions, and depends on healthy fish populations to support traditional ways of life and their contemporary needs. ACFN is concerned about fish health in this region, due to increasing industrial development and other activities in upstream areas. Therefore, ACFN, with support from Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (CNRL), contracted Hatfield Consultants Ltd. to assess the health of large- bodied fish in two traditional fish harvesting areas, Richardson (Jackfish) Lake in the Athabasca River and the Old Fort River/Old Fort Bay area in Lake Athabasca.

Fish collections, supported by habitat investigations, were undertaken in these waterbodies in July and August 2005. These activities were supported in the field by ACFN Elders, who as a group also helped to plan and focus this study through discussion of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) about fish and fishing in these areas. Fish species of specific importance to ACFN culture and livelihoods were targeted in both areas, namely lake whitefish, goldeye, walleye and northern pike. Fishing primarily involved the use of gillnets and angling. Captured fish were measured and assessed for various external and internal health variables; tissues (muscle and liver) from fish of all species were then delivered to a qualified laboratory for analysis of mercury concentrations. In addition, tissues from one northern pike collected from the Old Fort River were assessed for radionuclides and metals associated with uranium mining, given the occurrence of a decommissioned uranium mine in the headwaters of the Old Fort (Douglas) River system.

Generally, fish of all species were much more abundant in Richardson Lake than the Old Fort River/Bay area, with catch per unit effort approximately three times higher in Richardson Lake. Lake whitefish were the most commonly captured species in both areas; goldeye were common in Richardson Lake but absent from Old Fort River/Bay. Generally, fish from Richardson Lake exhibited fewer external or internal abnormalities, including fewer parasites, than those from the Old Fort area. Condition of lake whitefish was higher in Richardson Lake than in Old Fort River; for walleye and northern pike, the opposite was true.

Average mercury concentrations in fish muscle tissue (fillets) were highest in walleye, followed by northern pike, goldeye and whitefish. For all species, mercury concentrations were higher in fish from the Old Fort area than those from Richardson Lake, and larger individuals contained more mercury in their tissues than smaller individuals. Muscle mercury concentrations in whitefish of all sizes were below Health Canada advisory levels for general or subsistence consumers of fish (i.e., <200 ng/g) from both areas. Goldeye from Richardson Lake exhibited mercury concentrations below advisory levels of general consumers (i.e., <500 ng/g) but frequently above the subsistence advisory level of 200 ng/g. Walleye exhibited a range of mercury concentrations, but most individuals contained more mercury than suggested for subsistence fishers, and most fish over 40 cm fork length (FL) exhibited concentrations over the general advisory level of 500 ng/g. Northern pike exhibited a wide range of mercury concentrations, with most individuals in

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort vii Hatfield FINAL Richardson Lake over 70 cm FL exhibiting mercury concentrations over 200 ng/g, nearly all individuals over 80 cm FL in Old Fort River/Bay exhibiting mercury concentrations over general consumer levels (i.e., >500 ng/g), and two individuals from Old Fort containing muscle tissue concentrations over 800 ng/g total mercury. Concentrations of mercury in liver were measured in a smaller number of individuals relative to muscle, and for each species were generally similar to concentrations found in muscle tissues.

Relative to 18 other regional studies of mercury concentrations in fish muscle tissue, mercury concentrations in lake whitefish in both Richardson Lake and the Old Fort area were in the middle of historical observations. Mercury in walleye and northern pike from both areas generally was higher than most other areas. Mean mercury concentration in northern pike muscle collected from the Old Fort area in 2005 (i.e., 548 ng/g) was the highest of all historical studies examined; this may be related to the generally large size of pike captured from this area.

Based on these results, it is recommended that ACFN members follow Alberta government suggestions for the Athabasca River generally, that women of child-bearing age and young children (under 15 years of age) limit their consumption of walleye from Richardson Lake and the Old Fort area. This recommendation also should apply to northern pike from these areas, especially from Old Fort, and generally is good advice for all consumers of these fish.

However, given wild-caught fish have high nutritional, cultural and economic value to ACFN members, other strategies may be pursued to reduce mercury consumption without reducing fishing or fish consumption. Where possible, smaller fish should be eaten in preference to larger fish, given smaller fish contain lower concentrations of mercury. Of all species examined, lake whitefish contained the lowest mercury concentrations in both areas, and therefore are the safest choice for consumption from this perspective.

Recent reported shifts in the fish community of Richardson Lake from dominance by whitefish to dominance by goldeye may have health implications to ACFN members if whitefish consumption is replaced by consumption of goldeye, which generally have higher mercury burdens.

A preliminary assessment of radionuclides (uranium and radium) and selenium in the flesh and bones of fish in the Old Fort River, using a single, large northern pike, suggests that uranium concentrations in fish from the Old Fort River may be higher than those from Lake Athabascsa, although this conclusion is speculative without further data collection. Concentrations of uranium in this fish likely did not pose a human health risk through consumption.

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort viii Hatfield FINAL 1.0 INTRODUCTION

In April of 2005, the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN), with support from Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (CNRL), contracted Hatfield Consultants Ltd. (Hatfield) to assess the health of large-bodied fish in Richardson (Jackfish) Lake and the Old Fort River. The study was commissioned to evaluate key fish species identified by ACFN members as resources used to sustain traditional ways of life.

Since before recorded history, the Dene people of the ACFN have inhabited the region surrounding western Lake Athabasca and the lower Athabasca River and relied on its resources, as outlined by the ACFN in their history, Footprints on the Land: Tracing the Path of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN 2003a). These resources include resident fish populations of the region, particularly in Richardson (Jackfish) Lake in the Athabasca River delta, and the Old Fort Bay/Old Fort River area along Lake Athabasca. Targetted species included northern pike (known in Dene as Uldai), walleye (Ehch ui), lake whitefish (Tu), lake trout (Tuezane), Arctic grayling (Sat ie), suckers (egothechae) and others (ACFN 2003b). These species, especially whitefish, pike and walleye, continue to support active ACFN fisheries and represent important food, economic and cultural resources.

The ACFN is concerned about recent industrial developments in the Wood Buffalo Region, and over the loss of traditional lands. Sustaining their traditional ways of life depends on healthy aquatic systems, including fish populations. Changes in these environments may result from altered natural inputs into the Athabasca River system, natural or human-induced changes in water flows, dry climatic conditions and/or related lake water levels.

The primary objective of this study was to assess the health of fish populations in Richardson Lake and the Old Fort River (Figure 1.1), specifically with regard to their safety for human consumption. To accomplish this objective, two information acquisition tasks were undertaken, which provided the technical and traditional knowledge contained in this report:

° consolidation and review of existing knowledge about the fisheries and aquatic environments of these waterbodies; and

° assessment of current fish health in these water bodies.

Existing fisheries and associated aquatic environmental information for these waterbodies was consolidated from existing literature and data sources, and from ACFN traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), which was identified during a pre-field meeting with ACFN Elders, and over the course of this study through ongoing discussions with ACFN representatives.

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 1 Hatfield FINAL 1.1 STUDY AREAS

This study assesses fish health at two discrete sampling areas, which were identified by the ACFN in the project terms of reference:

° Richardson (Jackfish) Lake, including Jackfish Creek (Figure 1.2); and

° Old Fort River and Old Fort Bay on Lake Athabasca (Figure 1.3).

Specific sampling locations within each study area were selected using input gained during consultation and discussions with ACFN elders. This approach ensured traditional knowledge and technical considerations were incorporated into the selection process. Sampling locations appear in Section 3.

1.1.1 Richardson Lake Historically, Richardson Lake has been referred to by ACFN members as Jackfish Lake. For consistency with other recent publications, this report uses Richardson Lake throughout; however, Richardson Lake and Jackfish Lake should be considered interchangeable and referring to the same waterbody.

Richardson Lake is located approximately 30 km southwest of Lake Athabasca in the Peace-Athabasca delta region of northeastern Alberta. The lake is large (>70 km2) and shallow (max depth <1.5 m), with a bottom substrate consisting primarily of silt and other fine material, with sparse patches/bars of sand. It is thought to freeze to depth during winter. The riparian area surrounding the lake is comprised of wetland habitats, sandy beaches/dunes and groves of deciduous trees consisting of willow, poplar, spruce and alders. In 1949, the Richardson Lake Migratory Bird Sanctuary was established encompassing an area over 12,000 areas, including open water, mudflats, wetlands and trees.

The lake has one major inflowing tributary, the Maybelle River, which is located in the southeast corner of the lake. Jackfish Creek, also located in the southeast corner, drains the lake to Big Point Channel of the Athabasca River delta. During high-flow periods, flow in this outlet reverses into Richardson Lake.

1.1.2 Old Fort River and Old Fort Bay The Old Fort River enters Old Fort Bay on the southeastern shore of Lake Athabasca, approximately 45 km east of Fort Chipewyan. The headwaters of the Old Fort River occur north of Minto Lake and west of Hale Lake in northwestern Saskatchewan, not far from Cluff Lake. A COGEMA Resources Inc. uranium mine operated at Cluff Lake, in the river’s headwaters, from 1980 to 2002. The Old Fort River (referred to as Douglas River in Saskatchewan) flows in a northwest direction to Old Fort Bay, where it enters Lake Athabasca through a large wetland area located at its confluence. The bay is partially protected by Moose Point and Old Fort Point, with areas of considerable aquatic vegetation growth.

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 2 Hatfield FINAL Figure 1.1 Overview of study area and the surrounding Peace-Athabasca Delta.

LEGEND Lakes / Ponds Rivers / Streams Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo

Fort Chipewyan Baril Lake Old Fort Bay Study Area Lake Athabasca

Map Extent Old Mamawi Fort Lake Claire Lake Bay Fort McMurray ALBERTA SASKATCHEWAN

Richardson Lake Study Area

Data Sources: Richardson National Topographic Data Base (NTDB) obtained from the Centre for Topographic Information - Sherbrooke, Lake used under license. t

010205 Km

Projection: UTM Zone 12 NAD83

ACFN1196\GIS\Overview.MXD Figure 1.2 Jackfish camp near the confluence of Jackfish Creek and Big Point Channel, July 2005.

Figure 1.3 Moose Point in Old Fort Bay, July 2005.

2.0 METHODS

The project began with an initial scoping meeting on May 12, 2005, in Fort McMurray. In attendance were individuals from all involved organizations, namely ACFN (Pat Marcel and Lisa King), CNRL (Janice Linehan and Joanne Hogg) and Hatfield. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the focus and direction of the program, and to ensure inclusion of the ACFN community.

Field sampling and analytical methods used in the study were consistent with those established for the Regional Aquatics Monitoring Program (RAMP) Fisheries Program to monitor the health and sustainability of fish populations within the oil sands region (RAMP 2004a, 2005) and/or with environmental effects monitoring (EEM) methods developed by Environment Canada to support evaluations of large-scale industrial operations (e.g., mining, pulp and paper).

This study combined a review of existing information with field data collections to evaluate specific fish health measurements. Additional fish community composition and baseline habitat data were collected to support fish health observations. Specific fish health study included assessments of:

° growth and condition;

° whole-organism characteristics (i.e., reproductive and metabolic health, as indicated by internal organ measurements);

° mercury concentrations in fish tissues (muscle and liver); and

° for the Old Fort River only, concentrations in fish tissue of potential contaminants related to uranium mining, namely selenium and radionuclides (i.e., uranium and radium).

Targetted fish species were those identified by ACFN members as of specific interest or concern, generally because of their importance as food resources, namely walleye (Sander vitreous), lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis), goldeye (Hiodon alosoides) and northern pike (Esox lucius). One burbot (Lota lota) incidentally captured during the survey was also dissected and assessed for mercury tissue burdens, given this species also is targetted by ACFN fishers for capture and consumption.

In addition to these economically and traditionally important species, sucker species, namely longnose sucker (Catostomus catostomus) and white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) also were targeted for collection, given their history of use as sentinel species in studies of fish health. However, given initial catches of these species were low in July sampling, a decision was made to focus August sampling efforts on collection of additional fish of species important to ACFN.

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 6 Hatfield FINAL 2.1 COMPILATION OF EXISTING KNOWLEDGE

2.1.1 Literature Review Relevant literature and data, focusing on fish tissue mercury levels, were obtained from a variety of sources including:

° Federal and provincial government reports;

° Annual Reports of the Regional Aquatics Monitoring Program;

° Direct conversation with fisheries researchers/experts; and

° Environmental baseline documents for other oil sands projects in the Fort McMurray and area (e.g., Hatfield in-house library, ACFN, CEMA etc.). Information from these sources was extracted and summarized in tabular and/or text format, to permit comparisons of 2005 results with those generated in other local and regional studies.

2.1.2 Traditional Ecological Knowledge Local traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) is a critical source of information for understanding historical trends and temporal changes in fish populations, habitats and seasonal patterns of movement. One key to integrating TEK with contemporary Western science is to ensure the information is collected in a structured and methodical manner, and that a consensus-based decision making process is used. This approach produces information in a format that can be incorporated with existing literature, as well as provides guidance to the development of field sampling methodologies. Hatfield personnel participated in a Cultural Awareness Training session to help ensure interactions with elders and other First Nations members were held in an appropriate forum.

To facilitate conversation where TEK could be effectively transferred, ACFN and Hatfield developed and implemented a one-day elders workshop, which was held in Fort Chipewyan on July 5th, 2005. A meeting agenda and a standardized list of questions/topics were developed in advance of the workshop to help scope and guide the process of identifying key TEK issues related to fish health in Richardson Lake and Old Fort River (Appendix A1).

Topographical maps of the study areas and surrounding aquatic habitats were made available to promote discussion and to assist the cataloguing of information.

TEK is considered a tangible asset of First Nations, and the provision of this information to this study was invaluable. To ensure protection of this knowledge, all TEK collected in support of this project was treated with the

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 7 Hatfield FINAL respect and confidentiality. Location-specific TEK documented during this study is reported separately from the body of this report, to allow it to be excluded by ACFN from broadly circulated copies of the report, if appropriate.

2.2 FIELD STUDIES

Field sampling programs were conducted from July 6 to 11 and August 22 to 29, 2005, in Richardson Lake and its immediate vicinity, and Old Fort River/Old Fort Bay. The initial study design called for sampling in May and August; however, the timing of contract award in May 2005, and rescheduling of the Elders Meeting/TEK workshop from early June 2005 to early July 2005 due to the unexpected death of a local Elder, resulted in the May program being rescheduled to early July, immediately following the Elders Meeting.

Both July and August programs were staged from Fort Chipewyan, using a team of Hatfield researchers supported in the field by ACFN Elders, who acted as guides and outfitters and provided logistical and technical support. Key ACFN members included Charlie Voyageur and Rene Bruno, who provided support for Richardson Lake activities, and Arsene Berneille and Charlie Voyageur, who supported the Old Fort River field operations (Figure 2.1).

Figure 2.1 ACFN field guides, Arsene Berneille for Old Fort (left) and Rene Bruno at Richardson Lake (right) during the field programs, 2005.

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 8 Hatfield FINAL Much of the fishing in the Richardson Lake area was undertaken near or within Jackfish Creek, the connection between Richardson Lake and the Athabasca River, given this is where most ACFN traditional fishing occurs. At Old Fort, fishing focused on the Old Fort River in July, but largely shifted to Old Fort Bay in August, given very low catch success in Old Fort River.

To maximize project outputs and ensure objectives were met, field activities differed slightly between July and August, as follows:

° July field activities: targeted fish inventory, fish health assessment (external and internal), tissue sample collections for mercury analyses and a general habitat assessment of both Richardson Lake and the Old Fort River. ° August field activities: additional fish tissue sampling at both Richardson Lake and Old Fort River (to increase sample sizes), and expanded sampling in the Old Fort study area to include Old Fort Bay.

A general fish sampling strategy for the project was submitted for review by regulatory authorities (Alberta Sustainable Resources Development, ASRD) who subsequently issued a Fish Research License authorizing the proposed activities.

Detailed fish sampling information for each sampling campaign, including dates, locations, gear, and catch success, is reported in Appendix A2.

2.2.1 Fish Health Assessment Fish were sampled using standardized scientific gillnets (3½
[89 mm] and 4½
[114 mm] mesh), and targeted angling with a variety of lures (Figure 2.2). Specific fishing locations were selected based on information provided by ACFN elders and field guides; these sites generally represented traditional fishing areas.

Supporting data and comments collected at Richardson Lake and Old Fort River included: fishing locations (UTM coordinates, NAD83); photographs; fishing effort; water depth (m); water temperature (ºC); dissolved oxygen (mg/L and %); and presence/absence of aquatic macrophytes. Some sites were sampled during both field programs, allowing some insight into seasonal changes in habitat conditions, such as water level and temperature.

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 9 Hatfield FINAL Figure 2.2 Gillnet sampling in the Old Fort River, July 2005.

Captured fish were identified to species, enumerated, and measured for length and weight, until required numbers for health assessment and tissue analysis were met. For Richardson Lake during the July program, efforts were made within the available time allocated to collect 20 adult female and 20 adult male fish, as recommended by Environment Canada EEM guidelines (Environment Canada 2002). Due to concerns about low fish abundance in the Old Fort River expressed by ASRD (L. Rhude, ASRD Ft. McMurray, pers. comm.), lower sample sizes of n=5 individuals per species were set for collection within the Old Fort River. Subsequent expansion of sampling into Old Fort Bay during August permitted an increased number of targeted fish to be retained for health assessment and mercury tissue sampling which required submission of an addendum to the fish collection permit.

Individuals of target species caught during the inventory were examined externally for potential abnormalities, following an external pathology index (PI) approach consistent with that used by RAMP (RAMP 2005). External assessment included the examination of fins, skin, eyes, opercles, gills, and the presence/absence of abnormalities and/or parasites (Mill 1997, Goede 1993). Appropriate aging structures, were collected following procedures outlined in Mackay et al. (1990) for the development and assessment of potential age- dependent relationships (e.g., size and mercury concentration). Generally, aging structures that could be sampled using non-lethal means were collected.

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 10 Hatfield FINAL Internal health assessment index (HAI) evaluations and tissue collections were conducted on individual target fish to identify the presence of potential risks to humans, and wildlife.

Information collected from fish sampled during the July and August field programs included:

° species identification;

° length (mm) and weight (g);

° collection of a non-lethal aging structure; and

° external condition (evidence of parasites, abnormalities, etc.).

Additional information was collected from fish retained for lethal HAI and mercury testing, as follows:

° internal sex and stage of maturity assessment;

° internal health assessment; and

° organ size (liver and gonad).

Samples of parasites collected from tissues of various fish were collected at special request of ACFN and sent to the University of Saskatchewan (Department of Veterinary Microbiology) for identification.

2.2.2 Fish Tissue Sampling 2.2.2.1 Mercury in Fish Tissues Historical studies of fish tissue metal concentrations conducted in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo indicate that mercury is the only metal that consistently occurs at concentrations above those currently outlined in human health consumption advisories (e.g., RAMP 2005). Studies designed to measure concentrations of select organic compounds that may affect the flavour of fish tissues are ongoing in the Regional Aquatics Monitoring Program; however, the likelihood of detecting these compounds using current laboratory methodologies is currently limited. Therefore, mercury was the primary focus of the tissue contaminants component of this study.

Fish covering a range of sizes were collected, to assess potential differences in mercury burdens related to fish size. The following size ranges were collected for mercury tissue sample collections at Richardson Lake (Table 2.1); efforts were made to collect individuals for each species within suitable size classes outlined in the RAMP protocol (RAMP 2005).

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 11 Hatfield FINAL Table 2.1 Size classes for target fish species sampled for mercury analysis.

Species Size Range (mm) Lake whitefish 250-500 Walleye 350-550 Northern pike 450-850 Goldeye 300-450

RAMP protocols do not provide sampling size classes for goldeye; as a result, efforts were made to collect 15 individual adults per study area based on representative size ranges observed during field sampling. Mercury concentrations were assessed for individual fish rather than composite samples of tissue to provide better resolution on the relationships between mercury tissue burden and other biological variables (e.g. size and age of fish captured).

Tissue collection methods followed protocols developed for the Regional Lakes Fish Tissue Analysis within RAMP (RAMP 2005). For each fish, the muscle tissue sample (i.e., fillet) was collected above the lateral line along the back of the fish after completion of the external health assessment. Care was taken to ensure the sample had no attached skin, was handled with only clean stainless-steel dissecting instruments and did not come in contact with the outside of the fish, gloves or other potential sources of contamination. For smaller-bodied fishes (e.g., small northern pike), a non-lethal muscle sample was collected using a 4 mm diameter dermal punch following procedures described by Baker et al. (2004). In addition, liver samples from large northern pike and any burbot, were also collected for mercury analysis, as they may be retained for human consumption. Each sample was placed in a labeled sterile plastic bag or vial, and held either in the freezer portion of a fridge (Richardson Lake) or on ice (Old Fort River) until freezer storage was possible upon return to Fort Chipewyan.

Frozen samples were transported back to Fort McMurray and stored in the Hatfield freezer facility pending submission to the analytical laboratory. Mercury analyses in fish tissues were undertaken by Flett Research Ltd. of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Mercury analyses were conducted on tissue samples from individual fish; no composite samples were created or analyzed. Raw mercury data for each fish tissue sample analyzed appear in Appendix A4.

2.2.2.2 Radionuclides and other Metals in Fish Tissues Following project initiation, concerns were raised by ACFN members about possible effects of historic uranium mining at Cluff Lake (now decommissioned) on downstream water quality and fish health in the Old Fort River. Therefore, one large northern pike captured in Old Fort River in August 2005 (the only northern pike was caught within the Old Fort River in August) was submitted whole to the Saskatchewan Research Council (Saskatoon, SK) for the analysis of radium-226, uranium, and selenium in fish skeletal tissue (bone) and muscle, to provide insight into possible radionuclide accumulation in fish.

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 12 Hatfield FINAL 2.2.3 QA/QC Procedures Detailed field, lab and dissection instructions were provided to field personnel and the analytical laboratory to ensure collection and analysis of uncontaminated samples from each specimen.

Unique sample identification numbers and specific analyses requested from consulting analytical laboratories were detailed on chain of custody (COC) forms with an attached cover letter. All laboratory QA/QC samples were assessed using in-house laboratory protocols to identify potential contamination and determine the precision and accuracy of the analyses. Any deviations from QA/QC criteria were identified in the laboratory reports.

2.2.4 Habitat Assessment Depth transects, in situ water quality assessment and collection of water samples for nutrient analysis, photographs, and fish habitat assessments (using standardized fish habitat site cards) were completed at multiple locations in both study areas. A portable temperature datalogger was deployed near the middle of Richardson Lake in July (UTM 493509E/6473884N, NAD83). The datalogger was used to monitor lake water temperature over study period, given water temperature may affect water quality, fish presence and fish health.

Figure 2.3 Deployment of water temperature data logger in Richardson Lake, July 2005.

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 13 Hatfield FINAL 2.3 DATA ANALYSES

All data collected from the literature review and field programs are compiled in electronic format. Subsequent QA/QC procedures were conducted (i.e., data screening) to limit the possibility of transcription errors.

External laboratory data (e.g., tissue burden and age data) were reviewed and verified, and formatted for presentation as summary tables, figures and appendices. Data storage and analyses were accomplished with Excel 2000 and SYSTAT 10 (SPSS 2002). Statistical analyses were conducted where sufficient data were available.

2.3.1 Fish Health Assessment All fish captured during the inventory were summarized by species composition (i.e., percent of total catch) and relative abundance (i.e., catch-per-unit-effort [CPUE]). Data collected during 2005 was examined in context with previous studies and traditional ecological knowledge provided by ACFN elders whenever possible.

External and internal pathology data collected through fish dissections were used to calculate the frequency of abnormalities observed in each study area. Observations related to food availability and quality, such as percent mesenteric (visceral) fat present or fatty livers, were noted but excluded from the calculation.

A variety of indices were used to assess fish health, including:

° condition factor (K, an indicator of the relationship between body weight and body length, how “fat” a fish is);

° liver somatic index (LSI, an expression of liver weight as a proportion of body weight, which estimates energy storage for a given fish); and

° gonadosomatic index (GSI, an expression of gonad weight as a percentage of body weight, indicating the state of sexual development of a specimen).

For a regional perspective, condition factor of target species was compared with regional data collected during previous RAMP studies.

2.3.2 Mercury Concentrations in Fish Tissue As described above, muscle samples (i.e., fillets) were removed from target species collected from Richardson Lake and Old Fort River and analyzed for total mercury to evaluate:

° Which sizes and species of fish contain the highest concentrations of mercury?;

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 14 Hatfield FINAL ° How do mercury concentrations in fish from Richardson Lake and Old Fort River compare to those found in fish from other lakes and rivers in the region?; and

° What is the potential risk to people who consume fish from Richardson Lake and Old Fort River on a regular basis?

Methods for each of these are described below.

2.3.2.1 Mercury Concentrations For each species of fish, the minimum, maximum, and average concentration of mercury measured in muscle in each study area was calculated, to allow comparisons to be made among species.

Graphical methods were used to visually assess relationships between mercury concentrations in fish tissues and fish size/age for each of the target species. Statistical analyses included non-parametric correlations to evaluate relationships between muscle mercury concentrations and these variables.

2.3.2.2 Comparison with Fish from Regional Lakes and Rivers Concentrations of mercury in walleye, lake whitefish, and northern pike tissues were compared to those observed in fish from other regional lakes and rivers to determine if concentrations are elevated compared to regional background levels. Data from nine lakes, including Christina Lake, Gregoire Lake, Lake Athabasca, Lake Claire, Leland Lake, Lesser Slave Lake, Sturgeon Lake, Utikuma Lake, and Winefred Lake, and seven rivers, including Athabasca River, Clearwater River, Hay River, Muskeg River, North Wabasca River, Peace River, and Slave River, were included in the comparison (more details are provided in Appendix A3).

2.3.2.3 Potential Risks to Human Health Mercury is a naturally occurring element found in rocks and soils, as well as lakes and rivers. Mercury may occur in two forms: metallic mercury and methylmercury, an organic complex of mercury. Mercury in the environment may originate from human activities, such as metal mining operations or burning of fossil fuels or garbage (Environment Canada 2004). Mercury is not used to extract bitumen from oil sands (RAMP 2004b). Metallic (elemental) mercury may be converted to methylmercury in the environment by natural bacterial action. Methylmercury may bioaccumulate in fish, wildlife and humans (Health Canada 2002), and is the form of mercury of greatest concern from a human and ecosystem health perspective.

Although the US EPA lists methylmercury as a potential carcinogen, most concern regarding health risks of chronic mercury exposure to humans generally relate to potential effects on the nervous system, including irritability, tremors, changes in vision or hearing, or memory problems (ATSDR 1999). Fetuses and

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 15 Hatfield FINAL young children are more sensitive to mercury than adults, and are at greater risk of more severe neurological effects, such as mental retardation, incoordination, blindness and problems speaking (ATSDR 1999). Human consumption of fish, particularly large, predatory fish that have high potential to bioaccumulate methyl mercury, is a key way that humans are exposed to mercury. However, it is important to note that Health Canada and others suggest that the health benefits of eating fish likely outweigh the risks posed by mercury, and that studies of communities that regularly consume fish containing high mercury levels, including the James Bay Cree (Clarkson 1998), have not found clear associations between mercury levels and health effects in people.

Health Canada and other regulators have established consumption guidelines for mercury concentrations in foods, to manage or reduce potential human exposure. Mercury concentrations in muscle of fish from Richardson Lake and Old Fort River were compared against human consumption guidelines to assess potential effects on people that consume fish (Table 2.2). These guidelines included:

° Health Canada Guidelines for chemical contaminants in fish (CFIA 2003) and exposure of Indian and Inuit residents to methyl-mercury in the Canadian environment (Health Canada 1978, as cited in Lockhart et al. 1995);

° Region III USEPA risk-based criteria for consumption of fish tissue for recreational and subsistence fishers (USEPA 2003); and

° National USEPA risk-based screening values for consumption of fish tissue (USEPA 2000).

Table 2.2 Fish mercury screening criteria and guidelines for consumption and protection of human health.

Health Canada Criteria USEPA Screening Values (National) USEPA (Region III) General Subsistence Recreational Subsistence Risk-based Consumer Fisher Fishers1 Fishers2 Criterion3 0.5 mg/kg 0.2 mg/kg 0.4 mg/kg 0.049 0.14 mg/kg (500 ng/g) (200 ng/g) (400 ng/g) (49 ng/g) (140 ng/g)

1 Screening concentration for recreational fishers are based on a 70-kg individual consuming 17.5 g of fish per day over a 70-year period (USEPA 2000). 2 Screening concentration for subsistence fishers are based on a 70-kg individual consuming 142.4 g of fish per day over a 70-year period (USEPA 2000). 3 Region III USEPA risk-based criterion for fish consumption based on a 70-kg individual consuming 54 g of fish per day over a 70-year period (USEPA 2003).

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 16 Hatfield FINAL Canadian federal guidelines for mercury in fish tissue are 500 ng/g (=0.5 mg/kg) for general consumers (CFIA 2003) and 0.2 mg/kg subsistence fishers (Health Canada 1978, cited in Lockhart et al. 1995). For the ”Occasional/General Consumer“ guideline (500 ng/g) mercury in fish, this assumes someone 2 consumes three 100 g servings of fish per week (about /3 lb. total). The ”Subsistence Consumer“ guideline (200 ng/g) mercury in fish assumes someone eating eight 100 g servings of fish per week (about 2 lbs total).

It is worth noting that some species of fish regularly sold and consumed in Canada, including shark, swordfish, and tuna (excluding canned tuna) typically contain mercury at concentrations between 0.5 and 1.5 mg/kg (500 to 1,500 ng/g); therefore, Health Canada (2002) recommends that pregnant women, women of child-bearing age, and young children limit their consumption of these fish to no more than one meal per month, and that others limit their consumption to not more than one meal per week. (Canned tuna, by regulation, cannot contain mercury concentrations above 0.5 mg/kg; this is achieved by using smaller, younger tuna for canning.)

In the United States, the Region III risk-based criterion is 0.14 mg/kg (USEPA 2003); while national criteria for mercury in fish tissue are 0.4 mg/kg for recreational and 0.049 mg/kg for subsistence fishers (USEPA 2000). The American guidelines are risk-based criteria that take into consideration a number of factors including toxicity of the contaminant, consumer body weight, and exposure rate. The national USEPA mercury criteria for subsistence fishers is approximately four times lower than that of Health Canada, and is based on more recent toxicology data and models (USEPA 2000).

2.3.2.4 Potential Risks to Fish and Wildlife To assess potential effects of mercury accumulation on fish health, mercury concentrations in muscle were compared to effects thresholds used in the RAMP program, which are based on laboratory-based studies where fish were exposed to mercury (Jarvinen and Ankley 1999).

To assess potential effects of mercury in fish tissues on wildlife that consume fish, mercury concentrations were compared to federal criteria for fish-eating birds and mammals (CCME 2003).

2.3.3 Metals Potentially Associated with Uranium Mining Concentrations of radium, uranium, and selenium in pike tissues (skeleton and muscle) were compared against those documented for northern pike and other fish collected from Lake Athabasca during the Northern River Basins Study (Smithson 1993), as well as from other sources of information where available.

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 17 Hatfield FINAL 3.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

3.1 TRADITIONAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE

The ACFN elders meeting to discuss the project, was held on Monday, July 5th 2005. In attendance were twelve ACFN elders, Lisa King (ACFN IRC) and three Hatfield staff. The meeting started with an opening prayer followed by introductions. After the prayer, video documentation of the meeting was recorded for later review.

A general review and context of the study objectives/approach was provided by Pat Marcel (ACFN) and Martin Davies (Hatfield). Information presented was recorded on data forms and maps. Two breakout groups were formed, one for each study area, to provide an opportunity to record specific information about fish presence and abundance, fish habitat, fishing locations, and other relevant local issues where possible. Areas of traditional fishing, habitat concerns and other comments discussed during the meeting are depicted on maps presented in Appendix A1.

Fishing activities in Richardson Lake/Jackfish Creek occur primarily during the summer months and extend into fall (Table 3.1). Target species during this time include lake whitefish, northern pike and walleye. Walleye fishing also occurs during the winter months through the ice near the confluence of Jackfish Creek and Big Point Channel. Spring fishing for burbot was also mentioned. In addition to the target fish species discussed, white and longnose suckers also were indicated to be present, but were considered rare. Elders indicated that the fish community in Richardson Lake has shifted in recent years, with a decline in lake whitefish abundance and an increase in goldeye abundance over time. Conversely, the opposite trend has been observed in Lake Mamawi, on the western side of the Peace-Athabasca delta, where the abundance of whitefish has increased, but goldeye have declined.

Ice cover in Richardson Lake was indicated to extend from November to potentially mid-May, with the lake being frozen to depth during much of this time. Water levels were described as very weather-dependent; however high water was typically reported to occur in the summer, while low water levels were common in the fall (Table 3.2).

Water quality was raised as a specific habitat concern. Changes in water quality were said to be dependant on natural water levels, but also were suspected to be potentially negatively affected by upstream industrial activities, including oil sands developments, municipal discharges, and pulpmills in the Athabasca River, and the decommissioned Cluff Lake uranium mine in the Old Fort River. Algal and plant growth were reported always to occur in the lake during open water periods. Concern over possible effects of increased water temperature during summer months was also expressed.

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 18 Hatfield FINAL Table 3.1 Timeline for dominant fishing activities in Richardson Lake area by Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation members.

Fishing Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Lake whitefish

Norther n pike

Walle ye1

Bur bot

1 Fish for walleye through the ice at Jackfish as well.

Table 3.2 Timeline of physical features present in the Richardson Lake area.

Physical Feature Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Ice Cover

Frozen t o depth ? ? ?

High w ater1

Low w ater1

1 Weather-dependent.

Less information was provided for the Old Fort River area than Richardson Lake, but specific locations where seasonal fishing occurs for lake whitefish and northern pike were documented (Appendix A1). Generally, the fishing area inside the bay was considered good for lake whitefish, while the deeper water habitat near Old Fort Point was good for northern pike, particularly larger individuals, and especially through the ice during winter months. In addition, the abundance/distribution of lake trout was reported to have increased, given recent lake trout catches near Fort Chipewyan have been high relative to historical levels. Between July and August field trips of this study, there were reports of parasites in goldeye from an area east of Old Fort Point.

3.2 GENERAL HABITAT ASSESSMENT

Average daily water temperature in Richardson Lake ranged from 13.1 to 21.7 C over the duration of the data logger deployment from July to August, with no consistent trends over time apparent. July water quality analysis for the lake indicated variable nutrient concentrations, including moderate total phosphorous concentrations (0.031-0.067 mg/L), relatively high total Kjeldahl nitrogen (0.6-0.7 mg/L TKN) and non-detectable ammonia (0.05 mg/L). Complementary in situ water quality collected at water and fish collection locations indicated that specific conductivity in the lake ranged from 128 to 228 µS in July and 190 to 238 µS in August.

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 19 Hatfield FINAL Depth-transects conducted across the lake during both July and August confirmed that the lake is relatively shallow, particularly near its outflow into Jackfish Creek. These transects and depth profiles are presented in Appendix A2. Deep-water areas appear locally confined to small sections of the lake, while shallow areas were more common and typically associated with aquatic vegetation. Seasonal water level changes were suggested based on differences observed between July and August, maximum depths in similar areas (>2 m versus <2 m). Visual assessments of bottom substrate (collected using an Ekman dredge) indicated that most of the lake bottom is silt and clay. Considerable suspended sediment occurred in the water column, as indicated by measured Secchi depths of 35 cm to 40 cm in the lake.

In addition to seasonal changes in lake depth, there is also evidence for annual or temporal change in the physical size of the lake. As part of the Peace-Athabasca Delta Technical Studies (1996), Richardson Lake surface was estimated from Landsat imagery periodically from 1975 to 1990. Since June 1979 to June 1990, the surface area has been estimated to have declined by 29 km2 (99 to 10 km2). Declines over the same period have been observed in Egg Lake, a nearby perched-basin lake.

Habitat in the Maybelle River was assessed for a short distance upstream from the lake. This lower river section was a continual run/glide, containing no clearly defined pools, and ranged in width from 15 to 25 m. The area had good margin habitats and a deep centre channel. Temperature (20.5ºC), pH (7.8) and dissolved oxygen were similar to Richardson Lake and Jackfish Creek; however, conductivity was lower, at 84 µS. Water was tea-coloured (due to tannins in the water), which combined with woody debris, over-hanging vegetation and deep water, provided good cover and habitat for fish.

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 20 Hatfield FINAL Figure 3.1 Water quality and site habitat assessment location in the Maybelle River, July 2005.

Figure 3.2 Aerial photograph of northwest corner of Richardson Lake near a traditional fishing area for northern pike, August 2005.

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 21 Hatfield FINAL Log jams in the former channel between the present Richardson River channel and Richardson Lake were visited, documented photographically and using site habitat cards to gather some baseline conditions prior to the reported removal scheduled to occur this winter (UTM 485209E/6475314N). The channel upstream of the first logjam was deep in many sections (i.e., >1 m, could not be waded) with slow-moving water and a width of 8 to 9 m. Deep areas, overhanging vegetation and both small and large woody debris offer considerable cover to fish. The second smaller and incomplete logjam was located approximately 100 m upstream of the main channel.

A channel cross-section of the main channel downstream of the blocked Richardson River confluence (UTM 485267E/6475485N to 485240E/6475425N) was determined to be relatively U-shaped, with a maximum depth of 2.3 to 2.5 m. The right downstream bank dropped sharply, while the left bank was slightly less steep.

Figure 3.3 One of two log jams, located on the Richardson River, August 2005.

Entrance to the Old Fort River was challenging to find due to considerable vegetation (i.e., tall grasses) and shifting channel locations. The entrance to the river started at UTM 532935E/6497148N, with the main river channel located at UTM 531899E/6497178N. The width of the river channel in July ranged from

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 22 Hatfield FINAL approximately 20 to 35 m, with an average depth of 2.2 m (1.5 to 2.8 m) and 100% sand substrate with occasional sparse vegetation. Cover consisted primarily of deep-water areas, with small amounts of over-hanging vegetation and woody debris suggesting good rearing and over-wintering habitat for fish. Spawning within the lower Old Fort River (downstream of the log jam) may be limited by the lack of larger substrate. However, some suitable spawning habitat for northern pike may exist in the flooded river margins. July water quality in the Old Fort River indicated moderately low nutrient concentrations, including total phosphorous (0.012-0.013 mg/L) and ammonia (<0.05 mg/L), and total Kjeldahl nitrogen (0.3 mg/L TKN). Complementary in situ water quality data indicated conductivity of 133 µS and Secchi depth of 1.3 m.

Figure 3.4 Log jam located on the Old Fort River, July 2005.

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 23 Hatfield FINAL Figure 3.5 Big eddy in Old Fort River, August 2005.

3.3 FISH CAPTURE RESULTS

3.3.1 Richardson Lake A total of 116 fish were caught via gillnetting conducted in July and August on Richardson Lake and Jackfish Creek. Catch-per-unit-effort (#fish/gillnet hour) and species composition (%) are summarized for each month in Table 3.3 and Figure 3.6. The most abundant species in both July and August was lake whitefish. Walleye was the second most abundant species in July, while goldeye was second highest in August (Figure 3.6). Northern pike numbers were lower in July than anticipated, but increased slightly in August. A targeted angling effort of approximately 8 hours for northern pike was conducted in July and August, resulting in the capture of one additional individual. High water levels, combined with reduced water clarity likely contributed to the poor capture success. Capture of sucker species and burbot was limited during both July and August surveys, consistent with information provided at the elders meeting. Overall, the fish community and catch success was similar in both July and August, with total CPUE of 2.85 and 2.88 fish/net-hour in July and August, respectively.

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 24 Hatfield FINAL Figure 3.6 Species composition of Richardson Lake based on gillnet sampling, July and August 2005.

A. July

Sucker Burbot 7% 1% Walleye 21%

Goldeye Lake Whitefish 18% 49% Northern Pike 4%

B. August

Sucker Walleye 3% 16%

Lake Whitefish 31%

Goldeye 28%

Northern Pike 22%

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 25 Hatfield FINAL Table 3.3 Fish capture results (gillnet sampling), Richardson Lake, July and August 2005.

July Results August Results (total effort = 29.5 net-hours) (total effort = 11.1 net-hours) Species CPUE CPUE Total # Captured Total # Captured (#/gillnet hr) (#/gillnet hr) Lake whitefish 41 1.39 10 0.90 Walleye 18 0.61 5 0.45 Northern pike 3 0.10 7 0.63 Goldeye 15 0.51 9 0.81 White sucker 5 0.17 1 0.09 Longnose sucker 1 0.03 0 0 Burbot 1 0.03 0 0 Total 84 2.85 32 2.88

3.3.2 Old Fort River The Old Fort River was the initial focus of sampling efforts in the Old Fort area, with most sampling occurring there in July. However, catches in the river were very low, particularly from gillnetting. A total of only 10 fish were caught within the Old Fort River via gillnetting conducted in July and August; catch per unit effort was low for all fish species (CPUE<0.05 fish/hour). An additional five northern pike and one walleye were captured by angling on the Old Fort River during both field campaigns using a variety of lures and terminal gear (Figure 3.7). Low abundance of fish in the lower Old Fort River may have been related to generally limited foraging habitat (i.e., sandy substrates and sparse vegetation) described in Section 3.2.

Two traditional fishing areas in Old Fort Bay, Poplar Island and Stony Point, were sampled in August using gillnets. An additional 32 fish were captured in these areas. Angling for northern pike along the shoreline of Moose Point resulted in the additional capture of three smaller individuals (47.3 to 51.2 cm FL), which were sampled for mercury using non-lethal biopsy techniques.

The most abundant species captured near Old Fort Bay in August was lake whitefish, representing 74% of the total catch (Table 3.4 and Figure 3.8). Northern pike was the second most common species, with walleye and sucker being relative rare. No goldeye or burbot were captured in August. Measured by gillnet CPUE, fish abundance was much lower in Old Fort Bay than in Richardson Lake, with a total CPUE of only 0.87 fish/net-hour, approximately three times lower than total CPUE values measured in Richardson Lake (cf. Table 3.3 and Table 3.4).

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 26 Hatfield FINAL Figure 3.7 Northern pike (jackfish) captured during targeted angling at Old Fort River, July 2005.

Table 3.4 Fish capture results (gillnet sampling only), Old Fort River/Bay, July and August 2005.

July Results1 August Results1 (total effort = 37.6 net-hours) (total effort = 36.7 net-hours) Species CPUE CPUE Total # Captured Total # Captured (#/gillnet hr) (#/gillnet hr) Lake whitefish 1 0.03 26 0.71 Walleye 2 0.05 2 0.05 Northern pike 0 0 3 0.08 White sucker 1 0.03 1 0.03 Total 4 0.11 32 0.87

1 Most fishing done in Old Fort River in July, and in Old Fort Bay in August.

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 27 Hatfield FINAL Figure 3.8 Species composition of Old Fort Bay based on gillnet sampling, August 2005.

Sucker Walleye 6% 3% Northern pike 9%

Lake whitefish 82%

3.4 FISH HEALTH ASSESSMENT Given low numbers of suckers collected in either study area during this study, fish health assessment data presented below focuses on fish species of traditional and economic importance to ACFN.

In Richardson Lake, health assessment data were collected from 21 lake whitefish, 22 walleye, 11 northern pike, and 20 goldeye. Northern pike were the largest fish, averaging 661 mm (24
) fork length and weighing 2,118 g (4.67 lbs) (Appendix A3). Lake whitefish and walleye captured were slightly smaller, averaging 395 mm (16.5
) and 462 mm (18
) in fork length. Goldeye were the smallest fish captured averaging 367 mm in length. Condition factor values were similar for the four target species collected at Richardson Lake in July and August (Figure 3.9). Lake whitefish had the highest condition factor (1.69), followed by goldeye (1.25), which were both at a pre-spawn development stage. Northern pike had the lowest condition factor, which is related to their elongated body-shape and time of collection (e.g., post-spawn). The fork length-weight relationship for each target species is provided in Appendix A3. The mean age for lake whitefish and walleye was 6.6 y and 9.6 y, respectively. For lake whitefish, condition was significantly higher and growth was significantly faster (size-at-age was greater) at Richardson Lake than at Old Fort. For northern pike, size-at-age was not significantly different between areas, although pike generally were larger and older at Old Fort. The mean age of lake whitefish average ranged from 4 to 12 years, while northern pike ranged from 3 to 16.

In Old Fort, health assessment data were collected from 31 lake whitefish, five walleye, and 11 northern pike. No goldeye were caught at Old Fort. As at Richardson Lake, northern pike were the largest fish averaging 719 mm (28
) in fork length (Appendix A3). Captured lake whitefish and walleye were smaller, averaging 372 mm (15
) and 491 mm (19
) in fork length.

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 28 Hatfield FINAL Selected fish characteristics (i.e., condition, and relative liver and gonad size) for both areas are summarized in Figure 3.9; complete data appear in Appendix A3. In Figure 3.9, relative liver and gonad sizes are expressed as percent of total weight of the fish, as liver-somatic or gonad-somatic indices. Relative liver size may be an indicator of energy storage (i.e., fatter fish have fatter livers), while relative gonad size may be an indicator of reproductive health (i.e., reproductively compromised fish may be smaller gonads).

Generally, whitefish exhibited higher condition and liver size (indicating greater energy storage) in Richardson Lake versus Old Fort; the opposite was true for walleye and pike. Relative gonad sizes were highly variable between locations and sexes. Condition factor values were similar in July and August, with lake whitefish and walleye exhibiting higher condition relative to northern pike.

Thirteen complete external and internal health assessments conducted for target species at Richardson Lake; 11 were made at Old Fort. External abnormalities at Richardson Lake, including fin erosion and skin aberrations, were considered rare with presence ranging from 4.2 to 8.6% of the fish sampled (Table 3.5). At Old Fort River, fin erosion (11.8%) and skin aberrations (29.4%) were slightly more common. Based on internal examinations, and excluding the presence of mesenteric fat, the presence of parasites (few) was one of the most common pathology observed, found in 30% of fish captured at Richardson Lake and 56% of fish captured at Old Fort River. Other than specific colouration related to “fatty” liver, which can be diet-related, the specific liver abnormalities were relatively rare in both study areas ranging from 1.5 to 9.3 % of all fish sampled. An example of uncommon liver focal discolouration appears in Figure 3.11. Also observed, but not included in the total number of abnormalities observed, was the presence of a granular heart (i.e., looking like bubbles). This was fairly common in lake whitefish from Richardson Lake and also present at Old Fort. However, the heart condition was not observed in any other species during internal assessments. Detailed information on abnormalities observed for each target species and study area is provided in Appendix A3.

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 29 Hatfield FINAL Figure 3.9 Condition, liver-somatic index and gonad-somatic index for fish collected from Richardson Lake and Old Fort River/Bay, July and August 2005.1

A. Condition

2.00 Richardson Lake females Richardson Lake males Old Fort females Old Fort males

1.50

1.00

0.50 Condition (K, g/cm3)

0.00 None captured in Fort Old Lake whitefish Goldeye Northern pike Walleye Species

B. Liver-somatic index (LSI, %)

2.50

2.00

1.50

LSI (%) 1.00

0.50

0.00 None captured in Fort Old Lake whitefish Goldeye Northern pike Walleye Species

C. Gonadosomatic index (GSI, %)

4.00 3.50 3.00 2.50 2.00

GSI (%) 1.50 1.00 0.50

0.00 None captured in Fort Old Lake whitefish Goldeye Northern pike Walleye Species

1 Error bars indicate one standard deviation from the mean. Table 3.5 Incidence of external and internal health abnormalities observed in fish captured at Richardson Lake and Old Fort River, July and August 2005.

Observation Richardson Lake (%) Old Fort River (%) External Assessment Fin erosion 5.6 11.8 Skin Aberration/lesion 5.6 29.4 Gills 4.2 0.0 Thymus 8.6 0.0 Internal Assessment Mesenteric fat <50% 39.7 11.6 >50% 35.3 16.3 Complete 11.8 2.3 Parasites Few 30.0 55.8 Moderate 10.0 16.3 Numerous 11.4 2.3 Liver Focal 4.5 7.3 discolouration Tumor/cysts 1.5 2.3 Fatty 19.4 20.9 General 3.0 9.3 discolouration Hindgut inflammation Slight 16.2 60.7 Moderate 2.9 10.7 Severe 1.5 3.6 Spleen Granular 1.5 0.0

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 31 Hatfield FINAL Figure 3.10 Internal view of fish during dissection and internal health assessment, July 2005.

Figure 3.11 Focal discolouration of a fish liver during an internal health assessment, July 2005.

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 32 Hatfield FINAL Samples of parasites collected from lake whitefish captured in gillnets set in Old Fort Bay (August 2005) were sent to Brent Wagner, a parisitologist at the University of Saskatchewan, for identification. Results of the taxonomic identification of parasites are summarized in Table 3.6. Information about potential human effects comes from Stewart and Bernier (1999).

All parasites found during the study are considered to be normal fauna, commonly found in healthy lake whitefish populations. Goldeye at Richardson Lake, especially those collected in July, frequently had few to numerous adult tapeworms in their digestive system. Tapeworms also were observed in both walleye and lake whitefish from Richardson Lake and Old Fort, but less frequently. Parasitic cysts were also present in lake whitefish collected in both study areas, and walleye from Richardson Lake, and the parasitic leech was only observed on fish collected from the Old Fort area.

Table 3.6 Taxonomic identification of parasites of fish collected from Richardson Lake and Old Fort River/Bay, 2005.

Common Potential effects on Scientific ID Comments name humans Cystidicola farionis Nematode Common in whitefish; uses the Does not infect humans. freshwater shrimp Gammerus sp. as an intermediate host. Pisicola punctata Leech Attach to and feeds on a Does not infect humans. variety of fish. Diphyllobothrium sp.1 Encysted Fish become infested by May infect humans and larval eating copepods; the parasite dogs (in intestines), but tapeworms develops into its adult often is short-lived. Can (reproductive) stage when be killed by cooking or ingested by certain fish-eating freezing to -21ºC birds. (not killed by smoking) Proteocephalus sp.2 Adult A common tapeworm parasite Does not infect humans. tapeworm of fish, particularly salmonids, with a copepod intermediate host.

1 D. dendriticum or D. ditremum. 2 Possibly P. neglectus.

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 33 Hatfield FINAL Figure 3.12 Example of parasites observed in lake whitefish collected in Old Fort Bay, August 2005.

3.5 MERCURY CONCENTRATIONS IN FISH TISSUE A total of 132 individual samples of fish tissue were collected for mercury analyses. Of this total, 121 were samples of fish muscle (fillets or tissue plugs) while 11 were of samples of liver. Distribution of samples among species was reflective of their abundance/catch success, with most samples of lake whitefish (48 muscle samples), followed by northern pike (18 muscle, 10 liver), walleye (27 muscle) and goldeye (20 muscle). Small numbers of samples from other species, including white sucker (4 muscle), longnose sucker (3 muscle) and burbot (1 muscle, 1 liver), also were analyzed. Liver samples were taken primarily from northern pike, given ACFN Elders indicated in the July TEK workshop that pike livers, particularly those from large pike, are consumed by ACFN members. One burbot liver also was analyzed. The detection limit for all mercury analyses was 2.0 ng/g (0.0002 mg/kg). Several duplicate samples were analyzed for quality assurance purposes; all duplicate samples were within 3% of the initial analytical result for that sample (Appendix A4).

Mercury concentrations found in fish muscle and liver tissues are summarized in Table 3.7.

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 34 Hatfield FINAL Table 3.7 Total mercury concentrations (mg/kg) in the tissues of fish from Richardson Lake and Old Fort River/Bay.

Richardson Lake Old Fort River/Bay Species n Mean Min Max n Mean Min Max

A. Muscle tissue (fillets) Lake whitefish 21 0.056 0.024 0.0955 27 0.082 0.029 0.173 Walleye 22 0.376 0.0443 0.780 5 0.432 0.122 0.905 Northern pike 11 0.251 0.111 0.838 7 0.548 0.161 0.887 Goldeye 20 0.283 0.0924 0.441 (none captured) White sucker 3 0.072 0.473 0.116 1 0.163 - - Longnose sucker 3 0.106 0.023 0.153 (none captured) Burbot 1 0.0873 - - (none captured) B. Liver tissue Northern pike 6 0.197 0.0344 0.838 4 0.254 0.0953 0.465 Burbot 1 0.0385 - - (none captured)

Values in bold = exceed Health Canada advisory level for subsistence fishers. Values in bold/underline = exceed Health Canada advisory level for general consumers.

3.5.1 Richardson Lake At Richardson Lake, walleye exhibited highest average concentrations of mercury in muscle tissue, followed by goldeye, northern pike, and lake whitefish (Table 3.7). Average concentrations in walleye, goldeye and northern pike all exceeded the Health Canada advisory level of 0.2 mg/kg for subsistence fishers; several individual walleye and pike also contained mercury burdens that exceeded the advisory level for occasional/general consumers. Concentrations in all lake whitefish captured in Richardson Lake were below both of these advisory levels. In other species examined (i.e., longnose sucker, white sucker and burbot), mercury concentrations were below these advisory levels as well, although sample sizes for these other species were low.

3.5.2 Old Fort At Old Fort, northern pike exhibited the highest average concentration of mercury, followed by walleye, and lake whitefish (Table 3.7). Average concentrations in walleye exceeded the Health Canada advisory level of 0.2 mg/kg (200 ng/g) for subsistence fishers; average concentrations in northern pike also exceeded the advisory level of 0.5 mg/kg (500 ng/g) for occasional/general consumers. Several individual walleye and pike also contained mercury burdens that exceeded this higher advisory level. All lake whitefish captured exhibited mercury burdens that were below both advisory levels.

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 35 Hatfield FINAL Mercury in muscle tissue of small-bodied pike collected along Moose Point were lower (i.e., 571 to 965 ng/g) than the mean concentration measured in larger pike from the Old Fort River itself. A biopsy tissue sample and a lethal tissue sample (normal fillet sample) collected from the same northern pike exhibited similar concentrations (485 and 465 ng/g, respectively). Liver concentrations of mercury from northern pike at Old Fort River ranged from 95.3 to 465 ng/g.

3.5.3 Mercury in Liver Tissue Generally, mercury concentrations in livers of northern pike were highly correlated, and slightly lower, than concentrations in muscle. Concentrations in liver approached parity with those in muscle with increasing mercury concentration (Figure 3.13). This is consistent with findings of other researchers, who have shown that mercury is somewhat mobile within fish tissues, but that it tends to accumulate to highest levels in muscle tissues at whole-body concentrations below 1 mg/kg (Goldstein et al. 1996).

Figure 3.13 Relationship between total mercury in muscle tissue and liver tissue in northern pike, Richardson Lake and Old Fort River/Bay, 2005.

1,000

900 ) g / 800 g n (

e 700 u s

s 600 i t

r

e 500 v i l

n

i 400

y r

u 300 y = 0.0161x1.5573 c

r 2 e 200 R = 0.9435 M 100

0 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1,000 Mercury in muscle tissue (ng/g)

The single burbot liver examined exhibited 38.5 mg/kg mercury, relative to 87.3 mg/kg in the muscle tissue of this fish.

3.5.4 Correlation of Mercury Concentrations and Fish Characteristics Correlation analysis identified several significant relationships between individual fish characteristics and mercury concentrations, at both Richardson Lake and Old Fort River. The most common significant correlation was between mercury concentration and fish size (length or weight): generally, larger fish

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 36 Hatfield FINAL exhibited higher mercury concentrations (Figure 3.14). Some other relationships between fish and mercury concentration were also significant, including age, although fish age was a worse predictor of tissue burden than fish size.

3.5.5 Regional Comparisons Comparison of mercury concentrations in whitefish, walleye and pike from Richardson Lake and the Old Fort River in 2005 with data from several other datasets from regional waterbodies indicates that concentrations are generally typical of regional values (Figure 3.15 to Figure 3.17). Generally, mercury concentrations in these three species in Richardson Lake fell within the mid- range of regional observations, while fish from the Old Fort area exhibited mercury burdens generally higher than other regional waterbodies. The flesh of northern pike from the Old Fort River in 2005 contained mean mercury concentrations higher than those observed from any of these other regional waterbodies.

3.5.6 Potential Effects on Human Health No specific consumption advisories exist for Richardson Lake or Old Fort River in the 2005 Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations. However, this guide does indicate that walleye from the Athabasca River are not to be consumed by women of child-bearing years or children under the age of 15. It further states that other individuals should not consume more than one meal of walleye from the river per week. However, it should be noted that the current consumption advisory was based on limited data collected during the Northern River Basins Study, which focused on burbot (L. Rhude, ASRD, pers. comm.). To date, no focused follow-up study has been undertaken by ASRD to evaluate the status of the advisory. However, data collected by RAMP, and data obtained during the current study, will continue to add to the database for lower Athabasca River and delta area.

Lake whitefish were the only species to consistently fall below the more conservative Health Canada guideline for subsistence fishers (i.e., those eating 800 g of fish/week). Average mercury concentrations in walleye and northern pike muscle tissue from both Richardson Lake and Old Fort exceeded this guideline, as did average concentrations in goldeye from Richardson Lake. Average concentrations in northern pike also exceeded the Health Canada advisory level for occasional/general consumers (i.e., those eating 300 g of fish/week). Therefore, concentrations of mercury in walleye and pike, in particular, from these areas must be considered of concern to human health, as are those in goldeye at Richardson Lake for those who eat fish frequently.

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 37 Hatfield FINAL Figure 3.14 Relationship of fish length and mercury concentration in muscle tissue, Richardson Lake and Old Fort River/Bay, July and August 2005.

A. Richardson Lake

1,000 Goldeye 900 Lake Whitefish Walleye 800 Northern Pike

700

600

500 Health Canada advisory level: General consumers 400

300 Total mercury in tissue (ng/g) 200 Health Canada advisory level: Subsistence fishers

100

0 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Fish fork length (cm)

B. Old Fort River/Bay

1,000 Lake Whitefish 900 Walleye Northern Pike 800

700

600

500 Health Canada advisory level: General consumers 400

300 Total mercury in tissue (ng/g) 200 Health Canada advisory level: Subsistence fishers 100

0 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Fish fork length (cm) Figure 3.15 Mercury concentrations in lake whitefish muscle collected from Richardson Lake and Old Fort River/Bay in 2005, relative to lake whitefish muscle from other regional waterbodies.

450 Mean mercury concentration ( thi this study)

400 Min/max mercury concentration

350

300

250

Health Canada advisory level: Subsistence fishers 200

150 Mercury concentration (ng/g) concentration Mercury

100

50

0 2002 2003 2002 2003 2003 2003 Hay River - 1990 Slave River -1990 Leland Lake - 1990 Utikuma Lake - 2003 Athabasca River (F) - Athabasca River (F) - Christina Lake - 2003 Sturgeon Lake - 2003 Athabasca River (M) - Athabasca River (M) - North Wabasca - 2003 Lake Athabasca - 2003 Richardson Lake - 2005 Gregoire Lake (F) - 2002 Winefred Lake (F) - 2004 Lesser Slave Lake (EB) - Gregoire Lake (M) - 2002 Old Fort River/Bay - 2005 Winefred Lake (M) - 2004 Lesser Slave Lake (WB) - Figure 3.16 Mercury concentrations in walleye muscle collected from Richardson Lake and Old Fort River/Bay in 2005, relative to walleye muscle from other regional waterbodies.

1,000 Mean mercury concentration ( thi this study)

900 Min/max mercury concentration

800

700

600

Health Canada advisory level: General consumers 500

400

300 Mercury concentration (ng/g) concentration Mercury

Health Canada advisory level: Subsistence fishers 200

100

0 2002 2002 2003 2004 2003 2003 Hay River - 1989 Slave River - 1990 Peace River - 2003 Leland Lake - 1990 Utikuma Lake - 2003 Christina Lake - 2003 Sturgeon Lake - 2003 Athabasca River (U) - Athabasca River (M) - Athabasca River (M) - Clearwater River (M) - Lake Claire (M) - 2002 North Wabasca - 2003 Lake Athabasca - 2003 Richardson Lake - 2005 Gregoire Lake (F) - 2002 Gregoire Lake (U) - 2002 Winefred Lake (F) - 2004 Lesser Slave Lake (EB) - Gregoire Lake (M) - 2002 Old Fort River/Bay - 2005 Winefred Lake (M) - 2004 Lesser Slave Lake (WB) - Athabasca River (F) - 2003 Athabasca River (F) - 2002 Figure 3.17 Mercury concentrations in northern pike muscle collected from Richardson Lake and Old Fort River/Bay in 2005, relative to northern pike muscle from other regional waterbodies.

1,000 Mean mercury concentration ( thi this study)

900 Min/max mercury concentration

800

700

600 Health Canada advisory level: General consumers 500

400

300 Mercury concentration (ng/g) concentration Mercury Health Canada advisory level: Subsistence fishers

200

100

0 2004 2004 2003 2003 Hay River - 1989 Lake Claire - 2002 Slave River - 1990 Leland Lake - 1990 Peace River - 2003 Muskeg River - 2004 Utikuma Lake - 2003 Christina Lake - 2003 Clearwater River (F) - Sturgeon Lake - 2003 Clearwater River (M) - North Wabasca - 2003 Lake Athabasca - 2003 Richardson Lake - 2005 Muskeg River (U) - 2002 Gregoire Lake (F) - 2002 Muskeg River (M) - 2002 Winefred Lake (F) - 2004 Lesser Slave Lake (EB) - Gregoire Lake (M) - 2002 Old Fort River/Bay - 2005 Winefred Lake (M) - 2004 Lesser Slave Lake (WB) - 3.5.7 Potential Effects on Fish and Wildlife Although mercury concentrations of walleye, northern pike and goldeye exceeded Health Canada criteria for human consumption to varying degrees, concentrations did not exceed the lowest effects concentration of 3.7 mg/kg (3,700 ng/g) for survival of fish (Jarvinen and Ankley 1999).

3.6 METALS IN FISH TISSUE ASSOCIATED WITH URANIUM MINING

Muscle tissue (flesh) and bones from a single, large pike collected from the Old Fort River were prepared for selected radiochemical analysis: selenium, uranium, and radium-226. Radium-226 was below detection in muscle tissue (<0.00006 Bq/g), but measurable in bone at 0.0005 Bq/g. Similarly, selenium was greater in bone than muscle (0.4 versus 0.24 µg/g). Uranium concentrations were similar between muscle and bone (0.006 and 0.007 µg/g, respective). These data appear in Appendix A5.

Smithson (1993) reported concentrations of lead-210, polonium-210, radium-226, thorium-228, thorium-230 and thorium isotopes near or below their respective detection limit in fish collected from Lake Athabasca. Uranium was the only radioisotope that exhibited mean concentrations above the detection limits at that time (0.000013 Bq/g flesh, 0.0002 Bq/g bone). Mean uranium concentrations in northern pike and sucker were 0.000015 Bq/g in flesh and 0.00023 Bq/g, respectively, while whitefish concentrations were higher at 0.000026 Bq/g flesh and 0.00057 Bq/g bone. Radioisotope concentrations in fish collected from the west end of Lake Athabasca were similar to those reported in fish from lakes in northern Saskatchewan not exposed to uranium operations (Smithson 1993).

The USEPA has human consumption criteria for selenium of 20 mg/kg (=µg/g) for recreational fishers and 2.457 mg/kg for subsistence fishers; its Region III risk-based criterion is 6.8 mg/kg. Selenium concentrations in the Old Fort River pike sampled were below all of these criteria.

Concentrations of uranium and radium in pike flesh and bone from Old Fort River generally were higher than those found in Lake Athabasca by Smithson (1993), and within the range of those found in fish collected from various regional waterbodies in the vicinity of uranium mines in northern Saskatchewan by Canada North (2002). However, these concentrations were indicated to not pose a toxicity risk to aquatic biota (Canada North 2002). Based on inferences from Drinking Water Quality guidelines following Smithson (1993), an individual would have to consume approximately 17 kg of pike flesh from the Old Fort River to ingest as much uranium as allowed by federal Drinking Water Quality Guidelines in 1 L of drinking water. Therefore, uranium in the flesh of fish from the Old Fort River likely does not pose a human health risk.

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 42 Hatfield FINAL 4.0 CONCLUDING STATEMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS During the 2005 surveys of Richardson Lake, the abundance of walleye relative to other species and based on CPUE, was lower than historical gillnet sampling conducted by Walker et al. (1989), when net sizes were standardized. However, this may largely be explained by differences in the timing of sampling. Walker et al. (1989) sampled during May as the objective of the study was the walleye spawning migration, unlike this project which sampled during July and August outside the spawning window. Higher northern pike CPUE was also observed in the 1989 study and may be related to seasonal spawning activities as well.

Other investigations have also studied walleye populations of Richardson Lake at the time of spawning, including aspects surrounding the historic commercial fishery on the lake, walleye reproductive biology, early life history, movement patterns and habitat correlations, as the lake represents a significant spawning area for the Peace-Athabasca Delta (Bidgood 1968, Dietz 1973, Kristensen 1979, Walker et al. 1989). The spring commercial catch of walleye from mid-May to the middle or end of July ranged from 116,790 lbs in 1965 to 207,291 lbs in 1963 (Bidgood 1966). Number estimates during the spawn have ranged from 500,000 to 1,000,000 individuals (Bidgood 1973) to fewer than 250,000 females (Ott and Sekerak 1976). These and other reports have indicated that pre-spawn walleye gather in Big Point Channel during March and April under the ice. Entry into the lake is reported to be dependent on ice break-up and increasing water levels resulting from backflow, with the actually timing of spawning dependant on water temperature. Shallow water levels at the interface of Jackfish Creek and the main lake may prevent entry. Spawning has been reported to occur in both mid-lake areas over a mud substrate (Dietz 1973), and sand bars extending from the dunes on the east shore (Bidgood 1966). Walker et al. (1984) reported that adult walleye out-migrate to Lake Athabasca once spawning has been completed. Dietz (1973) tagged 2455 walleye in Richardson Lake in late May 1972, of which 266 in total were recovered from multiple locations in the delta starting approximately 2 weeks later, and as far away as Ennuyeuse Creek and Turnor Point in Saskatchewan after three months.

Other species, have received much less directed research, however Kooyman (1972) and Kristensen and Sekerak (1976) investigated goldeye age population structure, spawning success and seasonal movements in the delta, particularly the Claire-Mamawi system. Regarding mercury concentrations in target species between Richardson Lake and Old Fort, the following conclusions may be made: ° Generally, mercury concentrations were higher in fish from Old Fort than those from Richardson Lake; ° In both areas, lake whitefish consistently exhibited mercury concentrations below all Health Canada advisory levels of concern;

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 43 Hatfield FINAL ° In both areas, mean mercury concentrations in walleye and northern pike exceeded Health Canada advisory levels for subsistence fishers; ° In Richardson Lake, mean mercury concentrations in goldeye also exceeded Health Canada advisory levels for subsistence fishers (no goldeye were captured at Old Fort); ° At Old Fort, mean mercury concentrations in northern pike exceeded Health Canada advisory levels for both subsistence fishers and occasional/general consumers; ° Mercury concentrations were consistently higher in larger fish; and ° Mercury concentrations in fish muscle tissue always were higher than those in liver tissue from the same fish.

The higher concentrations of mercury observed in walleye, northern pike, and goldeye reflect the dietary preferences of these fish. Adult walleye and northern pike are predatory feeding primarily on other fish (Scott and Crossman 1973), as was observed in this study. Goldeye consume whatever food is most readily available, including insects, other invertebrates, small fish, and frogs or rodents. In contrast, the diet of lake whitefish is comprised of aquatic invertebrates including insect larvae, clams, and midges (Scott and Crossman 1973). Because mercury bioaccumulates (increases in concentration as it moves up the food chain), lower concentrations of mercury are found in plants and invertebrates and the organisms that consume them (e.g., lake whitefish) than those found in predatory organisms like walleye or pike. Historical studies have shown that mercury levels are naturally relatively high throughout the region. Relative to these other regional studies, mercury burdens observed in whitefish, walleye and pike from Richardson Lake in 2005 were regionally typical, while those for Old Fort were near or at the upper end of historical regional observations. Based on these results, it is recommended that ACFN members follow Alberta government suggestions for the Athabasca River generally, that women of child- bearing age and children under 15 years of age limit their consumption of walleye from Richardson Lake and the Old Fort area. This recommendation also should apply to northern pike from these areas, especially from Old Fort, and generally is good advice for all consumers of these fish. Fish have high nutritional, as well as cultural and economic value, to ACFN members. Therefore, it would be irresponsible to recommend avoiding consumption of these species based on mercury content alone. However, food choices may be made that reduce potential exposure to mercury, such as eating smaller fish in preference to larger fish (particularly for walleye and northern pike), and focusing on species that have naturally lower mercury content. This strategy has successfully been applied elsewhere: Dumont et al. (1998) found that James Bay Cree who modified their diets in this way showed substantial decreases in mercury levels in their bodies, while still eating traditional foods.

2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 44 Hatfield FINAL Of all species examined, lake whitefish contained the lowest mercury concentrations in both areas, and therefore are the safest choice for consumption from this perspective. Recent reported shifts in the fish community of Richardson Lake from dominance by whitefish to dominance by goldeye may have health implications to ACFN members if whitefish consumption is replaced by consumption of goldeye, which generally have higher mercury burdens. Preliminary data regarding radionuclides in the tissue of fish from the Old Fort River (specifically, from one large northern pike) suggest that concentrations of uranium may be higher in the Old Fort River than in Lake Athabasca, potentially due to naturally high levels in the watershed or other upstream sources. More extensive sampling would be required to confirm this speculation. However, based on assessment methods used in the Northern River Basins Study (Smithson 1993), levels of uranium measured in fish flesh from the Old Fort River likely do not pose a human health risk.

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2005 Richardson Lake -Old Fort 49 Hatfield FINAL