Hay-Zama Lakes Complex Fisheries and Wildlife Monitoring 1996 / 97

submitted to:

The Hay -Zama Committee

by:

Ken D. Wright Fish and Wildlife Technician

March, 1997 Environmental Protection Natural Resources Service Parks and Fish and Wildlife i

Executive Summary

Results of the 1996 – 97 Hay-Zama Lakes Wetland Complex Fisheries and Wildlife Monitoring Project are presented in this manuscript. The project is a cooperative venture implemented by the Hay-Zama Committee (a joint industry / government / public committee designed to advise on operations within the complex). Monitoring of wildlife populations on the complex during critical waterfowl migration periods allows oil and gas production to continue until threshold levels in numbers of waterfowl are reached. The alternative, as defined by Alberta Energy and Utilities Board, is a general shut in of production for this same time period. The monitoring program was initiated in 1995/96 and is proposed to continue until 1999/2000.

This report summarizes activities for the second year of the proposed five-year program and will be distributed to all Hay-Zama Committee members. Information collected for this project will be used to direct further biological studies on the complex and to aid in the development and planning of industrial activity compatible with the needs of fisheries and wildlife. Migrating waterfowl populations during this study period were stable and well dispersed throughout the complex. Oil and gas wells were able to stay in production throughout the 1996 migration periods.

ii Acknowledgements

The author wishes to acknowledge the following individuals, agencies, and corporations for their contributions and assistance in delivering the 1996 / 97 Hay-Zama Lakes Complex Fisheries and Wildlife Monitoring project.

• Funding for the project was provided through contributions from: Alberta Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund – Buck for Wildlife, Ducks Unlimited , Granisko Resources Inc., Dene Tha First Nations, Gulf Canada Resources, Ltd., Imperial Oil Resources, Husky Oil Operations Inc., Pennzoil Canada Inc., Deep Basin Energy Inc., Amber Energy Inc., Rainbow Pipeline Company Ltd. and Crispin Resources • Technical support for project design and delivery provided by Hay-Zama Committee – Biological subcommittee - Pat Cabazas, Ron Millson, Ken Lumbis • Technical support for field activities provided by Alberta Natural Resources field personnel – Jim Rosin, Don Schroeder, Dave Moyles, Gary Shmrong; Ducks Unlimited Canada personnel – Reg Arbuckle; and from volunteers - Kim Morton, Kerry Morton, Shirley Hayday, Travis Wright, Steve Penner and Jeremy Bowler.

iii Table of Contents

page

Executive Summary ……………………………………………………………………….. i

Acknowledgements ……………………………………………………………..…………. ii

List of Figures …………………………………………………………………..………….. iv

List of Tables …………………………………………………………..………………….. iv

1.0 Introduction 1.1 Study Area...... …………...... 1 1.2 Project Background …………………………………………………………. 2 1.3 Objectives …………………………………………………………………… 2

2.0 Methods 2.1 Fisheries Study ...... 4 2.2 Waterfowl Monitoring ………………………………………………………. 6 2.3 Raptor Survey ………………………………………………………………. 7

3.0 Results 3.1 Fisheries 3.1.1 Spring Spawning Migration ……………………………………. 8 3.1.2 Distribution of Northern Pike Early Life Stages ……………… 10 3.1.3 Winter Habitat …………………………………………………… 11 3.2 Waterfowl 3.2.1 Spring Migration ………………………………………………… 12 3.2.2 Fall Migration ……………………………………………………. 13 3.3 Raptors ……………………………………………………………………… 16

4.0 Discussion ...... 17

5.0 Conclusions ...... 21

6.0 References ...... ……...... 22 iv List of Figures

Figure page

1. Location of Study Area ...... 3

2. Fisheries study sample sites …………………………………………………… 5

3. Aerial survey route for waterfowl monitoring …………………………………. 6

4. Water temperature at fisheries study sample sites, May 3 to 22, 1996 .…... 8

5. Waterfowl migration on Hay-Zama Lakes Complex, spring 1996 ………….. 13

6. Waterfowl migration on Hay-Zama Lakes complex, fall, 1996 ……………… 15

7. Location of large stick nests on Hay-Zama Lakes complex, 1996 …………. 17

List of Tables

Table page

1. Summary of gill-netting results, 1996………………………………………………. 9

2. Summary of seine haul results, 1996………………………………………………. 10

3. Summary of winter habitat investigation, February 25, 1997 ………….….……. 11

4. Summary of spring,1996 waterfowl survey …………..……………………….….. 12

5. Summary of fall, 1996 waterfowl survey …………….………………………….… 14

6. Summary of raptor nesting survey, June 15, 1996 ….………….………………... 16

7. Date and number of geese observed during peak migration periods at Hay-Zama Lakes complex, 1978 to 1996 ……………………………. 20

1

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Study Area The Hay-Zama Lakes are part of a unique and diverse wetland complex situated approximately 100 kilometers west of , in the northwest part of the province (Figure 1). The complex, comprised of over 50,000 hectares of open water, wet meadows, rivers and floodplain woodlands, is characterized by severe seasonal and annual fluctuation of water levels (Fearon and Larsen, 1986). The and Sousa Creek meander through the complex, separated from the lakes by high levees. The lake complex drains into the Hay River through the Omega River and through a channel connecting to Sousa Creek. Other systems entering the complex include Mega River, Amber River, Zama River, Moody Creek and several unnamed creeks. During spring runoff, high water in the Hay River backs up the Omega River and Sousa Creek, filling the complex. After peak runoff the complex slowly discharges via these same drainages. By mid-summer some of the large basins recede into vast grasslands. An important staging and nesting area for waterfowl and shorebirds, the complex also supports a great diversity of other wildlife. Furbearers, large carnivores and raptors are common, and flooded grasslands in the springtime provide excellent spawning habitat for northern pike (Esox lucius). The importance of Hay-Zama Lakes Complex as wildlife habitat has gained international recognition. It was designated as a “Wetland of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat” by the Ramsar Convention in 1981, and was nominated in 1990 to the World Heritage Convention as a World Heritage Site. The province of Alberta has designated the complex as a “Wetland for Tomorrow”. The Hay Lake Indian Reserve, Amber River Indian Reserve, and Zama Lake Indian Reserve all border the wetland complex. People of the Dene Tha' First Nation have used the complex extensively for hundreds of years and continue today with traditional uses. Hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering and traditional ceremonies occur on the complex and surrounding areas throughout the seasons. 2

1.2 Project Background The Hay-Zama Lakes project was initiated in 1995 to monitor waterfowl numbers and to gain baseline data on other wildlife and fisheries usage of the Hay-Zama Lake complex. The project is jointly funded by industry, the Buck for Wildlife program, the Dene Tha First Nation and Ducks Unlimited Canada. Large oil and gas deposits beneath the complex have been developed since the mid 1960's. To ensure protection of this unique and vulnerable wetland complex, Alberta Energy and Utilities Board drafted a series of Interim Directives outlining special requirements for operations within the complex boundaries. Interim Directive ID 84-5 allowed for the formation of the Hay-Zama Committee, a joint industry / public / government committee designed to direct activities within the complex. The current Interim Directive (ID 96-1) provides the following clause as a general drilling and production requirement. During a 5-week spring period (commencing mid-April) and a 8-week fall period (commencing mid-August) each year, the company shall: • Suspend well production and helicopter operations, or • AEP and operators within the Complex will monitor fish and wildlife activity in the Complex and, in consultation with the Fish and Wildlife Division of AEP, determine for which wells, if any, suspension of production and helicopter operations is required and for what period of time.

The criterion for suspension of production was defined by Fish and Wildlife in 1992 as 600 ducks and/or geese at an active well site. The Committee directed in 1995 that wildlife monitoring would be conducted by a Research Sub-Committee for a period of five years. This is the second year of the proposed five-year study.

1.3 Objectives The main objectives of the project were to assist in the development of a Hay-Zama Lakes management plan and continue our commitment with the various user groups in maintaining the integrity of the wetland by: 3

• Determining the significance of the Hay-Zama complex for spawning northern pike and developing a preliminary understanding of the seasonal distribution of northern pike life stages within the complex.

• Monitoring waterfowl numbers on the wetland complex as required by AEUB directive ID96-1, and documenting incidental sightings of other wildlife.

• Strengthening lines of communication between the various user groups on the wetland.

Figure 1. Location of Study Area 4

2.0 Methods

2.1 Fisheries Study Ice conditions on the complex were inspected April 24, 1996 to estimate approximate date of ice out. Delta Helicopters in Rainbow Lake monitored ice conditions on their daily flights over the complex and notified NRS staff immediately when ice break up occurred on the Omega River, May 1. Gill nets were set throughout the complex from May 3 to May 22, 1996 to monitor distribution of spawning northern pike. Net gangs of 50 to 100 yards (45.7 to 91.4 meters) of 32 inch (89 millimeter) mesh gill net were set in 25 locations (Figure 2). Net locations were recorded on a portable GPS unit. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) for northern pike captured by gill netting was reported as number of fish/ net unit. One net unit is the equivalent of 100 m2 of net fished for 24 hours. Water temperature, ambient temperature and general weather conditions were recorded each sampling day. Sexual condition of fish was determined by stripping live fish (applying pressure to the belly to exude spawn) or by dissecting and examining the gonads of mortalities. In areas too shallow to set gill nets, transects were conducted to determine presence of spawning pike. Observers walked transects in flooded grass areas, watching for evidence of fish movement. With the silt and organic bottom of the shallow areas, startled pike will leave a “swirl” of suspended debris when they retreat. Moller and Rosin (1994) successfully used this technique in a preliminary assessment of spawning habitat in the Hay-Zama Complex. Areas where adult pike in spawning condition were observed were sampled later for young-of -year and juvenile pike. Eight sites were sampled July 9, 10 and August 28, 1996 with a 9 meter long, 3.2 millimeter mesh seine net. Two, 15 meter seine hauls were completed at each site. Vegetation and debris dredged up in the seine hauls were carefully scrutinized for attached pike larvae. Cleithrums were collected from a sub sample of juvenile pike for aging. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) for northern pike captured by seining was reported as number of fish/ 100 m2 of lake surface area sampled. The Hay River was examined July 9, 1996 to determine whether the complex’s 5 lentic waters were actually the primary spawning area for northern pike in the upper Hay River system, or if any substantial amount of spawning habitat existed outside of this area. The aerial survey covered a section of the Hay River extending from the confluence of the Hay and Chinchaga Rivers to the confluence of the Hay and Little Hay Rivers. Observers recorded any areas of flooded grasslands with potential access to the river and rated the sites for accessibility in high and low water events.

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4 13 9 4 Hay 3 10 Duck LEGEND Zama Lake S Gill-net sites R Lake o iv u e s Seine-haul sites r a Sand Over-wintering test 6 Lake sites 7 Cr eek

Figure 2. Fisheries study sample sites 6

Channels connecting the major lake basins in the complex were examined for over-wintering habitat. Schaffe and Wright (1997) examined the over-wintering potential of the major lake basins of the complex in January 1996 and found them either frozen to the bottom or completely anoxic. Four sites in the connecting channels were sampled February 25, 1997 to determine over-wintering potential of these isolated areas (Figure 2). Ice depth, total depth and dissolved oxygen concentration, were recorded at each site. Dissolved oxygen was determined using a Hach dissolved oxygen kit.

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Figure 3. Aerial survey route for waterfowl monitoring 7

2.2 Waterfowl Monitoring Aerial surveys were conducted during spring migration from May 6 to June 5 and during fall migration from August 23 to October 17. Surveys were flown in a 206 Jet Ranger helicopter at approximate ground speed of 130 kilometers per hour and approximately 30 meter altitude. Survey routes closely followed those of previous studies (Schaffe and Wright, 1997; Saxena et. al. 1994) to maintain scientific integrity, including flights over all active wells (Figure 3). Waterfowl numbers along the survey route were recorded to determine relative abundance of migrating birds and at active well sites to monitor disturbance during migration periods.

2.3 Raptor Survey An aerial survey of nesting bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) was conducted June 15 over the Hay River and along the shore of Sand Lake. The survey route covered areas in the complex with large mature trees suitable for nesting and included nesting sites identified by Saxena et. al. (1994) and Schaffe and Wright (1997). Incidental sightings of bald eagles, golden eagles (Aquila hrysaetos), great grey owls (Strix nebulosa) and northern harriers (Circus cyaneus) were also recorded during other field operations.

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3.0 Results

3.1 Fisheries 3.1.1 Spring Spawning Migration Adult northern pike were observed in the complex from May 5 to May 22. During this period, water temperature rose steadily from near freezing at ice out, to 14o C May 22 (Figure 4). The first observation of adult northern pike in the complex occurred at gill net site #2 in a small slough on the east end (Figure 2). The earliest observations of pike entering the main lake basins occurred May 15 at gill net sites 7 and 8 in Hay Lake, then May 16 at sites 9 and 10 in the unnamed slough which drains into Sousa Creek (Table 1). All sites where adult fish were observed were in lentic waters closely associated with the river systems. The aerial survey of the Hay River found no suitable spawning habitat accessible from the river outside of the complex.

16 14 12 10 8 6 4

WATER TEMPERATURE (C) 2 0

y y y y y y y y y y -Ma -Ma 3-Ma 5 7-Ma 9-Ma 1-Ma 3-Ma 5-Ma 7-Ma 9 1-Ma 1 1 1 1 1 2 DATE

Figure 3. Water temperature at fisheries study sample sites, May 3 to 22, 1996 9

Table 1. Summary of gill-netting results, 1996

1 LOCATION (UTM) RESULTS 2 DEPTH EFFORT CPUE SET# DATE (m) (hrs.) (NRPK only) EASTING NORTHING NRPK OTHER

1 May 3 389992 6523677 0.5 1.0 0 0 N/A 2 May 5 400598 6519675 2.0 1.0 1 0 N/A 3 May 6 390092 6524478 3.0 –4.0 1.0 0 0 N/A 4 May 6 391493 6523277 0.6 1.0 0 0 N/A 5 May 14 389541 6523627 1.3 2.0 0 0 N/A 6 May 14 392343 6521326 1.0 2.5 0 0 N/A 1 LNSC 7 May 15 390642 6522777 1.0 – 4.0 21.0 1 0.35 7 WHSC 8 May 15 392193 6521726 2.0 21.0 8 2 WHSC 2.78 9 May 16 396096 6516723 3.0 19.0 2 2 WHSC 0.77 10 May 16 396546 6516072 1.0 – 2.0 18.0 2 0 0.81 11 May 19 386493 6525335 1.0 22.0 0 0 0 12 May 19 383785 6521670 0.8 21.0 0 0 0 13 May 19 387174 6517361 0.6 21.0 0 0 0 14 May 19 391648 6521040 0.6 20.0 4 0 1.46 15 May 20 393807 6525405 0.8 19.5 0 0 0 16 May 20 393567 6523679 1.0 19.0 0 0 0 17 May 20 393807 6525405 1.0 19.0 0 0 0 18 May 21 390928 6522267 0.8 23.5 3 0 0.93 19 May 21 390934 6522483 0.5 23.5 0 0 0 20 May 21 390948 6522978 0.5 23.0 0 0 0 21 May 21 390511 6522279 1.0 20.5 2 0 0.63 22 May 22 390826 6522053 3.0 –4.0 24.0 1 0 0.32 23 May 22 385816 6524148 2.0 – 3.0 23.0 0 0 0 24 May 22 382104 6523919 1.0 23.5 0 0 0 25 May 22 383822 6523990 0.3 23.5 0 0 0

TOTAL 413.5 24 12 0.41

1 NRPK = northern pike LNSC = long-nose sucker WHSC = white sucker 2 CUPE = catch per unit effort

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3.1.2 Distribution of Northern Pike Early Life Stages Juvenile northern pike were found at five of the eight sites sampled by seining (Table 2). They were absent at the sites in the South Zama Lake basin, and at site one in the Omega River. Eight of the ten cleithrums collected were aged at one year and the remaining two at two years. Young-of-year age class northern pike were absent in all of the seine haul samples. Burbot (Lota lota) young-of year were found only at seine haul sample sites located near the river mouths (sites 2,3 and 4). White sucker (Catostomus commersoni) adults were collected in the South Zama Lake basin at sites six and seven and young-of-year in the west Hay Lake basin at site two.

Table 2. Summary of seine haul results, 1996

2 LOCATION (UTM) HAUL RESULTS1 CPUE DATE SITE EASTING NORTHING NO. NRPK OTHER (NRPK only) 1 0 0 0 1 389992 6523677 2 0 0 0 July 9 3 0 2 BURB 0 2 388491 6523877 4 1 1 WHSC 0.74 5 1 0 0.74 3 395845 6516523 6 0 3 BURB 0 July 10 7 0 1 BURB 0 4 394995 6516723 8 4 0 2.96 9 5 0 3.7 10 1 0 0.74 5 379785 6520775 11 6 0 4.44 12 0 2 WHSC 0 6 379385 6508718 13 0 0 0 Aug. 28 14 0 0 0 7 377834 6508367 15 0 1 WHSC 0 16 0 0 0 8 391443 6521426 17 2 0 1.6 6 BURB TOTAL 20 0.87 4 WHSC 1 NRPK = northern pike BURB = burbot WHSC = white sucker 2 CPUE = catch per unit effort 11

3.1.3 Winter Habitat Potential over-wintering habitat was observed only at site 4, in the channel connecting North Zama Lake and South Zama Lake basins. Ice depth at this site was less than all other sites allowing for greater water depth and consequently a greater area of usable fish habitat. Dissolved oxygen concentration was sufficient to support northern pike (2.0 parts per million). Gammarus spp observed in the water were abundant and active. Ice depth at the other three sites extended to 76 centimeter depth, or to the lake bottom. Water samples at sites one and two were black in colour and odorous indicating absence of dissolved oxygen. A subsequent Hach test of the water sample from site two confirmed this observation. Gammarus spp, present at site two, were dead but not yet decomposed indicating a fairly recent presence of some dissolved oxygen.

Table 3. Summary of winter habitat investigation, February 25, 1997

LOCATION (UTM) ICE TOTAL DISSOLVED SITE DEPTH DEPTH OXYGEN EASTING NORTHING (cm) (cm) (p.p.m.)

1 379285 6521226 76 78 N/A

2 380636 6523577 76 115 0

3 383788 6524128 61 61 N/A

4 381636 6516473 51 115 2.0 12

3.2 Waterfowl 3.2.1 Spring Migration Peak numbers of migrating waterfowl in spring were observed on the first survey date, May 6 (Table 4 and Figure 5). Waterfowl numbers dropped sharply within one week and remained fairly stable for the remainder of the spring migration period except for a slight increase in both ducks and geese May 28. Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) was the most common duck species observed on the complex, followed by canvasback (Aytheya valisineria), blue-winged teal (Anas discors), ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) and scaup (Aytheya marila or A. affinis). Other species commonly observed include gadwall (Anas strepera), American widgeon (A. americana), northern shoveller (A. clypeata), bufflehead (Bucephala albeola), green- wing teal (Anas crecca), pintail (A. acuta), redhead (Aytheya americana) and common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula).

Table 4. Summary of spring, 1996 waterfowl survey

DATE DUCKS CAGO* GWFG* GSGO* SWANS

May 06 19810 3539 0 410 0

May 16 2270 7 0 0 0

May 22 2724 17 1 0 0

May 28 4600 142 0 0 0

June 05 3306 41 0 0 0

TOTAL 32710 3746 1 410 0 CAGO Canada Goose GWFG Greater White-fronted Goose GSGO Greater Snow Goose

13

Canada goose (Branta canadensis) was by far the most common goose species, accounting for 90% of total geese observed. One group of 410 snow geese (Chen caerulescens) was present May 6 and a single greater white-front goose (Anser albifrons) was observed with a group of 17 Canada’s May 22.

Figure 5. Waterfowl migration on Hay-Zama Lakes Complex, spring 1996

3.2.2 Fall Migration Peak fall migration for geese was observed September 10, and for ducks September 16 (Table 5 and Figure 6). Duck numbers remained relatively stable after the migration peak, while goose numbers declined sharply. 14

As in the spring surveys, mallard was the most common duck species observed, followed by canvasback. Mallards were observed throughout the complex, but were prevalent in the East Hay and West Hay lake basins. Canvasbacks were prevalent in Sand Lake and along the west end of Zama Lake. Gadwall and pintail were also abundant and localized, with gadwalls found mostly on the large sloughs on the south and west portions of the complex and pintail on the Northeast. Other species most commonly observed include blue-wing teal, green-wing teal, northern shoveller, ruddy duck and scaup.

Table 5. Summary of fall, 1996 waterfowl survey

DATE DUCKS CAGO GWFG GSGO SWANS

Aug 23 5250 552 0 0 0

Sept 03 14860 2740 0 0 0

Sept 10 25245 8516 0 150 0

Sept 16 28255 6100 11 326 0

Sept 23 17885 140 6 8 16

Oct 02 16103 304 8 0 29

Oct 09 12034 448 80 7 525

Oct 17 15688 14 0 0 11

TOTAL 135320 18814 105 491 581 CAGO Canada Goose GWFG Greater White-fronted Goose GSGO Greater Snow Goose 15

Figure 6. Waterfowl migration on Hay-Zama Lakes complex, fall, 1996

Canada geese accounted for 97% of the total geese observed. Snow geese were present from mid to late September with a peak of 326 observed September 16. White-fronted geese were present in small numbers for the latter part of the fall survey. Total Canada geese observed during the fall survey and the date of peak migration was similar to that reported by Schaffe and Wright (1997) for the fall, 1995 migration. Swans were present only during the latter half of the fall study period with a peak of 525 swans observed October 9.

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3.3 Raptors During the June 15 survey, eight large stick nests were located (Figure 7). Four of the nests were occupied by nesting bald eagles pairs and one contained an adult great grey owl with three young. The remaining three nests were empty and showed no sign of recent use. One of the occupied bald eagle nests contained a clutch of two eggs, two had young in the nest and on the other, the brooding adult did not flush to reveal the nest contents. Incidental observations of bald eagles were recorded on ten of the 13 waterfowl surveys. Up to 12 bald eagles were recorded during spring waterfowl surveys and from 2 to 10 during the first seven fall surveys. Also observed were three unidentified owls and numerous northern harriers. On the final survey date, October 17, twenty-seven bald eagles and three golden eagles were observed loafing on the ice. All were seen near small open water areas packed with stranded coots (Fulica americana).

Table 6. Summary of raptor nesting survey, June 15, 1996 NO. LOCATION COMMENTS 1 58o 44’ 49”; 119o 0’ 47” 2 eggs in nest; no adult present 2 58o 46’ 54”; 118o 55’ 25” 2 bald eagle young in nest; no adult present 3 58o 46’ 44”; 118o 53’ 36” 1 adult great grey with 3 young 4 58o 41’ 32”; 118o 54’ 28” Nest empty; adult bald eagle roosting nearby 5 58o 47’ 23”; 118o 49’ 21” Nest unoccupied 6 58o 43’ 43”; 118o 53’ 36” 1 adult bald eagle with 1 young 7 58o 40’ 56”; 119o 08’ 03” Bald eagle pair nesting 8 58o 44’ 34”; 119o 01’ 12” Nest unoccupied

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Figure 7. Location of large stick nests on Hay-Zama Lakes complex, 1996

4.0 Discussion

Overall, total number of northern pike observed during the 1996 study was much lower compared to previous studies. Throughout the entire 20-day period of the 1996 spawning study only 24 adults were captured for a total catch per unit effort (CPUE) of 0.41 fish per net unit. Schaffe and Wright (1997) recorded 1,269 pike entering the lake basins for the1995 spawning run. The difference in total pike numbers may be more likely a product of the different sampling methods employed, and of vast 18

variations in environmental conditions, than in actual numbers of fish present in the complex. Northern pike entering the Hay-Zama complex are likely over-wintering in the Hay River. River population densities of northern pike are typically low in this region. Hildebrand (1990) reported CPUE from 0.1 to 1.0 fish per kilometer in the Peace River. Northern pike from the upper Hay River, once dispersed in the 50,000 hectare Hay- Zama complex may be expected to be found in low densities, especially if access to the complex is abundant. Relatively low water conditions were prevalent during the 1995 spawning run. Consequently, access from the Hay River system to the complex’s lentic waters was limited to the two trap sites in the channel mouths. High water in spring of 1996 allowed numerous access opportunities from the Omega River and Sousa Creek to the lentic systems. In addition to abundant access to the lake basins, numerous areas of flooded grass adjacent to the rivers were accessible for additional spawning habitat. Typical northern pike spawning habitat is described as heavily vegetated floodplains of rivers, marshes, and bays of larger lakes in water often no deeper than seven inches (16 centimeters) (Scott and Crossman,1973). Even with the abundance of available spawning habitat, all spawning adult northern pike sampled in this study year were captured in relatively close proximity to the traditional river / lake access points. Catch per unit effort for northern pike early life stages, was equally as low as that reported for spawning adults. Juvenile northern pike were present at five of the eight seine haul sites, however, young-of-year were not found in any of the seine samples collected in June or in August. By this time of year, young should have been active and distributed from hatching sites. Scott and Crossman (1973) describe northern pike young as generally active by ten days after hatching and grown up to 1 ¾ inches (43 millimeters) within a month. The absence of young-of-year pike in the seine samples suggests that seining may not be an appropriate sampling method for this life stage. Distribution of northern pike young-of-year within the Hay-Zama complex remains unknown. Alternative sampling methods should be employed for future studies. Schaffe and Wright (1997) found approximately 23% of the northern pike 19 sampled during the 1995 spawning run were juvenile fish and suggested the juveniles likely enter the complex seeking higher water temperature in the spring and to prey on the abundant crustacean population. Stomach content samples from fish examined in this study were composed of either smaller pike or tadpole shrimp (Order NOTOSTRACA). Burbot young-of-year were present at some of the sites near the river mouths, likely there to exploit the abundant crustacean population as well. Although some fish may survive winter in the channel connecting north and south Zama Lake basins, most of the complex is unsuitable for over-wintering. The Hay River system is the most likely over-wintering site for northern pike found in the complex during the open water season. Over-wintering habitat may be the primary limiting factor for this fish species, as spawning habitat and available forage appear to be abundant in the Hay-Zama Lakes complex. Waterfowl populations observed on the complex during migration periods varied substantially from the previous year (Schaffe and Wright. 1997). However, with the exception of a sharp increase in geese in the fall, numbers were consistent with those reported in surveys prior to 1995 (Saxena et. al.1994; Calverly et. al. 1993). Timing of both spring and fall migration peaks corresponded with the mean peak dates reported by Calverly et. al. (1993) for 1978 to 1993 (Table 7). Waterfowl were generally well dispersed throughout the complex. The threshold number of 600 ducks and geese for initiation of shut-in procedures was approached on one occasion during the fall survey. At the well site on 15 – 11, in North Zama Lake, an estimated 550 ducks were observed September 10, 1996. By the next survey date, September 16, 1996, only 200 remained at the well site. As in previous surveys, mallard and Canada goose were the most abundant duck and goose species, respectively. Canvasback were also very numerous on specific portions of the complex. Tundra swans were more abundant this year compared to recent years. A peak of 525 tundra swans was observed October 9, compared to a peak of 22 swans in 1995 and 25 swans in 1994. The swans were observed primarily in the Sand Lake basin.

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Table 7. Date and number of geese observed during peak migration periods at Hay-Zama Lakes complex, 1978 to 1996

SPRING MIGRATION FALL MIGRATION YEAR DATE OF TOTAL DATE OF TOTAL PEAK GEESE PEAK GEESE 1978 28 April 5,588 27 Sep 13688 1980 4 May 2396 24 Sep 39876 1981 6 May 6278 20 Sep 8417 1982 12 May 20486 30 Aug 6278 1983 5 May 22064 10 Aug 7604 1984 4 May 4599 6 Sep 3556 1985 8 May 3529 20 Sep 5445 1986 4 May 5081 18 Sep 7173 1987 5 May 8588 31 Aug 3692 1988 7 May 15668 15 Sep 1693 1989 29 April 6398 2 Sep 1317 1990 4 May 1022 17 Sep 2368 1991 2 May 817 10 Sep 4062 1992 10 May 650 29 Sep 21513 1993 7 May 1068 24 Sep 4724 1994 26 April 535 5 Oct 4780 1995 3 May 9082 8 Sep 7122 1978 – 95 4 May 6697 + 6736 13 Sep 8430 + 9455 MEAN + s.d. 1996 6 May 3949 10 Sep 8666 Data for 1978-93 from Calverley et. al. (1993); for 1994 from Saxena et. al. (1994); and for 1995 from Schaffe and Wright. (1997)

Bald eagles were commonly observed throughout the open water season, with 4 nesting pairs confirmed in the June 15 survey. This number is lower than the 6 nesting pairs observed in 1994 and 1995 (Saxena et. al.1994: Schaffe and Wright. 1997). The Hay-Zama Lakes complex provides much of the bald eagles habitat needs with suitable tall trees along the banks of the Hay River in proximity to a large body of water (Semenchuk, 1992). Although considered primarily piscivorous, duck remains observed in some of the active eagle nests indicate that waterfowl also make up an important part of the diet of Hay-Zama bald eagles. 21

5.0 Conclusions

The Hay-Zama Lakes complex is utilized by early life-stages of northern pike for summer foraging as well as by adult life stages for spring spawning. Juvenile northern pike are distributed throughout the complex. In high water years, northern pike spawning activity is concentrated in lentic waters in close proximity to the river systems. All northern pike life stages overwinter outside of the complex as most of the complex winterkills with the exception of some of the deeper channels between lake cells. Migrating waterfowl populations are stable and well dispersed throughout the complex. Oil and gas wells were able to stay in production throughout the 1996 migration periods. 22

6.0 References

AEUB. 1996. Interim Directive ID96-1, Hay-Zama Lake Complex - special requirements. Alberta Energy and Utilities Board. Calgary.

Calverly, A. J., D. A. Young, and B. T. Gray. 1993. Hay-Zama Lakes complex waterfowl monitoring program – 1993. Prepared by Environmental Management Associates for Zama Holdings Ltd. Calgary.

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