AnAn UpdateUpdate onon thethe ManagementManagement ofof RedsideRedside DaceDace inin OntarioOntario

Mark Heaton Fish and Wildlife Biologist OMNR Aurora District Presentation Outline 4Species Basics 4Species Status 4Endangered Species Act 4Recovery Strategy 4Habitat Mapping 4Management of Species Related Activities 4Management of Habitat Related Activities 4Stewardship 4On the Horizon Species Basics 4Redside Dace ( elongatus) is a small colourful cyprinid ( family) that lives in small streams in the southern basin, the upper Mississippi drainage and the upper drainage. 4In , the Redside Dace is found only in southern where it most frequently occurs in streams flowing into western . 4The species has declined in many areas throughout its range.

Lake Ontario

Lake Erie Species Basics 4Require cool, clear flowing water with riffle-pool sequences and overhanging streamside vegetation. 4Populations have been lost from several tributaries to western Lake Ontario and the length Adult male of stream occupied by several of the remaining populations has been reduced. 4 Urban development is thought to be the most significant threat acting upon populations in Ontario.

Adult female

Species Status 4COSSARO assessed as Threatened in 2000, based on observed declines and threats to remaining populations 4Species was uplisted to Endangered in 2009 under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act, 2007 4Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife In Canada (COSEWIC) upgraded from Special Concern to Endangered in 2007 4The Redside Dace is currently being considered for listing as Endangered under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). Endangered Species Act 4Both the species and its habitat are now protected under ESA as of February 2009 4Section (9) Prohibits killing, harming, harassing, capturing, possessing, transporting, collecting, buying, selling, trading, leasing or transporting species that are listed as threatened, endangered or extirpated 4Section (10) Prohibits damaging or destroying habitat of endangered or threatened species Endangered Species Act The ESA defines habitat as: Section 2(1)a: the area prescribed by regulation as the habitat of the species (Regulated Habitat), or

Section 2(1)b: an area on which the species depends, directly or indirectly, to carry on its life processes, including life processes such as reproduction, rearing, hibernation, migration or feeding (General Habitat) As of February 2009, Redside Dace received protection under the General Habitat provisions of ESA The ESA requires that a proposal for a Habitat Regulation for Redside Dace be published by February 18, 2011 Recovery Strategy 4Recovery Team, initiated in 1999, has led development of the strategy 4Strategy first posted on the Environmental Bills of Rights Registry in 2005 for public comment 4 Strategy format revised this fall to be ESA compliant 4 Strategy now includes recommendations for future habitat regulation 4 Strategy to be posted on EBR for comment in December 2009 4 Final Strategy to be published by February 18, 2010 4 Government response statement which indicates the actions the Government intends to take in relation to the strategy is required within 9 months Habitat Mapping 4MNR is responsible for determining and mapping the habitat of the species 4The species is currently managed by the identification of current occupied aquatic resource areas (ARAs) 4 Current occupied reaches are those that have Redside Dace present within the past 20 years 4ARAs are a data layer in MNR’s Natural Resource Values Information System 4ARAs are based on delineation of reaches of stream that are connected, similar fish community, thermal structure or stream size 4ARAs are typically separated by instream barriers to fish movement or a change in stream order. 4 Both current occupied and historically occupied reaches are being mapped Habitat Mapping 4Example – Credit River map Habitat Mapping 4Example – Credit River map Management of Species Related Activities 4The management of the collection activities involving Redside Dace is important to the conservation of the species 4MNR is responsible for licencing commercial harvest of baitfish or scientific collections of fish 4 In most watersheds, MNR knows where current high density populations exist and the range of occurrence within a watershed 4 Consultations with the baitfish harvest industry began in 2009. 4 Approaches to species conservation are being developed with this industry Management of Species Related Activities 4MNR reviews fish collection proposals to ensure Redside Dace populations are protected and the proposed activities are consistent with protection or recovery interests 4Limit activities in known high population areas such that permitted activities complement the monitoring program for the species 4 prohibit activities that do not assist in the protection or recovery of the species 4 regional monitoring programs are consolidated into the species monitoring program 4 17 (b) permits required for protection and recovery related activities Management of Habitat Related Activities 4Since February 2009, MNR has been engaged in a large variety of development related project proposals involving potential impacts to Redside Dace habitat 4In some cases, ESA permits are required for proposals where impact to habitat cannot be avoided 4Demonstrating Overall Benefit is a requirement of 17(c) permits. 4Referrals come from Conservation Authorities and project proponents 4Projects are screened with knowledge of current occupied ARAs 4Proponents are advised to consult with MNR directly to determine potential for impact, possible impact mitigation solutions or design modifications Management of Habitat Related Activities 4Aurora District has been engaged in over 100 project proposals since February 4 SAR Biologist coordinates tracking and processing of proposals 4Management biologists consult with proponents and local Conservation Authority in determining course of action Stewardship 4MNR and its partners are involved with a variety of stewardship related projects 4 Monitoring of populations and habitat rehabilitation by Conservation Authorities and Ontario Streams 4 Collaborative research by MNR, University of Toronto and University of Windsor 4 Education and Outreach by Toronto Zoo and Halton Peel Stewardship Council 4Stewardship projects are funded through the Community Fisheries and Wildlife Involvement Program (MNR), SAR Stewardship Fund (MNR) or Habitat Stewardship Program (Environment Canada) Stewardship – insert image of educational sign Stewardship 4Insert text and study area for West Humber Stewardship 4Insert text and study area for West Humber On the horizon….. 4Recovery Strategy by February 18, 2010 4Species Factsheet - soon 4General Habitat Description – soon 4Guidance for ESA permitting - soon 4Guidance for Achieving Overall Benefit – soon 4Species surveys on St Joseph’s Island – summer 2010 4New educational signs at Toronto Zoo and RBG – summer 2010 4Habitat rehabilitation in the West Humber – summer 2010 4Species Specific Habitat Regulation by February 18, 2011