DOCSLIB.ORG

Using an Integrative Research Approach to Improve Fish Migrations in Regulated Rivers

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Using an Integrative Research Approach to Improve Fish Migrations in Regulated Rivers Hydrobiologia https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-020-04371-2 (0123456789().,-volV)( 0123456789().,-volV) PERSPECTIVES ON SUSTAINABLE HYDRO-POWER Review Paper Using an integrative research approach to improve fish migrations in regulated rivers: a case study on Pacific Salmon in the Seton River, Canada Nolan N. Bett . Scott G. Hinch . Arthur L. Bass . Douglas C. Braun . Nicholas J. Burnett . Matthew T. Casselman . Steven J. Cooke . S. Matthew Drenner . Ahmed Gelchu . William L. Harrower . Roxx Ledoux . Andrew G. Lotto . Collin T. Middleton . Vanessa Minke-Martin . David A. Patterson . Wenming Zhang . David Z. Zhu Received: 16 March 2020 / Revised: 15 July 2020 / Accepted: 28 July 2020 Ó Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020 Abstract Many of the world’s rivers are dammed, allowing for applied research that can advance our altering the physiology, behaviour, ecology and sur- understanding of the biology of migratory fish as well vival of fish. Integrative research has the potential to as our ability to manage them. Through the integration improve our understanding of these impacts and could of multiple research approaches (i.e. biotelemetry, enable environmental managers to develop effective behavioural tests, physiological and molecular analy- solutions for population conservation. Such ses, and hydraulic monitoring), we characterized the approaches, however, are not yet prevalent. We use effects of natal water dilution and dam flow releases on a case study on Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) in upstream navigation, passage success and post-pas- British Columbia, Canada, to demonstrate how regu- sage survival of returning adult salmon. Our findings lated rivers may be used as experimental systems, confirmed previously established operational guideli- nes for natal water dilution and informed the adoption of new operational conditions for dam flow releases, Guest editors: Ingeborg P. Helland, Michael Power, Eduardo G. Martins & Knut Alfredsen / Perspectives on the providing an example of the successful application of environmental implications of sustainable hydro-power N. N. Bett (&) Á S. G. Hinch Á A. L. Bass Á N. J. Burnett Á S. J. Cooke D. C. Braun Á N. J. Burnett Á M. T. Casselman Á Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, S. M. Drenner Á W. L. Harrower Á A. G. Lotto Á Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and C. T. Middleton Á V. Minke-Martin Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, Pacific Salmon Ecology and Conservation Laboratory, ON K1S 5B6, Canada Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada N. J. Burnett Á A. Gelchu e-mail: [email protected] BC Hydro, Vancouver, BC V6B 5R3, Canada D. C. Braun M. T. Casselman InStream Fisheries Research Inc., Vancouver, BC Hydro Environment Water Program, Fish and Aquatic BC V5M 4V8, Canada Issues, 6911 Southpoint Drive, Burnaby, BC V3N 4X8, Canada D. C. Braun Á D. A. Patterson Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Cooperative Resource S. M. Drenner Management Institute, School of Resource and Stillwater Sciences, Los Angeles, CA 90013, USA Environmental Management, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada S. M. Drenner Marine Science Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA 123 Hydrobiologia integrative research to the management of a fisheries The variety and complexity of ecological responses resource in a regulated river. We encourage research- to dams make management-relevant research in reg- ers to consider using an experimental approach that ulated rivers especially challenging (Power et al., integrates multiple research disciplines to inform 1996). The effects of dam infrastructure and operation science-based management action. on river ecosystems can be wide-ranging and are influenced by the geomorphology, environmental Keywords Fish passage Á Fishway Á Regulated conditions and biotic assemblages that are unique to rivers Á Migratory fish Á Freshwater conservation Á each system. Researchers and natural resource man- Integrated approach agers have repeatedly called upon a more integrated approach to address the complex issues facing sustainable freshwater management (Brett, 1957; Naiman et al., 1995; Alcamo et al., 2008), but this Introduction approach is often not put into practice. Traditional approaches that attempt to compartmentalize prob- The number of dams on the world’s largest rivers is lems are outmoded as they fail to yield the level of continuing to rise (Zarfl et al., 2015), and the majority nuanced and integrated understanding that is nee- of large rivers are no longer free-flowing (Grill et al., ded to truly solve complex problems (Dick et al., 2019). This phenomenon is truly global—dams can be 2016). Murchie et al. (2008) conducted a comprehen- found on every continent aside from Antarctica and sive review of articles studying the effects of river are proliferating in many of the world’s most biodi- regulation on fish, and while the authors found verse basins, such as the Amazon, Congo and Mekong consensus that flow modification does indeed influ- (Winemiller et al., 2016). Flow modification can have ence fish and fish habitat, they also identified persistent a significant impact on geomorphology (Petts and limitations to methodological approaches that Gurnell 2005), species abundance and diversity (Bain restricted the conclusions being drawn. In particular, et al., 1988; Bunn & Arthington 2002; Poff & the authors highlighted a lack of integrative Zimmerman 2010) and the behaviour and physiology approaches in fisheries management research (but of aquatic organisms (Dewson et al., 2007; Murchie see Patterson et al., 2016). Connecting research from et al., 2008; Pavlov et al., 2008). As a consequence, different natural science disciplines (for example, flow modification has been identified as a major threat linking behavioural responses that are mediated by to freshwater biodiversity (Dudgeon et al., 2006; complex flow dynamics to physiology or molecular Arthington et al., 2010; Reid et al., 2019) and is likely biology) would allow researchers to not only observe a significant contributor to the accelerated global trends but also identify the mechanisms driving the extinction rates of freshwater fauna over the past trends. Such an approach was encouraged over century (Ricciardi & Rasmussen, 1999; Strayer & 60 years ago, when Brett (1957) asserted that the Dudgeon, 2010). challenges dams pose to fish migrations could only be addressed through integrated research. Here, we review a large-scale, multi-year study that aimed to assess the effects of dam operations on R. Ledoux Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) in the Seton St’a´t’imc Eco-Resources Ltd., Lillooet, BC V0K 1V0, Canada River—a tributary of Canada’s Fraser River—and to identify and evaluate operational strategies that would C. T. Middleton mitigate these effects. Previous research in this InStream Fisheries Research Inc, Squamish, river indicated potential negative effects of the dam BC V8B 0E8, Canada on the return migration of adult salmon (Andrew & V. Minke-Martin Geen, 1958; Fretwell, 1989). Through the involve- Pacific Wild Alliance, Victoria, BC V8W 2K1, Canada ment of ecologists, physiologists, hydraulic engineers, natural resource managers and fisheries practitioners W. Zhang Á D. Z. Zhu Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, from academia, industry, government and First University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada Nations, we examined the molecular, behavioural, 123 Hydrobiologia physiological, and population-level responses of Reservoir (of the adjacent Bridge River watershed) migrating adult sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus and the 18-m tall Seton Dam was built to divert water nerka, Walbaum, 1792) to dam operations. Our exiting Seton Lake to a power canal, which leads to a methods included laboratory analyses, controlled generating station on the bank of the Fraser River. behavioural tests and large-scale management exper- After travelling through the Seton River, returning iments involving the manipulation of dam flow salmon must pass a vertical slot fishway at Seton Dam releases. We applied innovative technologies to these to enter Seton Lake and continue migrating to procedures and in some instances our applications spawning grounds at Gates Creek. were novel to the field of fisheries science. Our In addition to the challenge of dam passage, adult research builds on Brett’s (1957) assertion and salmon migrating through this system encounter demonstrates that integrating research approaches confusing directional cues as a consequence of from several disciplinary perspectives can lead to hydroelectric development (Andrew & Geen, 1958). management actions that are informed by rigorous Water released through the generating station, which science. In addition, our work underscores a potential is impassable to fish, enters the mainstem Fraser River benefit of research in regulated rivers: that the ease in 1 km downstream of the Seton-Fraser confluence which wild fish may be captured from (and studied in) (Fig. 2). Pacific salmon are guided to spawning fishways, in conjunction with the ability to directly grounds primarily by the odour of their natal streams manipulate flow, enables researchers to address fun- and lakes (Hasler & Scholz, 1983; Bett & Hinch, damental scientific questions. We review our approach 2016), and these attractive odours are present in the and findings and lay out the key lessons learned about water passing through the generating station. Salmon integrative
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Community Risk Assessment
    COMMUNITY RISK ASSESSMENT Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Abstract This Community Risk Assessment is a component of the SLRD Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. A Community Risk Assessment is the foundation for any local authority emergency management program. It informs risk reduction strategies, emergency response and recovery plans, and other elements of the SLRD emergency program. Evaluating risks is a requirement mandated by the Local Authority Emergency Management Regulation. Section 2(1) of this regulation requires local authorities to prepare emergency plans that reflects their assessment of the relative risk of occurrence, and the potential impact, of emergencies or disasters on people and property. SLRD Emergency Program [email protected] Version: 1.0 Published: January, 2021 SLRD Community Risk Assessment SLRD Emergency Management Program Executive Summary This Community Risk Assessment (CRA) is a component of the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and presents a survey and analysis of known hazards, risks and related community vulnerabilities in the SLRD. The purpose of a CRA is to: • Consider all known hazards that may trigger a risk event and impact communities of the SLRD; • Identify what would trigger a risk event to occur; and • Determine what the potential impact would be if the risk event did occur. The results of the CRA inform risk reduction strategies, emergency response and recovery plans, and other elements of the SLRD emergency program. Evaluating risks is a requirement mandated by the Local Authority Emergency Management Regulation. Section 2(1) of this regulation requires local authorities to prepare emergency plans that reflect their assessment of the relative risk of occurrence, and the potential impact, of emergencies or disasters on people and property.
    [Show full text]
  • Seton Ridge Trail
    Code: GC3QN9X Rails & Trails Written and Researched by Wayne Robinson Seton Ridge Trail Site Identification Nearest Community: Lillooet, B.C. Geocache Location: N 50°38.913' W 122°07.020' Ownership: Crown Land Accuracy: Photo: Wayne Robinson 5 meters Overall Difficulty: 3 Overall Terrain: 4.5 Access Information and Seton Ridge follows the height of the land with dizzyingly Restrictions: steep drops of nearly 1600 meters to either side. Seton From the Mile 0 cairn on Main Street follow Hwy 99 South on the Duffey Ridge is the eastern terminus of the Cayoosh Ranges of the Lake Road for 19.5 km and turn right Coast Mountains of British Columbia. To the north of the on Seton Ridge Forstery Service Road. trail is Seton Lake and to the south, the Cayoosh Creek Cross the bridge over Cayoosh Creek, valley. Cayoosh Creek originates just west of Duffy Lake and continue on about 6 km to flat area on the left. Trail is adequately marked in Cayoosh Pass, close to Lillooet Lake. Seton Lake is with flagging tape. 4x4 with high classified as a freshwater fjord that drains to the east into clearance. Cayoosh Creek which is referred to as the Seton River in the BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations. Seton Lake’s Parking Advice: actual depth is not entirely known but is known to exceed Park in pull out. Trail starts to your left. 500 meters. Although it is called a lake, Seton is a reservoir; the eastern end was dammed as a part of the Bridge River Power complex that was completed in 1960.
    [Show full text]
  • Seton River Habitat and Fish Monitoring | Year 7
    Bridge River Project Water Use Plan Seton River Habitat and Fish Monitoring Implementation Year 7 Reference: BRGMON-09 Study Period: January to December 2019 Jennifer Buchanan, Daniel Ramos-Espinoza, Annika Putt, Katrina Cook, Stephanie Lingard Instream Fisheries Research Inc. Splitrock Environmental Unit 115 – 2323 Boundary Rd., 1119 Hwy 99 South Vancouver, BC. PO Box 798 V5M 4V8 Lillooet, BC T: 1 (604) 428 – 8819 V0K 1V0 August 31, 2020 Bridge-Seton Water Use Plan Implementation Year 7 (2019): Seton River Habitat and Fish Monitoring Reference: BRGMON-9 Jennifer Buchanan, Daniel Ramos-Espinoza, Annika Putt, Katrina Cook, Stephanie Lingard Prepared for: Splitrock Environmental 1119 Hwy 99 South PO Box 798 Lillooet, BC V0K 1V0 Prepared by: InStream Fisheries Research Inc. 115 – 2323 Boundary Road Vancouver, BC V5M 4V8 Bridge-Seton Water Use Plan BRGMON-9: Seton River Habitat and Fish Monitoring August 31, 2020 Executive Summary The overall objective of the BRGMON-9 program is to monitor responses of fish habitat and fish populations in the Seton River to the Seton Dam hydrograph. Currently in year seven of ten, this monitoring program was developed to address a series of management questions (MQ) that aim to: 1) better understand the basic biological characteristics of the rearing and spawning fish populations in Seton River, 2) determine how the Seton River hydrograph influences the hydraulic condition of juvenile fish rearing habitats and fish populations, 3) evaluate potential risks of salmon and steelhead redds dewatering due to changes in the Seton River hydrograph, 4) assess how the Seton River hydrograph influences the availability of gravel suitable for spawning, and 5) estimate the effects of discharge from the Seton Generating Station (SGS) on fish habitat in the Fraser River.
    [Show full text]
  • BRGMON-6 | Seton Lake Aquatic Productivity Monitoring
    Bridge River Water Use Plan Seton Lake Aquatic Productivity Monitoring Reference: BRGMON-6 Implementation Year 1 Study Period: 2014 to 2015 Authors: Limnotek Research and Development Inc. and affiliated organizations March 31, 2015 SETON LAKE AQUATIC PRODUCTIVITY MONITORING: PROGRESS IN 2014-15 BC Hydro project number BRGMON#6 March 31, 2015 Seton Lake aquatic productivity monitoring (BRGMON6) progress in 2014-15 SETON LAKE AQUATIC PRODUCTIVITY MONITORING: PROGRESS IN 2014 - 2015 BC Hydro project number BRGMON#6 Submitted to BC Hydro Burnaby, B.C. Prepared by Limnotek Research and Development Inc. March 31, 2015 ii St’at’imc Eco-Resources March 2015 Seton Lake aquatic productivity monitoring (BRGMON6) progress in 2014-15 Citation: Limnotek*. 2015. Seton Lake aquatic productivity monitoring (BRGMON6): Progress in 2014-15. Report prepared for BC Hydro. 81p. *Authors of this report are listed according to task and affiliation under Acknowledgements on page vii. The study was managed by St’at’imc Eco-Resources Ltd. Cover photo: Seton Lake, April 2013: C. Perrin photo. © 2015 BC Hydro. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior permission from BC Hydro, Burnaby, B.C. iii St’at’imc Eco-Resources March 2015 Seton Lake aquatic productivity monitoring (BRGMON6) progress in 2014-15 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report provides information from the first of three years of monitoring, sample collection, laboratory work, and analysis that is required to answer four management questions addressing uncertainties about relationships between water management actions and biological production in Seton Lake.
    [Show full text]
  • The Reproductive Biology of Steelhead (Oncorhynchus Mykiss) in the Bridge and Seton Rivers, As Determined by Radio Telemetry 1996/97 and 1998/99
    The Reproductive Biology of Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in the Bridge and Seton Rivers, As Determined by Radio Telemetry 1996/97 and 1998/99 Prepared for: The Ministry of Environment, Lands & Parks Fisheries Branch, Southern Interior Region 1259 Dalhousie Dr. Kamloops, BC V2C 5Z5 Prepared by: Stacy Webb, Robert Bison, Al Caverly and Jim Renn Abstract The 1996/97 and 1998/99 studies of the spawning migrations of Bridge and Seton River steelhead were part of a larger study investigating the migration behaviour and stock composition of interior Fraser River steelhead. Steelhead were radio-tagged in the fall of 1996 and 1998 in the Lower Fraser River and in the winter/spring of 1997 and 1999 in the Middle Fraser River. Tagging effort was concentrated at the Seton/Fraser River confluence during the winter/spring captures, specifically to study Bridge and Seton River steelhead. A total of 15 steelhead were tracked during the 1997 spawning season and 18 steelhead were tracked during the 1999 spawning season in the Bridge and Seton watersheds. Immigration into the Seton and Bridge Rivers started around the middle of April and finished during the second week of May. Immigration into the Bridge and Seton Rivers in 1999 occurred primarily during the last two weeks of April. Spawning in the Bridge and Seton watersheds in 1997 started during the second week of May and ended around the middle of June. Spawning in the Bridge and Seton watersheds in 1999 occurred a little earlier, starting during the second week of April and finishing during the first week of June.
    [Show full text]
  • BRGMON-8 | Seton Lake Resident Fish Habitat and Population
    Bridge River Project Water Use Plan Seton Lake Resident Fish Habitat and Population Monitoring Implementation Year 3 Reference: BRGMON-8 BRGMON-8 Seton Lake Resident Fish Habitat and Population Monitoring, Year 3 (2015) Results Study Period: April 1 2015 to March 31 2016 Jeff Sneep and St’at’imc Eco-Resources February 6, 2018 BRGMON-8 Seton Lake Resident Fish Habitat and Population Monitoring, Year 3 (2015) Results Prepared for: St’at’imc Eco-Resources Prepared by: Jeff Sneep Lillooet, BC Canada File no. BRGMON-8 February 2018 Seton Lake Resident Fish Habitat and Population Monitoring Year 3 (2015) Executive Summary Data collection for Year 3 of this proposed 10-year study was completed in 2015. Results for Years 1 and 2 of this program are provided in the previous data report produced for this program in 2015 (Sneep 2015). Where relevant, comparisons across monitoring years for this program have been included in this report. A full synthesis of all results will be conducted following the final year of data collection which is scheduled for 2022. The primary objective of this monitoring program is to “collect better information on the relative abundance, life history and habitat use of resident fish populations in Seton Lake” (BC Hydro 2012). Field studies for the Seton Lake Resident Fish Habitat and Population Monitoring Program (BRGMON-8) were conducted in Seton Lake, as well as Anderson Lake for the first time this year. Data collection in Anderson Lake was included to provide context and comparison for the Seton Lake results. The two lakes are comparably sized, located within the same watershed, and have similar natural inflows; however, Seton Lake is impacted by the diversion from Carpenter Reservoir whereas Anderson Lake is not.
    [Show full text]
  • BRGMON-9 | Seton River Habitat and Fish Monitor
    Bridge-Seton Water Use Plan Seton River Habitat and Fish Monitor Implementation Years 1 and 2 Reference: BRGMON-9 Study Period: March 1 to December 31, 2014 Daniel Ramos-Espinoza, Douglas C Braun & Don McCubbing InStream Fisheries Research Inc. 1698 Platt Crescent, North Vancouver, BC. V6J 1Y1 January 2015 Bridge-Seton Water Use Plan Seton River Habitat and Fish Monitor: BRGMON-9 January, 2015 Seton River Habitat and Fish Monitor 2014 InStream Fisheries Research Inc. Page i Bridge-Seton Water Use Plan Seton River Habitat and Fish Monitor: BRGMON-9 January, 2015 Executive Summary The objective of this monitoring program is to monitor the response of fish habitat and fish populations to variations in Seton Dam flow operations. This monitor combines old and new approaches to better understand the status of the Seton River fish populations and how different life histories may be affected by Seton Dam operations. The data collected on juvenile and adult fish populations will, over time, allow us to identify trends and patterns that will enable us to make inferences about the effect of flow on habitat, species abundance and diversity. In 2014, we collected data through habitat (depth, velocity) surveys, which allowed us to quantify useable habitat for Rainbow Trout, Coho and Chinook juveniles in the Seton River. Repeating the surveys at established sites enabled us to monitor the effects of flows on each habitat type. In 2014, habitat surveys were completed at four different discharges: 12, 15, 25 and 27 m3/s. Overall, it appears that as flows increase, useable habitat decreases. However, this change is not consistent between habitat types and species.
    [Show full text]
  • Seton River Habitat and Fish Monitor
    Bridge River Water Use Plan Seton River Habitat and Fish Monitor Implementation Year 3 Reference: BRGMON-9 Bridge-Seton Water Use Plan Monitoring Program: Seton River Habitat and Fish Monitor, 2015 Study Period: March 1 to December 31, 2015 Daniel Ramos-Espinoza, Douglas Braun, Nicholas Burnett and Caroline Melville InStream Fisheries Research Inc. Unit 215 – 2323 Boundary Rd., Vancouver, BC. V5M 4V8 T: 1 (604) 428 - 8819 December 23, 2016 Bridge-Seton Water Use Plan Implementation Year 3 (2015): Seton River Habitat and Fish Monitor Reference: BRGMON-09 Daniel Ramos-Espinoza, Douglas Braun, Nicholas Burnett and Caroline Melville Prepared for: St’át’imc Eco-Resources 10 Scotchman Road PO Box 2218 Lillooet, BC V0K 1V0 Prepared by: InStream Fisheries Research Inc. 215 – 2323 Boundary Road Vancouver, BC V5M 4V8 Bridge-Seton Water Use Plan Seton River Habitat and Fish Monitoring Program: BRGMON-9 December 23, 2016 Seton River Habitat and Fish Monitor 2015 InStream Fisheries Research Inc. Page i Bridge-Seton Water Use Plan Seton River Habitat and Fish Monitoring Program: BRGMON-9 December 23, 2016 MON-09 STATUS of OBJECTIVES, MANAGEMENT QUESTIONS and HYPOTHESES after Year 3 Study Objectives Management Questions Management Hypotheses Year 3 (2015-2016) Status 1. Monitor the response 1. What are the basic H1: The amount of Partially answered. Habitat of fish habitat and fish biological hydraulic habitat that can suitability surveys have been populations to Seton characteristics of the be inhabited by juvenile completed to identify Dam operations rearing and spawning fish is independent of available juvenile habitat at (implemented populations in Seton discharge from Seton various discharges.
    [Show full text]
  • BC Hydro's Final Argument for the Above-Referenced Proceeding
    ~ LAWSON I.IILUNDEL~ Suite 1600 Cathedral Place 925 West Georgia Street Vancouver. BC Canada VGC 3L2 IT : 604.685.3456 July 5, 2019 Ian Webb D: 604.631.9117 F: 604.694.2932 E-FILED [email protected] British Columbia Utilities Commission Sixth Floor - 900 Howe Street Vancouver, B.C. V6Z 2N3 Attention: Patrick Wruck, Commission Secretary Dear Mr. Wruck: British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority (BC Hydro) Filing with the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) of Electricity Purchase Agreement Renewals for Sechelt Creek Hydro, Brown Lake Hydro and Walden North Hydro Project No. 1598969 On behalf of BC Hydro, w e enclose BC Hydro's final argument for the above-referenced proceeding. We note that the enclosed final argument relies on and has footnote references to certain evidence that BC Hydro filed in the proceeding on a confidential basis; however, t he final argument itself does not contain any confidential information. For greater certainty, t he final argument may be placed on the public record without redact ion. ,:Yo urs very Dtruwly,:t& Ian Webb Encl. • lawsonlundell.com Vancouver I Calgary I Yellowknife I Kelowna Lawson Lundell is a Limited Liability Partnership 01249.135918.IDW.16915736.1 BRITISH COLUMBIA UTILITIES COMMISSION BRITISH COLUMBIA HYDRO AND POWER AUTHORITY ELECTRICITY PURCHASE AGREEMENT RENEWALS FOR SECHELT CREEK, BROWN LAKE HYDRO, AND WALDEN NORTH HYDRO British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority Final Argument July 5, 2019 01249.135918.IDW.16855229.7 A. Introduction 1. On May 31, 2018, British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority (BC Hydro) filed (the Filing)1 with the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) three separate Electricity Purchase Agreements (EPAs) it had recently entered into: x The “Sechelt Creek EPA” with an effective date of March 1, 2018 and a term of 40 years between BC Hydro and MPT Hydro LP (Sechelt Creek IPP), a subsidiary of Capstone Infrastructure Corporation, for its Sechelt Creek run-of-river hydroelectric project located near Sechelt, British Columbia.
    [Show full text]
  • Bridge-Seton Rivers Watershed - Coa-F18-F-2504
    ANALYSIS AND PRIORITY IDENTIFICATION OF EXISTING FISH PASSAGE DATA: BRIDGE-SETON RIVERS WATERSHED - COA-F18-F-2504 Prepared for: Ministry of Environment & Climate Change Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program Strategy Ecosystem Branch 6911 Southpoint Drive, 11th floor PO Box 9338 Stn Prov Govt Burnaby, BC V3N 4X8 Victoria BC, V8W 9M1 Prepared with financial support of the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program on behalf of its program partners BC Hydro, the Province of BC, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, First Nations and public stakeholders. Prepared by: Allan Irvine, R.P.Bio Masse Environmental Consultants Ltd 812 Vernon Street Nelson, BC, V1L 4G4 March 29, 2018 Cover photo – PSCIS crossing 529 located on Packhorse Creek Creek. Photo credit – Forsite 2008 Analysis and Priority Identification for Fish Existing Passage Data – Bridge-Seton Rivers Watershed EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Fish passage impediments created by road crossing structures in British Columbia are a significant challenge that can have a substantial cumulative impact on local fish populations by reducing access to critical habitat and fragmenting populations. Closed bottom road crossing structures (culverts) can present barriers to fish migration due to a number of factors including increased water velocity, turbulence, a vertical drop at the culvert outlet and/or maintenance issues. The rehabilitation of fish passage at road crossing structure barriers presents tangible opportunities to reconnect habitat values within currently fragmented ecosystems. The Bridge-Seton River watersheds was chosen for assessment planning due to a synergy between the objectives of the British Columbia Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy- Ecosystem Branch and the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP) – Coast Region objectives.
    [Show full text]
  • “Black” Kokanee, a Novel Reproductive Ecotype of Oncorhynchus Nerka Amanda L
    Pagination not final (cite DOI) / Pagination provisoire (citer le DOI) 1 ARTICLE The origin and genetic divergence of “black” kokanee, a novel reproductive ecotype of Oncorhynchus nerka Amanda L. Moreira and Eric B. Taylor Abstract: Kokanee and sockeye salmon are the freshwater-resident and anadromous forms, respectively, of Oncorhynchus nerka. Unique populations of “black” kokanee are found in Lake Saiko, Japan, and in Anderson and Seton lakes in the southwestern interior of British Columbia. They are distinct from other populations of O. nerka in that black kokanee display black nuptial colouration and they spawn between 20 to 70 m below the surface of lakes in the winter or early spring. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA and nine microsatellite loci supported the hypothesis that black kokanee in Lake Saiko and in Anderson and Seton lakes have had a diphyletic origin resulting from at least two episodes of divergence in the North Pacific basin. Further, black kokanee in the Anderson and Seton lakes system were genetically distinct from sympatric populations of sockeye salmon in Gates and Portage creeks (inlets to Anderson and Seton lakes, respectively) and were distinct from one another. Anderson and Seton lake black kokanee differed dramatically from one another in standard length at maturity, but no differences were found between the two populations in size-adjusted maximum body depth or in gill raker numbers. Independent origins of black kokanee represent novel diversity within O. nerka, are consistent with the importance of parallel evolution in the origin of biodiversity, and suggest that independent management regimes are required for the persistence of black kokanee biodiversity within a physically interconnected lake system.
    [Show full text]
  • The Bridge River Valley, with a Historic Look
    RESPONSE OF RIPARIAN COTTONWOODS TO EXPERIMENTAL FLOWS ALONG THE LOWER BRIDGE RIVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA ALEXIS ANNE HALL Bachelor of Science, University of Lethbridge, 2004 A Thesis Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies of the University of Lethbridge in Partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree MASTER OF SCIENCE Department of Biological Sciences University of Lethbridge LETHBRIDGE, ALBERTA, CANADA © Alexis A. Hall, 2007 Abstract The Bridge River drains the east slope of the Coast Mountain Range and is a major tributary of the Fraser River in southwestern British Columbia. The lower Bridge River has been regulated since the installation of Terzaghi Dam in 1948, which left a section of dry riverbed for an interval of 52 years prior to 2000. An out-of-court settlement between BC Hydro and Federal and Provincial Fisheries regulatory agencies resulted in the required experimental discharge of 3 m3/s below Terzaghi Dam in 2000. This study investigated growth of black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) trees in response to the experimental discharges. Mature trees did not show a significant response in radial trunk growth or branch elongation. In contrast, the juvenile trees displayed an increased growth response, and the successful establishment of saplings provided a dramatic response to the new flow regime. Thus, I conclude that cottonwoods have benefited from the experimental flow regime of the lower Bridge River. iii Preface – Thesis Structure This research-based MSc. thesis has two chapters and five appendices. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the Bridge River valley, with a historic look at hydroelectric power generation, mining and a brief description of vegetation and wildlife.
    [Show full text]