Researchers are monitoring 20 rivers flowing into Lake Superior to determine if forest management activities have harmed the spawning and rearing habitat of coaster brook trout.
Fisheries biologist measuring a coaster brook trout. Photo: Stephen Chong/MNR
Unlike other brook trout, coaster brook trout or “coasters” migrate down their native rivers and become lake-dwelling adults. But changes in water flow or temperature in the headwaters of these rivers may affect their spawning and nursery habitat. The study results will help provide recommendations to lessen any risks to coaster habitat from forest activities.
While monitoring the 20 streams, each in an area harvested to some extent by forest companies, researchers will focus on water flow, temperature and biological characteristics, such as water chemistry, aquatic invertebrates, resident fish species. They will also look at the impact of landscape features, such as geology, forest type or topography.
The study will use a variety of techniques to evaluate the influence of different levels of timber harvest. Researchers will also use geographic information system (GIS) technology to map and highlight those fish habitat areas that are particularly sensitive to forest management activity.
Click here to view a map of the project area
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About Coaster Brook Trout Habitat
• Coaster brook trout require cold, clear water, and prefer healthy spring-fed forest streams. Their presence is an excellent indicator of a healthy aquatic ecosystem.
• Changes in vegetation cover, whether as a result of timber harvesting or forest fire, can greatly affect the type of stream that coasters require. The quantity and quality of water in smaller streams, especially, are affected by changes in vegetation.
Project Partners
- Domtar
- Great Lakes Fishery Commission
- Northumberland Stewardship Council
- North Shore Steelhead Association
- Ontario’s Centre for Northern Forest Ecosystem Research (CNFER)
- University of Guelph
For more information, contact:
- Dr. Rob Mackereth, Research Scientist, Ontario’s Centre for Northern Forest Ecosystem Research, Ministry of Natural Resources, Thunder Bay (807) 343-4009
- Marilee Chase, COA Lake Superior Basin Coordinator, Upper Great Lakes Management Unit – Lake Superior, Ministry of Natural Resources, Thunder Bay (807) 475-1371