Development of tools for protecting critical habitats for Atlantic salmon

During a heat wave, salmon is often concentrated in pools with a supply of water which is cooler than the water from small streams or water resurgence. Maintaining conditions associated with these streams is essential and even critical for a supply of fresh oxygenated water. However, they are not subject to specific protection actions, namely in forest, agricultural and municipal areas. Based on 4 control rivers (Ouelle, Mitis, Anse St-Jean and Gouffre), the project consists in developing tools for salmon rivers managers to identify and better protect these watercourses under three types of tenure: 1 – forest, 2- agricultural, 3- municipal. Methods used to protect these watercourses, and stakeholders that need to be educated will be different based on types of tenure. Several studies were completed on Ouelle River to identify and document thermal refuges and they will serve as a basis for this project.

Contact: Frédéric Raymond, 418-847-9191 extension 5, fraymond@fqsa.ca