Fish collections from the Athabasca River mainstem include large-bodied fish (e.g., Longnose or White Suckers) and small-bodied fish (e.g., trout perch), and small-bodied fish from the tributaries (e.g., Slimy Sculpin). Detailed population assessments of individual fish include the assessment of age, growth, liver size, gonad size, and abnormalities. Young of year (YOY) fish are also being assessed for growth, abundance, size and abnormalities. Fish populations are being assessed for species presence/absence, and ages/sizes of fish in a particular habitat.

In addition to the fish collections, environmental factors (water quality, climate, nutrient availability, river/stream bed sediment quality, and etc.) affecting fish are being measured at the fish collection sites. The fish and related environmental data will allow for assessment of whether there are existing differences in fish populations among sites in the Lower Athabasca River. Endpoints considered will include assessments of overall fish health, fish distributions, contamination and abnormalities within the mainstem Athabasca, its tributaries, and in downstream reaches. Fish from high-use fishery areas will be assessed to determine the status of populations, for comparisons to historical levels and future changes. Cumulative effects will be assessed by relating measured endpoints (YOY size or abundance, fish gonad size, etc.) to environmental factors (water temperature, rainfall, climate, etc.). Developing models will allow for prediction of normal change in fish characteristics that are related to environmental drivers, and will allow the determination of whether development exceeds these predictions resulting in management decisions.

Fish sampling is linked to invertebrate sampling as well as water quality sites (Lower Athabasca Water Quality Plan – Phase 1 and the expanded geographic extent) so that maximum information is obtained and the programs are integrated.

Supporting Projects:

Canada-Alberta Oil Sands Environmental Monitoring