Base de données de recherche des TNO

Régions: Sahtu Settlement Area

étiquettes: contaminants, mercury, fish health, hydrocarbon

Objectif(s): To conduct a study of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and mercury in large-bodied fish (primarily burbot, whitefish), small-bodied fish (trout perch, slimy sculpins, lake chub) to assess cumulative impacts of anthropogenic and natural disturbances on fish health; and to develop new and rapid diagnostic (molecular) fish health screening tools in support of the implementation of a proactive fish health monitoring program.

Description du projet: This licence has been issued for the scientific research application No.5058. The research team will conduct a study of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and mercury in large-bodied fish (primarily burbot, whitefish), small-bodied fish (trout perch, slimy sculpins, lake chub) to assess cumulative impacts of anthropogenic and natural disturbances on fish health with a focus on the Mackenzie River downstream of Norman Wells to Fort Good Hope but also considering Tulita. We also will develop new and rapid diagnostic (molecular) fish health screening tools in support of the implementation of a proactive fish health monitoring program that would enable forecasting health outcomes before they manifest themselves in forms such as disease. Final products will include graduate student training (thesis, papers); a resolution or at least a clarification of issues related to Imperial, recommendations for a sentinel fish monitoring program; and training of Guardians to help implement the program. In 2021-2022 with covid restrictions in place, we are taking a cautious approach and focusing our field work on the provision of whole bodied fish for analyses as in Evans’ NCP Great Slave Lake project. Moreover, few studies have been conducted of fish in the Mackenzie River in our study area requiring that we have some flexibility in the target species. If travel allows in the fall, we potentially may be able to be on site when the fish are harvested. Forage fish sampling will be conducted in 2022 when field work in the NWT is more of a certainly. Specifically, in 2021-2022: 1. Up to 20 burbot and 20 lake whitefish will be collected from the Fort Good Hope area by community fishers. Should other species such as northern pike, walleye or inconnu be captured incidentally in the nets, we will accept them for analyses, but these are not being targeted. If lake whitefish and burbot are not available, we may request longnose sucker or white sucker in their place. 2. Up to 20 burbot and 20 lake whitefish will be collected from the Tulita area by community fishers. Should other species such as northern pike, walleye or inconnu be captured incidentally in the nets, we will accept them for analyses, but these are not being targeted. If lake whitefish and burbot are not available, we may request longnose sucker or white sucker in their place. 3. Up to 20 burbot and 20 lake whitefish will be collected from the Norman Wells area by community fishers. Should other species such as northern pike, walleye or inconnu be captured incidentally in the nets, we will accept them for analyses, but these are not being targeted. If lake whitefish and burbot are not available, we may request longnose sucker or white sucker in their place. Analyses in Year 1 will focus on PAHs, mercury and stable isotope measurements in subsets of fish in addition to determinations of fish length, weight and age. We have archived forage fish samples from a past study that we may also examine. Communication of results will occur through several venues including through telephone calls, emails and zoom meetings in the early phases of the project. We also hope to be able to visit Fort Good Hope, Norman Wells and Tulita to discuss our study and address questions. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from September 15, 2021 to December 31, 2021.