NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Tags: fish habitat, fish sampling, bathymetry

Objective(s): To characterize the fish habitat around the shoreline and nearshore areas of the artificial islands; and to assess current use and suitability of these areas for use by fish species likely present in the Mackenzie River at Norman Wells.

Project Description: The objectives of the assessment are to: • characterize the fish habitat around the shoreline and nearshore areas of the artificial islands; and • assess current use and suitability of these areas for use by fish species likely present in the Mackenzie River at Norman Wells. The surveys will be based out of Imperial’s Norman Wells Operations and will be centered on the artificial islands themselves, and natural nearshore areas along that reach of the Mackenzie River. A crew of two fisheries biologists will complete the proposed field activities over six field days. Bathymetric information supplied by Imperial for the islands will be used as a basis to map habitat in the field. At each of the islands, velocity and substrate measurements in the nearshore areas will be completed to characterize the habitat conditions. These measurements will be made at standard intervals along the islands. Additional parameters (temperature, turbidity) may also be collected. Photographs will be taken at each of the islands to document available fish habitat. Fish sampling is proposed to document fish presence and habitat use at the artificial islands. Sampling will be completed with a variety of methods including electrofishing (backpack and boat), minnow traps, and seine nets as conditions allow. The shoreline areas will be fished using a backpack electrofisher, minnow traps and/or seine nets as conditions allow. A zodiac equipped with a portable boat electrofisher will be used to fish the shallow nearshore areas around the islands not accessible by other methods. All fish captured will be identified to species, enumerated, and measured for length and weight. Fish will be released alive in the same or similar habitats once sampling is complete. To provide a comparison between the artificial islands and the natural nearshore areas of the Mackenzie River, habitat assessment and fish sampling along selected nearshore sections is also proposed. These reference areas would be approximately 200 to 400 m in length and would be selected in the field to provide an assessment of typical nearshore habitats. The nearshore areas would be assessed following the same methodology as the artificial islands. Fish sampling would also be completed along these sections. Possibilities for local involvement include: • Field program participant/safety support: opportunity for a participant to assist the Wood field crew in collecting fish habitat information and fish inventory and learn about standardized methods for collecting fish inventory and habitat data; also supporting field safety. • Equipment and logistics: opportunities for local sourcing of equipment and logistics support will depend on safety requirements, technical specifications and availability of suitable equipment. Wood and Imperial are currently engaging with local organizations such as the Norman Wells Renewable Resources Council (NWRRC) regarding opportunities for local participation, provision of equipment and involvement of an environmental monitor for the program. Wood will submit to the Aurora Research Institute a 200-word, plain-language summary of the licensed research by June 30, 2019, or at the same time as submission of a new application (e.g. for a spring sampling program), (whichever comes first). Additional communication plan details will be provided pending ongoing engagement and dialogue with communities and/or agencies. A primary mechanism for communicating the results of this study will be through the Norman Wells Operations Closure and Reclamation Planning Working Group established by the Sahtu Land and Water Board (SLWB). The Working Group consists of Sahtu communities and entities including renewable resources councils e.g. NWRRC, the Sahtu Renewable Resources Board (SRRB) and local land corporations (e.g. NWLC). The Working Group also consists of NWT government agencies (e.g. GNWT ENR, SLWB) and federal agencies (e.g. INAC and DFO). In addition, updates and results of the study will be communicated to individuals and communities as part of Imperial Norman Wells Operations ongoing community engagement plan for Sahtu Settlement Area Communities. Wood is also applying to the DFO for a research licence and associated permits; results from the study will also be communicated to DFO per licence requirements. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from September 1, 2018 to October 15, 2018.