NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Tags: fish habitat, vegetation, infrastructure planning, fisheries assessment

Objective(s): To collect the necessary data through a fish habitat and hydrotechnical assessment to inform the design of new crossing structures to be built.

Project Description: The objectives of the fisheries and hydrotechnical assessments is to collect the necessary data to inform the design of new crossing structures to be built. At each crossing location, fish Habitat will be assessed (Gunghi Creek, Hwy 8 km 266.1, and Hwy 8 km 147.0; Oscar Creek and Great Bear River; and, Frank Channel and Behchoko Access Road). Fish habitat will be assessed by using cross-channel transects that will be established to document channel characteristics along a 400 m reach at each of the crossing sites. Six transects will be surveyed to record the physical stream characteristics: 50 m and 100 m upstream; at the crossing site; and, 100, 200, and 300 m downstream. Field in-situ water quality parameters will be measured using a YSI multi-parameter meter or similar. Fish collection will be completed. Fish will be collected via non-lethal electrofishing where depths and substrate allow, using a Smith-Root LR-24 electrofisher powered by a 24 V battery. Captured fish will be placed in a holding tank until they are processed. Fish will be identified to species, enumerated, and released alive. Fish that avoid capture, but can be positively identified, will be enumerated and recorded as observed. Baited minnow traps will also be deployed. Hydrotechnical assessments will be completed. Field data recorded will include: bed width, bank height, top width, stream slope, floodplain width, bed material composition, and an assessment of annual, perennial and tree vegetation on the floodplain. As part of the research licencing, Stantec is also completing community engagement by letter (and conference call, where required). Engagement will be conducted with the following organizations: Tuktoyaktuk and Inuvik Hunters and Trappers Committees, Tetlit Gwich’in Renewable Resources Council, Norman Wells Renewable Resources Council, Tulita Renewable Resources Council, Behchoko Community Government, and Tlicho Conservation and Lands Department. Stantec will seek the assistance of a wildlife monitors. Follow-up letters summarizing field activities and survey results will be sent to organizations that will be engaged during the engagement process. Summary reports will also be prepared for the required research licences. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from August 23, 2018 to October 31, 2018.