NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Dehcho Region

Tags: fish habitat, fish sampling, Mackenzie Valley Highway

Objective(s): To collect fish and fish habitat and bathymetric data for the detailed design and permitting of the Mackenzie Valley Highway Project.

Project Description: This licence has been issued for the scientific research application No. 5995. To collect fish and fish habitat and bathymetric data for the detailed design and permitting of the Mackenzie Valley Highway Project. Fish Habitat Assessments A total of 36 (32 watercourses and 4 drainages) locations are proposed to be assessed, including some visited during previous field programs but were frozen at the time or require re-assessment due to small changes in the road route. A helicopter will be used to access survey locations. The helicopter will land as close as is practical and safe and then personnel will proceed on foot to the survey location. Fish habitat surveys will be conducted on foot by two K’alo-Stantec fisheries biologists, accompanied by a local wildlife monitor. Fish habitat assessments at all study locations will use procedures based on standard protocols. The assessment area will extend from 300 m downstream of the crossing location to 100 m upstream of the crossing location. Six cross channel transects will be established at 100 m upstream, 50 m upstream, centreline (i.e., crossing location), 100 m downstream, 200 m downstream, and 300 m downstream. Where possible, the following information and observations will be recorded: • date and time • habitat type (e.g., pool, riffle, run) and area • channel characteristics (e.g., channel and witted widths, depths, and gradient) • bed material (substrate size and percent composition) • obstructions (i.e., barriers to fish passage) • vegetation (instream and riparian) • flood signs • stage of stream Bank materials, bank stability, bank slopes, cover, vegetation, and fish habitat will be estimated visually. Channel width, wetted width, water depth, and bank heights will be measured quantitatively (e.g., measuring tape, range finder). Instream substrate composition will be estimated visually at each transect. Bathymetric Assessment A total of 23 lakes were identified as potential future water withdrawal locations for the Project within approximately 500 m of the proposed highway route. Four of these between Wrigley and Blackwater River require bathymetric assessment to determine their depth, and the volume available for winter or summer withdrawal. A helicopter will be used to access survey locations, and a small boat with a small (2 hp) motor will be used to move around the water source. The helicopter will land as close as is practical and safe and then personnel will proceed on foot to the survey location. A K’alo-Stantec aquatic scientist, accompanied by a local wildlife monitor, will complete the assessments. Bathymetric surveys are completed by using a sonar (fish finder) to obtain a record of lake depths over the body of the lake. Bathymetric contour maps are then generated, and volume is calculated at varying depths. Bathymetric equipment is mounted onto the boat (or other suitable watercraft) using an adjustable pole mounted vertically along the gunwale of the boat during each survey. The GNWT-INF has discussed general plans for field studies with Pehdzeh Ki First Nation; engagement between GNWT-INF and Pehdzeh Ki First Nation about all aspects of the Mackenzie Valley Highway Project is ongoing. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from: August 17 - September 30, 2024