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January 12, 2011
To the surprise of some, South Nation Conservation is entering the New Year pleased to report that 69 fish species have been identified within its 4,000 square-km watershed.
Because the South Nation River and its tributaries are relatively shallow with silt beds, many casual observers figure that few fish live in them. However, the watercourses are home to many thriving sport fish and assorted other species, noted Josh Mansell of the SNC fisheries department.
The latest addition to the long list of species is the Sand Shiner which belongs to the large minnow family with 40 different members across Ontario.
A single Sand Shiner was caught late last year by SNC staff in a stream in Larose Forest while they were engaged in a monitoring program designed to map aquatic species at risk in Eastern Ontario.
While the Sand Shiner isn’t at risk, it has never before been recorded in the South Nation jurisdiction, Mansell said. The species prefers sand and gravel with little silt in clear, warmer areas of slow moving streams. It’s not to be confused with the more prevalent Mimic Shiner and the Common Shiner.
“The discovery of the Sand Shiner within our watershed tells us that we do indeed have streams that remain naturalized,” Mansell said. “The habitat requirements of this species are specific and aren’t usually associated with human development.”
Mansell is informing the Royal Ontario Museum of the discovery because that institution constantly updates distribution of species across the province, as well as the federal Museum of Nature which is interested in distribution in the National Capital region.
With the 2011 ice fishing season having arrived, there are continued opportunities to enjoy the sport. It’s the time of year when fisheries department staff prepare for seasonal programs such as the Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol which targets for data species residing in wadeable streams and drains, and the Near Shore Community Index Netting Protocol which looks at larger fish and their distribution.
“These projects and others enable us to put together the big picture of our watershed’s fisheries resources.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Josh Mansell, SNC Fisheries Technician
877-984-2948, Ext. 307
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