Assessment and public communication of low water level impacts to fish species and aquatic habitats of Lake St. Lawrence

Historically low 2018 water levels in Lake St. Lawrence have prompted concerns that fish populations and habitat may be locally impacted. Long-term residents of the Long Sault area have indicated that low water levels have exposed an unprecedented area of river bottom that has been affecting both boat navigation and recreational fisheries. This project seeks to address these concerns by conducting a comprehensive scientific review of the life histories and critical habitat of all known fish species inhabiting Lake St. Lawrence (Iroquois Dam to Moses-Saunders Dam). A compilation of the data and information is to be used to create scientifically-based outreach materials that would address recent public concerns over the impacts of low water levels on fish populations and aquatic habitat in Lake St. Lawrence. A technical report, website content and video would be produced to disseminate the results of the study. This project represents an important opportunity to address public concerns about the local ecological effects of Plan 2014 on Lake St. Lawrence, while building an important dataset that can help guide water level management policies.