Fort Erie Creeks Watershed Plan - Niagara Peninsula Conservation ...

The close proximity of the diverse aquatic habitats and communities found in the Niagara River
and Lake Erie habitats, and the presence of a number of fish species that are at the northern limit
of their range in southern Ontario, but are more widely distributed in the United States, result in
study area watercourses having diverse low-gradient, warm- and cool-water fish communities.
Typical of most watercourses, fish community diversity in the study area generally decreases as
one moves farther upstream, however, some fish species that are typical residents of larger lakes
or rivers and would not normally be found in streams, are also found significant distances from
the Niagara River and Lake Erie in the low-gradient watercourses of the study area. Some of the
common fish species found here only occur in the extreme southern part of Ontario. At least two
fish species-at-risk (river redhorse and grass pickerel), and potentially others, are known to occur
within the study area. The common and scientific names of fishes discussed in this report are
listed in Tables 2.5.1 and 2.5.2.
The Ministry of Natural Resources (Vineland Office) has classified fish habitat in all the main
watercourse channels in the Niagara Region (ref. “Fish Habitat Types with Management
Rationale, Niagara Regional Municipality”, MNR, February 25, 2000). The fish
communities/habitat definitions in this document are as follows (ref. Appendix ‘NH-A’ for full
definitions).
Type 1: areas that limit the overall productive capacity (i.e. if these areas are harmfully altered
the productive capacity of the area would be reduced). Sensitive fish species (part or all of their
life cycle) and/or habitats are present (including springs, seeps, upwelling areas, seasonally
inundated spawning habitats, refugia, nursery areas, over-wintering areas, and ephemeral pools).
These areas require a high degree of protection, however may also be enhanced with care, and
can achieve a high potential for habitat compensation.
Type 2: this habitat is important but below its productive capacity and is ideal for enhancement
or restoration projects. Sensitive species may or may not be present part or all of the time. Fish
community is below potential due to habitat related issues, however may be increased if the
limiting factors are reversed.
Type 3: areas with low productive capacity, where common species may or may not be present,
and no sensitive species and/or specialized habitat are present (incidental exceptions of fish
presence may occur in some locations, e.g. the Welland Shipping Canal). Areas can negatively
affect downstream, down-drift or connected fish habitats, and should not be considered for
compensation opportunities.
The standard DFO system, supported by MNR, groups fish habitat into three classes (DFO 1998,
MNR 1999). These are:
Critical Habitat: those fisheries habitats which have high productive capacity, are rare, highly
sensitive to development, or have a critical role in sustaining fisheries (e.g., spawning and
nursery areas for some species, and ground water discharge areas).
Important Habitat: those fisheries habitats which are moderately sensitive to development and,
although important to the fish population, are not considered critical (e.g. feeding areas, and open
water habitats of lakes).
March 2008 41 Fort Erie Creeks Watershed Plan
General Report (105116)