ag-2013-14-w-eng

Fish Habitat and All-Terrain VehiclesEvery year, an increasing number of people in Newfoundland andLabrador are enjoying the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) whether it’s toexplore the outdoors, haul a load of wood, carry gear to the cabin or travelto a favourite hunting or fishing spot. An ATV is a great way to travel, butoperators should be aware of the potential impacts they can have on theenvironment.Throughout our province, ATV operators encounter various types of fishhabitat, such as streams, rivers, ponds, wetlands, and beaches. In fact,some people may be operating their ATVs through or near these areaswithout considering that it may be important habitat for many fish species.In Newfoundland and Labrador’s rivers and streams, brook trout andsalmon spawn in the changeover area between riffles and pools. Riffles arerelatively shallow areas with moderate flows and a mainly gravel, cobblebottom. Some boulders may also be present, which break the surface.Pools are deeper and have slower flows.Impacts to Fish HabitatDriving an ATV along riverbanks and across rivers and streams canharm fish habitat by damaging the banks or bottom of the river or streamcausing a sedimentation event that could result in:• Reduced water quality and clarity• Smothering of developing fish eggs, and spawning and rearing habitats• Reduction of available food• Crushing of fish eggs and fry• Loss of vegetation that provides shelterBelow are some fish friendly practices to keepin mind while riding your ATVA good rule of thumb for ATV riders, as well as operators of anyoffroad vehicles, is to stay out of the water.• Steer clear of wetlands, shorelines and waterbodies• Avoid driving your ATV along beaches and streambanks• Stick to established hard roads and trails• Cross streams at bridges only• Choose a large anchor tree when using a winch so that it canwithstand the pullIf you must cross a stream because of an emergency or safetyconcern please:• Cross where the approach is stable and has a low slope• Cross at right angles to the stream• Cross where the streambed is made of bedrock or large rubble• Reduce your speed when crossing• Avoid areas with vegetated, silty or sandy bottoms• Keep your ATV in good repair, free of mud, oil and otherharmful substances that could impair water qualityFish habitat – both freshwater and marine – is protected under Canada’sFisheries Act. For inquiries about fish habitat please contact (709) 772-2443. If you notice an activity that is harmful to fish habitat please contactthe nearest DFO Conservation and Protection office, listed on page 4.42 Angler’s Guide 2013-2014