Title
Loss of fish habitat as a consequence of inappropriately constructed stream crossings
Publication Date
2005
Keywords
fish habitat, habitat, Atlantic salmon, salmon, regulations, habitat protection, protection, streams, bridges, culverts, fish passage, design, monitoring
Journal or Book Title
Fisheries
Abstract
In the light of declines in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) stocks, we sought to determine14 the extent to which stream crossings along a newly constructed section of the Trans LabradorHighway (TLH Phase II) in southern Labrador accorded with government regulations for fishhabitat protection. We surveyed crossings of permanent streams over a 210 km road segment,containing 4 bridges and 47 culverts. Fifty-three percent of culverts posed problems to fishpassage, due to poor design or poor installation. We conjecture that cost and inadequateenvironmental oversight in the field explain the weak compliance with the relevant fisheriesguidelines. Our research has prompted the federal regulator to instigate remediation of problemswith the Phase II part of the highway. In addition many of the planned stream crossings for PhaseIII of the TLH were re-designed, and a commitment to careful monitoring of the installations hasbeen made by the federal regulator in cooperation with the indigenous inhabitants.
Pages
10-17
Volume
30