Français | Contact Us | Help | Search | Canada Site | |||||
Home | About Us | What's New? | Site Map | DFO Home | |||||
Science | Fisheries | Canadian Coast Guard |
Media | Policy | |||||
Habitat | Oceans | Library | Publications |
Information Fact Sheet C-1 Fact Sheet C-2 Fact Sheet C-3 Fact Sheet C-4 Fact Sheet C-5 Fact Sheet I-1 Fact Sheet I-2 Fact Sheet I-3 Fact Sheet I-4 Fact Sheet L-1 Fact Sheet L-2 Fact Sheet T-1 Fact Sheet T-2 |
Home: Publications: Fact Sheet Series: Fish habitat & stream cleanup
ish need healthy places to live, feed and reproduce. For most fish species, these activities usually occur along stream banks and in nearshore areas of lakes. Artificial materials such as concrete rubble, tires or construction debris can be harmful to fish and fish habitat. Cleaning up a stream involves knowing what to remove and what to leave. While artificial materials should be removed, natural materials such as fallen logs, boulders and plants should be left as they contribute to a healthy fish habitat. It is essential to maintain and improve the quality of fish habitat so that fish will always have healthy places for their eggs to develop, for their young to grow, and for the adults to feed and live. You can help safeguard our fish and protect fish habitat in our streams by carefully planning cleanup activities. Be aware of the Fisheries Act and other legislationThe federal Fisheries Act provides for the protection of fish habitat. Under this Act, no one may carry out any work or undertaking that results in the harmful alteration, disruption or destruction of fish habitat (HADD), unless authorized by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The Act also states that no one is permitted to deposit a deleterious (harmful) substance into water containing fish. Violations to the Fisheries Act can result in substantial fines, and/or the risk of imprisonment. If found guilty, then the violator may also be required to cover the costs of restoring the habitat at the site and/or be required to fulfill other court ordered remedies. Other legislation that may be relevant to building a dock, boathouse or boat launch is outlined in the introductory Fact Sheet:What you should know about Fish Habitat. Contacts and approvalsKeep in mind that approval from one government agency does not guarantee that you will be able to obtain approval from another agency. The table on the next page will help you determine which agency (ies) to contact. Remember you should obtain all approvals before starting work. Artificial materials can cause serious problemsStream cleanup is sometimes required in streams where artificial materials have been introduced. Whatever the source of these materials, their introduction can cause a number of serious problems such as:
Take care of our streams It is important to know there are a number of significant habitat features that provide shade and cover for fish. These may be features in the water or vegetation hanging overhead from the stream bank. They are important because they keep water temperatures cool, provide insect food for fish and offer protection from predators. Natural woody debris not only provides cover for fish, it also becomes a food source for plants and insects as it decomposes. These plants and insects are in turn eaten by young fish. Therefore, do not remove or displace:
Environmentally friendly practicesAs you plan your stream cleanup project, take care to use only environmentally friendly practices.
This Fact Sheet does not constitute any DFO or other regulatory authority(ies) approval. It is your responsibility to contact all other appropriate regulatory authorities. Working together to protect fish habitatHelp maintain the quality and quantity of fish habitat in our lakes and streams. For more advice on sunken log retrieval, contact your local agency staff directly.
Other Working Around Water Fact Sheets:
What you should know about Fish Habitat
www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/canwaters-eauxcan |
Last updated: 2004-09-17 | Important Notices |