Race On To Save Redside Dace

March 23, 2008

Release from: Jessica Young
YorkRegion.com

They are cute, colourful and swim in creeks right here in York Region. Problem is, they are nearly extinct.

The redside dace needs help to stay alive, say members of the York Simcoe Naturalists, who are calling on you to speak up for these minnow-size fish.

A public outcry to representatives of the Species at Risk Act is needed, they said.

Species at Risk is run by the Canadian government and is in search of public opinion whether or not to add the redside dace to its endangered list.

Being on the list means Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada scientists and conservationists will conduct research on the extinction possibility of the fish.

Having the redside dace on the status list means federal funding can be allocated to provide recovery methods and protection for the fish.

One of the biggest threats in this area is the York-Durham sewage system, or the big pipe, York Simcoe Naturalists’ president Slyvia Bowman says. With existing pipelines expected to reach capacity in 2010, the region is scheduled to link to the Duffin Creek Water Pollution Control Plant in Pickering.

Sewage pipes will go through the Rogers Reservoir and because Sharon Creek runs into the East Holland River near there, the fish have been jeopardized, she said.

“The concern is the construction of the pipe will de-water the Sharon Creek, which means water levels will get so low they won’t be able to survive,” she said. “The big pipe will impact what could be prime location for the fish.”

Environmental assessments for the big pipe are complete, but Ms Bowman says it’s not enough. Her group wants a more detailed evaluation of the impact of the extended sewage system.

“They have to look at more remediation with the Rogers Resovoir and Sharon Creek,” Ms Bowan said.

Its fragile state within the eco-system means everyone should help to keep watch over the dace, Mark Carabetta, Ontario Nature conservation science manager said.

“It’s a fish that is very vulnerable. It lives in clean, cold water streams with gravelly bottoms,” he said. “They are very sensitive to the effects of streams when there is development. That’s why they are rare.”

Doug Forder, field supervisor Ontario Streams has tips for homeowners near rivers and streams. “Reduce the amount of run-off,” Mr Forder said. “If you have downspouts that go into sewers, disconnect those. Keep pesticides out of your lawn.

“Keep an eye on future developments in the area, and make sure there is a wide enough buffer to help protect the habitat.”