Restoration of the aurora trout to its native habitat
Native to only two lakes in the entire world, the aurora trout is facing possible extinction. The two lakes which the trout is native to, Whirligig and Whitepine, are located in northern Ontario, in close proximity to metal smelters. In the 1960s the lakes were so affected by acid rain, that the pH balance became inhospitable to the unique aurora trout. Reintroduction of aurora trout was attempted in the 1990s following a whole-lake liming to improve water pH. This proved successful, and populations of the aurora trout since then have been stable. Yet, in 2001 and 2002 the pH once again dropped to critical levels.
The purpose of this project, partially funded by ESRF, was to determine if another whole-lake liming was necessary in order to maintain water quality and suitable habitat for the rare aurora trout following the period of high pH levels.
Various methods of live-capture were employed to assess the population numbers and structure in both lakes. All data collected suggest that the aurora trout did not experience any measurable damage to their population numbers as a result of the higher acidity levels in 2001 and 2002.
The endangered aurora trout are a special Canadian treasure, worthy of our attention. Past human activities have jeopardized the native populations, it is now necessary to learn from the past to ensure that this ecological treasure is not lost forever.
The purpose of this project, partially funded by ESRF, was to determine if another whole-lake liming was necessary in order to maintain water quality and suitable habitat for the rare aurora trout following the period of high pH levels.
Various methods of live-capture were employed to assess the population numbers and structure in both lakes. All data collected suggest that the aurora trout did not experience any measurable damage to their population numbers as a result of the higher acidity levels in 2001 and 2002.
The endangered aurora trout are a special Canadian treasure, worthy of our attention. Past human activities have jeopardized the native populations, it is now necessary to learn from the past to ensure that this ecological treasure is not lost forever.