Atlantic Whitefish Range Expansion Initiative
In collaboration with partners, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is undertaking a range expansion initiative for the endangered Atlantic Whitefish.
The purpose of this initiative is to introduce endangered Atlantic Whitefish into a new lake habitat in Nova Scotia’s Southern Upland eco-region (south-central Nova Scotia). The initiative aims to expand the species’ existing range and establish a second population, helping to safeguard Atlantic Whitefish from global extinction.
About Atlantic Whitefish
Unique to Nova Scotia, Atlantic Whitefish are found only in three small connected lakes in the upper Petite Rivière watershed in Lunenburg County. Atlantic Whitefish have been listed as endangered and protected under the Species at Risk Act since 2003.
The size of the remaining population is unknown but believed to be critically low. Atlantic Whitefish face threats including barriers to fish passage and the introduction of Smallmouth Bass and Chain Pickerel, two highly predatory aquatic invasive species.
Three recovery goals have been identified to support the recovery of the species:
- achieve stability in the current population
- re-establish the anadromous (sea-going) form
- expand beyond its current range
This range expansion initiative will help achieve the third recovery goal to expand Atlantic Whitefish beyond its current location.
Candidate lakes
Four candidate lakes have been identified:
- Timber Lake, Lunenburg County
- Oakland Lake, Lunenburg County
- Alma Lake, Halifax County
- Coon Lake, Halifax County
Location of current Atlantic Whitefish habitat in the Petite Rivière watershed (outlined in red) and the four candidate lakes, indicated by a red dot within their watersheds (outlined in blue).
The candidate lakes have the following features:
- the absence of aquatic invasive species and other competitor species
- adequate pH and depth limits to mitigate against climate change
- existing land or water protections
- limited or no land-based activities in or around the lake
How will current activities in and around the lake be impacted?
The general prohibitions of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) would apply to the Atlantic Whitefish in the selected lake, meaning it would be unlawful to kill, harm, harass, capture, take, possess, collect, buy, sell, or trade Atlantic Whitefish. For activities that interact with Atlantic Whitefish in a prohibited way, DFO would work with lake users to avoid or mitigate those impacts. Certain activities may also be permitted under SARA as long as specific pre-conditions are met. For more information on SARA prohibitions, permits and exemptions, see sections 73, 74 and 83(4) of SARA.
Fishing activities
Fishing for Atlantic Whitefish would be prohibited. Fishing activities (commercial, recreational, and/or Food, Social and Ceremonial) targeting other species that could incidentally catch Atlantic Whitefish would continue, but any Atlantic Whitefish caught incidentally must be returned immediately to the water in a manner that causes the least harm. Other measures may also be taken to reduce the likelihood and impact of incidental fishing interactions, such as limitations in certain places at certain times of the year, or specific fishing gear requirements (for example, single hook lure or artificial fly only). Increased enforcement patrols and outreach initiatives, such as signage and education, may also be implemented.
Projects in or near lake
Proposed projects in or near the selected lake would be reviewed federally and provincially to determine the risk to Atlantic Whitefish or its habitat, and whether additional measures would be needed to avoid or mitigate these impacts. In some circumstances, permits (such as a SARA permit or Fisheries Act Authorization) could be required. DFO would work with lake users to avoid or mitigate impacts.
Future habitat protection
Should Atlantic Whitefish become successfully established in a new location, additional protection measures for their habitat may be put in place. This could include updating the recovery strategy to include new areas of critical habitat, a process that would require further consultation and engagement.
Share your feedback
Our public consultation is now closed. If you have any questions about the initiative and would like to discuss your thoughts on the candidate lakes, or to receive a brochure with more detailed information on the initiative, please contact our Regional Species at Risk Program at SpeciesatRisk.XMAR@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.