Living Labs: We recently wrapped up our aquatic macroinvertebrate population analysis, an exciting part of our Living Labs project funded by the Royal Bank of Canada. This initiative examines the health of water bodies near farms by analyzing macroinvertebrate populations using rock bags placed in streams. These rock bags, set in streams from early summer to fall, create habitats for benthic macroinvertebrates like caddisflies and mayflies. At the end of the season, we collect the bags and analyze their contents. A greater abundance and diversity of these organisms typically indicates a healthier water body.
The macroinvertebrates are then sent to a taxonomy lab for detailed identification. This analysis is paired with water quality monitoring and pollinator surveys at the sites to measure other parameters that could be affected by the nearby farmland. This research provides valuable insights into the stream’s health and guides efforts to protect and improve water quality in agricultural areas.
Geomorphology Visiting Potential Remediation Sites: Our geomorphology team has been visiting potential remediation sites with significant erosion, prioritizing locations where species at risk are present. These locations are being evaluated for potential installation of sustainable structures using naturalized systems such as flex MSE and vegetation to help mitigate erosion and protect the surrounding environment. Remediating erosion is important not only for enhancing fish habitats but also for improving and protecting habitats for other species at risk in the region. If you know of any sites experiencing significant erosion, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us at olisaemeka.n@petitcodiacwatershed.org to share your suggestions. Click here to learn about an upcoming geomorphology event!
Broken Brooks: We are excited to announce the successful completion of this year’s culvert assessments! Over the course of the project, we accessed 55 crossing sites, including the assessment of 34 culverts, to determine if they are passable for fish migration. We identified 11 culverts as barriers and listed remediation options for them. As part of this work, we also identified potential sites for the installation of outflow chutes. These structures are installed to raise the water level inside culverts and remove outflow drops, the waterfalls sometimes found at the outflow of culverts, to restore fish passage. Restoring fish passage is essential to give access to headwater reproduction areas to migrating fish, including the endangered inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic Salmon. Thank you to the Environmental Trust Fund, The Foundation for Conservation of Atlantic Salmon and New Brunswick Wildlife Trust Fund for funding this project.
Water Quality: We have completed this year’s water quality monitoring at our sites in Memramcook, as well as Upper and Lower Petitcodiac. We tested for water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, turbidity, salinity, total dissolved solids, nitrates, phosphates, and E. coli bacteria. We monitor water quality to assess the health of our streams, ensuring they are safe for aquatic wildlife and suitable for recreational activities. Thank you to the Environmental Trust Fund for funding this project.
Phragmites: We have made significant progress in surveying efforts invasive species by measuring 40 patches of phragmites so far. This groundwork will give an idea of the extent of the spread to guide the Chignecto Isthmus Invasive Phragmites Working Group to plans for removal, which will take place next year. Thank you to the New Brunswick Wildlife Trust Fund for funding this project.
