To: Watershed News Media

Date: February 19, 2010

Shoreline work restricted during fish spawning

Kingston - The Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority (CRCA) reminds anyone considering construction in or near rivers, streams and lakes to know and respect timing restrictions that protect fish spawning.

Construction in or close to water may affect spawning activity by disturbing soil and causing erosion. Further, the release of construction runoff and soil into the water can have an adverse impact on fish survival. Restricted periods allow appropriate time for fish to spawn without stress. Within the CRCA jurisdiction these include:

• for warm water fish communities such as those in Dog, Bass or Sydenham Lakes: from March 15 to June 30;
• for mixed fish communities such as those in Charleston, Red Horse, Buck and Loughborough Lakes, from Oct. 1 to June 30;
• for cold-water fish communities: from Oct. 1 to May 31;
• for the St. Lawrence River: from March 15 to July 15; and
• for Lake Ontario: Sept. 15 to June 30.

This list is not exhaustive. You are advised that permits may be required. Please contact the CRCA before beginning work on projects in or near the water.

For information on in-water work guidelines, call the CRCA biologist at 613-546-4228, Ext. 240.

For more information call:

Tom Beaubiah, Biologist
(613) 546-4228 ext. 240
Toll-free (613 area code) 1-877-956-CRCA ext. 240