Fathom Five National Marine Park

Last updated

Fathom Five National Marine Park
IUCN category VI (protected area with sustainable use of natural resources) [1]
Flowerpot Island Big Flowerpot.JPG
Flowerpot Island
Canada relief map 2.svg
Red pog.svg
Location of Fathom Five National Marine Park in Canada
Canada Southern Ontario relief location map.jpg
Red pog.svg
Location of Fathom Five National Marine Park in Southern Ontario
Location Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada
Nearest city Tobermory, Ontario
Coordinates 45°19′17″N81°37′34″W / 45.32139°N 81.62611°W / 45.32139; -81.62611
Area112 km2 (43 sq mi)
Established20 July 1987 [2]
Governing body Parks Canada

Fathom Five National Marine Park is a National Marine Conservation Area in the Georgian Bay part of Lake Huron, Ontario, Canada, that seeks to protect and display shipwrecks and lighthouses, and conserve freshwater ecosystems. Parks Canada has management plans for the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, with a multi-action plan for species that are at risk, including endemic species, the Monarch butterfly, the eastern ribbonsnake, and the eastern whip-poor-will. The aquatic ecosystems in the park are also of particular interest. Many fish, shellfish, amphibians, and eels are an attraction for naturalists in the park. Much of this wildlife is accessible to scuba divers and snorkellers in the park. The many shipwrecks make the park a popular scuba diving destination, and glass bottom boat tours leave Tobermory regularly, allowing tourists to see the shipwrecks without having to get wet. [3] Additionally, there are three main popular hiking trails found within Fathom Five National Marine Park that provides visitors with views of old growth forests and the Georgian Bay. The Saugeen Ojibway Peoples have inhabited the Bruce Peninsula and the area that is now Fathom Five National Marine Park for thousands of years. This land provided for their communities and their people with the plethora of wildlife and plant life. They provide the local knowledge about Lake Huron and its ecological value to the reserve, park, and their overall livelihood. Parks Canada and Saugeen Ojibway People's collaboration is said to yield a benefit to both parties with regard to overall ecosystem knowledge.

Contents

Many visitors camp at nearby Bruce Peninsula National Park and use the park as a base to explore Fathom Five and the surrounding area during the day.

Fathom Five also contains numerous islands, notably Flowerpot Island, which has rough camping facilities, marked trails, and its namesake flowerpots, outlying stacks of escarpment cliff that stand a short distance from the island, most with vegetation (including trees) still growing on them.

The park was established on 20 July 1987 using the area of the Fathom Five Provincial Park and the western portion of the Georgian Bay Islands National Park. [4] The park represented a pioneering departure for the national park system, which had centred on land-based conservation until then. Its designation as a National Marine Park foresaw the creation of others, though nomenclature for such units would morph into National Marine Conservation Areas, leaving Fathom Five as the only National Marine Park. Despite its unique name, it is categorized as an NMCA and is deemed the first one in the country.

Visitors' centre

The Sweepstakes Epave Big Tub Harbour 1.JPG
The Sweepstakes

In 2006, a new visitors' centre opened to serve Fathom Five National Marine Park and the Bruce Peninsula National Park. Designed by Andrew Frontini of Shore Tilbe Irwin + Partners, the CAD $7.82 million centre, approached by a boardwalk, features an information centre, reception area, exhibit hall and theatre. A 20-metre viewing tower was also constructed to provide visitors with aerial views of the surrounding park and Georgian Bay. The centre was designed with environmental sustainability in mind, receiving $224,000 from the Federal House in Order initiative for implementation of innovative greenhouse gas reduction technology. [5]

Recreation

With an annual visitation number of 490,388 from 2019-2021, [6] Fathom Five National Marine Park is a popular destination among locals and tourists. The park has three main trails, which range in duration from five minutes to two hours. The Bruce Trail to Little Dunks Bay is approximately two kilometres long and provides visitors with a panoramic view of Little Dunks Bay and Georgian Bay. [7] The Bruce Trail Burnt Point Loop has the longest hike of the three, encompassing 4.8 km, which passes through cedar forests and provides a stunning view of Georgian Bay. Visitors can embark on the shortest hike that is less than half a kilometre in length, passing by the visitor centre on their way to Tobermory Harbour. [7]

Park management

Management plan

The management plans for the Fathom Five National Park was made in 1998. The park was created to protect the longevity of the Georgian Bay marine biodiversity and environment. The aquatic ecosystems management was created to study the structure of the ecosystem and resources, protect species and habitats, and identify the impact of nonnative species and make management plans to take action if they negatively impact native species. The fish management plan was created to monitor the populations, and allow sustainable harvest through commercial and sport fishing. The terrestrial ecosystems management plan was created to monitor the islands’ biogeography and to and reduce human impact on the environment. This is done by preventing new species from being introduced and limiting public access to areas. Additionally, management requires environmental impact assessments to be done prior to any activities or development. [8]

Management progress

The management progress was last reported by Parks Canada in 2010. The goals to conserve and monitor aquatic ecosystems is approximately 50% complete. The coastal ecosystems' water quality, water level, fish populations, and connectivity are in good condition. The island ecosystems' habitat and connectivity is in fair condition, and they are still developing the offshore and social indicators. The goals to preserve the terrestrial ecosystems are being met, and is in fair condition. The goal of having environmental impact assessments is also being followed prior to activities. [9]

Threatened and endangered species

A multi-species action plan to conserve threatened and endangered species was created by Parks Canada to be implemented in Fathom Five National Park and Bruce Peninsula National Park. The plan includes COSEWIC’s (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada) identification of the species threat status, and plans to recover the population size and distribution of the species. [10]

There are endemic species included in the plan, such as Dwarf Lake Iris (Iris lacurstris) and Lakeside Daisy (Tetraneuris  herbacea). [10] The Dwarf Lake Iris's status is of special concern, as it is only found in the Great Lakes basin, with one of its locations being Lake Huron. [11] It is a perennial plant with blue or purple petals which blooms between mid-May and early June. [11] The Lakeside Daisy status is also of special concern, as it is likewise only found near the Great Lakes. [12] It is a perennial herb with yellow ray petals and blooms between May and early June. [12]

Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is a species of butterfly that is currently listed as a species of special concern in the province of Ontario. [13] This migratory butterfly is found in Fathom Five Marine Park, as well as other parts of Southeast Canada and the Northeast United States during its breeding season in the summer. [14] Upon breeding, the monarch butterflies embark on a mass migration of approximately 4,500 kilometres to their final resting place in Central Mexico. [14] As a species of special concern, the monarch butterfly is neither threatened nor endangered. [14] As a result of habitat loss and the use of pesticides and herbicides, the monarch butterfly's natural habitat has been dramatically impacted. [14] The monarch butterfly is a globally threatened species, and its numbers have declined dramatically throughout the past few decades, from 10 million butterflies in 1980 to 1914 butterflies in 2021. [15]

Massassauga rattlesnake

The massassauga rattle snake (Sistrurus catenatus) is a species of snake listed as endangered under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). [16] This snake has a long, grayish-brown body with semi round spots throughout its body, and it ranges in size from 50–70 cm long. [16] The species is found in the Fathom Five Marine Park, in habitats such as tall grass, bogs, marshes, shorelines, and forests. In addition to habitat loss caused by human expansion, these snakes are also at risk of being killed by motor vehicles or ill-intentioned humans. [16] There are approximately 10,000 adult massasauga rattle snakes found throughout Eastern Ontario and Quebec; however, a substantial portion of this population can be found within the Fathom Five Marine Park and the Bruce Peninsula. [17] Both the Massasauga - Great Lakes / St. Lawrence population and the Massasauga - Carolinian population are experiencing steady declines in population numbers. [17]

Eastern ribbon snake

The eastern ribbon snake (Thamnophis saurita) is a species of snake that is listed as a "special concern" that is likely to become endangered if proper precautions aren't taken. [18] On its sides and back, the snake has three yellow stripes that easily distinguish it from other snakes. [18] The Fathom Five Marine Park is home to this species of snake, which is normally found in environments near water. [18] The snake is threatened by habitat loss as a result of human development. [18] In addition, the eastern ribbon snake relies heavily on the ability to hunt amphibians as a result, the eastern ribbon snake is experiencing a decline in food availability due to habitat loss and degradation. [18] Currently, there are an estimated 1,000-3,000 adult eastern ribbon snakes inhabiting Ontario, and their numbers are steadily declining. [19]

Eastern whip-poor-will

The eastern whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferus) is currently listed as threatened under the Species at Risk Act (SARA), and if proper measures are not taken it may become endangered. [20] Easter whip-poor-wills can be found in the Fathom Five Marine Park. [20] They are distinguished by their medium size and brown and grey feathers that provide them with excellent camouflage so that they can blend in with the surroundings. [20] The eastern whip-poor-will is generally found in open woodlands with mixed conifers and deciduous trees. [20] Threats to the eastern whip-poor-will are directly caused by the loss and degradation of their habitat. [20] From 1968-2007, the number of eastern whip-poor-wills has decreased by nearly 75% of its original population in Canada, and its population is gradually decreasing at a rate of 3.2% per year. [21]

Climate change

There is a very real threat associated with climate change on a global scale, but especially within Canada. According to current projections, the province of Ontario will experience an increase in average temperatures of 2.6-2.7 degrees Celsius by 2030 and 5.9-7.4 degrees Celsius by 2080. [22] A further consequence of climate change will be an increase in precipitation by 4.5%-7.1% in Ontario and a possible increase of 3.2%-17.5% by 2080. [22] It is anticipated that climate change could have dramatic effects on species such as the monarch butterfly, the massassauga rattlesnake, the eastern ribbon snake, and the eastern whip-poor-will, which are already on the endangered list. Increasing temperatures and precipitation will lead to more frequent flooding, droughts, and extreme weather events. Due to these impacts, there will be a drastic decrease in viable food sources for monarch butterflies, such as milkweed. [14] It is anticipated that the flooding will negatively impact the landscapes in which massassauga rattlesnakes, eastern ribbon snakes, and eastern whip-poor-wills rely heavily on for shelter, food, and protection. [15] [17]

Aquatic wildlife

Native aquatic wildlife

Lake Huron is home to 139 native fish species, many of which are found in Fathom Five Provincial park. Some examples include sculpins, gizzard shad, shiners, and ciscoes. These fish sustain populations of larger predatory species such as pike, muskellunge, large and smallmouth bass, brook trout, and walleye. These native species are dispersed throughout the great lakes watershed.

Lake Huron is also home to eight native turtle species, including the spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata), Blanding’s turtle (Emydoidea blandingii), spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera), northern map turtle (Graptemys geographica), eastern musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus), snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina), midland painted turtle (Chrysemys picta marginata), and wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta). Out of these species, two are listed as endangered, two are listed "threatened", and three species are of special concern. [23] The reduction of coastal wetlands has greatly impacted turtles in Lake Huron, including the Bruce Peninsula. Fathom Five National park is home to several wetlands. These wetlands are critical habitat to sensitive species such as turtles, black terns, king rails, herons, Black crest night herons and other species of special concern.

Non-native aquatic wildlife

Lake Huron is home to several introduced and invasive species. Pacific salmon were introduced to Lake Huron; specifically, Chinook, coho and pink salmon were intentionally introduced by sport fishermen. Additionally, invasive species introduced via ballast water, man-made canals, aquaculture, and the pet trade have established large populations within the lakes. Lampreys, alewives, and quagga mussels are the most common examples of invasive species in the Great Lakes. [24]

Invasive species have affected the lake ecosystem considerably. Quagga mussels are filter feeders, and filter water through their siphons in order to trap algae and plankton. These mussels are so prevalent that their filtration has drastically changed the clarity of the water, allowing algae to grow on rock structures on the lake bed where it would not previously be present. Predatory fish have also been affected greatly by invasive species. The clarity of the water, created by quagga mussels, [25] causes ambush predators to be less successful in ambushing prey. Keystone native species such as lake trout, muskellunge, and pike have been greatly affected by this change. Large fish species have also been affected by the sea lamprey.

Lampreys are a parasitic predator, and attach themselves to large fish and feed on the blood of their prey. Lampreys are native to the Great Lakes; Silver, chestnut, American brook, and northern brook lamprey are native to streams and rivers in the watershed of the Great Lakes, including Lake Huron. Native lampreys are not large enough to have a significant effect on the fish they prey on, however invasive sea lampreys are much larger, and fish that they prey on are much more prone to die as they are not used to such large parasites. It was estimated that only one in seven fish preyed on by sea lampreys would survive. [26]

First Nations

Fathom Five National Marine Park is part of the traditional unceded territory of Saugeen Ojibway people. Oral history dates the presence of Saugeen Ojibway peoples around 5480 BCE. The peninsula is a spiritual destination for many Ojibway Nations, who would travel to the peninsula to partake in potlatches and ceremonies throughout the seasons. The traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibway included the modern day towns of Collingwood, Arthur, Alliston, and Goderich, the watersheds of the Saugeen river, the Sauble river, the Wasaga river and the islands surrounding the Bruce peninsula. The Saugeen people speak a dialect of the Algonquin language. [27]

Food security

Food security for the Saugeen Ojibway people has been an ongoing political issue. All the major fisheries are located on the Saugeen Ojibway people's region and it is their main source of food. The local fisheries have been dominated by big corporations. This food resource needs to have legal access by Saugeen Ojibway people granted by the government. Prior to European arrival the Saugeen Ojibway people's territory extended as far as Southern Ontario. This includes 6,500 km2 (2,500 sq mi) extending into southern Ontario, 500 km of shoreline and 10,000 km2 (3,900 sq mi) of Lake Huron, and harvesting rights on 930 hectares (2,300 acres) of a hunting reserve. Commercial food markets do exist around the region and are a 25 minute drive from the reserve. Though this creates a challenge for those with no access to a motor vehicle. The older demographic of the Saugeen Ojibway people expressed that there is a decline in the Lake Huron's whitefish population. The whitefish is symbolic of cultural and generational ceremonies for the Saugeen Ojibway people. It is a symbol of a successful harvest and the Saugeen Ojibway people have a ceremony where the "chief" summons the whitefish and appreciate the lake for providing them with source of food and livelihood. These are age old rituals that have been practiced since the 1800s where the Saugeen Ojibway people surrendered their land to the British crown. [28]

Parks Canada and Saugeen Ojibway people

Parks Canada is a Federal agency that specializes in protection and conservation of national parks throughout Canada. The entity was formed to ensure the preservation of ecological indicators and species. The Giigoonyang (Fishes) project collaboration between Saugeen Ojibway people and Parks Canada. The collaboration is designed to combine indigenous knowledge about the land area with western technology. Researchers will use this to monitor and analyze fisheries data to forecast population growth or decline. This research is essential as it ensures food security for the Saugeen Ojibway people territory. Since it is their primary source that they rely on, this collaboration will benefit both parties involved. Since Parks Canada is a Federal agency, it will allow the Saugeen Ojibway people to make necessary progress in their legal demands for their food security and territory. A Federal agency is more likely to implement effective change in comparison to a provincial entity due to the hierarchal structure of the government agencies in Canada. The secondary goal of Parks Canada is to fill the knowledge gap they have with regards to Fathom Five National Marine Park's lake systems. Specific to fish migration and ecosystems that directly affect the fisheries industry. The main aim is to be able to create sustainable fishing practices in order to ensure Lake Huron's fish population. [29]

Shipwrecks

The park is home to several shipwrecks, many of which are used for scuba diving and some shallower ones are used for snorkelling.

The park also has three non-shipwreck dive sites, these are Dunks Point, Big Tub Lighthouse Point and The Anchor. [30] [31]

ShipDate of sinkingType of shipShip LengthNotes
ArabiaOctober 1884Three-masted barque40.1 metres (132 ft) Foundered off of Echo Island.
Avalon Voyager IIOctober 1980Motor ship41.2 metres (135 ft)Served in the Newfoundland fish trade for 30 years, then it was used a floating restaurant in Kincardine. Stranded and burned by vandals when being relocated to Owen Sound.
Caroline Rose1990sSchooner39.6 metres (130 ft)Towed to Driftwood Cove by the Tobermory Marine Association to be used as a dive site.
CascadenOctober 1871SteamerBroken up over a large area.
Charles P. MinchOctober 1892Three-masted schooner47.2 metres (155 ft)Driven onto the rocks near Tecumseh Cove, Cove Island.
ChinaNovember 1883Two-masted schoonerWrecked on China Reef; parts of the ship are broken up.
City of Grand RapidsOctober 1907Passenger steamerBurned and sunk.
Forest CityJune 1904Steamer66 metres (217 ft)Formerly a barge; sunk in June 1904, after hitting the east side of Bears Rump Island.
James C. KingNovember 190153.4 metres (175 ft)Wrecked while towing the W.L. Wetmore.
John WaltersNovember 1883Two-masted schooner32.9 metres (108 ft)
NewaygoNovember 1903Steam barge59.7 metres (196 ft)
Niagara IIMay 1999Sandsucker55.5 metres (182 ft)Sunk by the Tobermory Maritime Association in May 1999 to be used as a dive site.
Philo ScovilleOctober 1889Three-masted schooner42.5 metres (139 ft)Wrecked during a storm.
Points WestWooden guide9.7 metres (32 ft)Intentionally sunk.
The TugsSteam tugsWreckage of four small steam tugs, Alice G, Robert K, John & Alex and one unidentified tug
Truellen1972Yacht12 metres (39 ft)Wrecked on the Greenfield Shoal. It was salvaged, but it was found to be too badly damaged, so it was towed to the channel Cove and North Otter Islands to be used as a dive site.
Sweepstakes September 1885Two-masted schooner36.3 metres (119 ft)Damaged off Cove Island then towed to Big Tub Harbour, where it sank.
W.L. WetmoreNovember 1901Steamer65.1 metres (214 ft)Wrecked during a storm in November 1901. The site is known for the boiler, anchor, chain and rudder.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lake Huron</span> One of the Great Lakes of North America

Lake Huron is one of the five Great Lakes of North America. Hydrologically, it comprises the easterly portion of Lake Michigan–Huron, having the same surface elevation as Lake Michigan, to which it is connected by the 5-mile-wide (8.0 km), 20-fathom-deep Straits of Mackinac. It is shared on the north and east by the Canadian province of Ontario and on the south and west by the U.S. state of Michigan. The name of the lake is derived from early French explorers who named it for the indigenous people they knew as Huron (Wyandot) inhabiting the region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bruce Peninsula National Park</span> National park in Ontario, Canada

Bruce Peninsula National Park is a national park on the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario, Canada. Located on a part of the Niagara Escarpment, the park comprises 156 square kilometres and is one of the largest protected areas in southern Ontario, forming the core of UNESCO's Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve. It was established in 1987 to protect the rock formations and shoreline of the Niagara Escarpment. The park offers opportunities for many outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and bird watching. The park has trails ranging in difficulty from easy to expert, and connects to the Bruce Trail. Bruce Peninsula National Park is known for its crystal clear blue waters, cobblestone beaches, rocky cliffs and karst formations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tobermory, Ontario</span> Community in Ontario, Canada

Tobermory is a small community located at the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, in the traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. Until European colonization in the mid-19th century, the Bruce Peninsula was home to the Saugeen Ojibway nations, with their earliest ancestors reaching the area as early as 7,500 years ago. It is part of the municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula. It is 300 kilometres northwest of Toronto. The closest city to Tobermory is Owen Sound, 100 kilometres south of Tobermory and connected by Highway 6.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saugeen River</span> River in Ontario, Canada

The Saugeen River is located in southern Ontario, Canada. The river begins in the Osprey Wetland Conservation Lands and flows generally north-west about 160 kilometres (99 mi) before exiting into Lake Huron. The river is navigable for some distance, and was once an important barge route. Today the river is best known for its fishing and as a canoe route.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bruce County</span> County in Ontario, Canada

Bruce County is a county in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. It has eight lower-tier municipalities with a total 2016 population of 66,491. It is named for James Bruce, 8th Earl of Elgin and 12th Earl of Kincardine, the sixth Governor General of the Province of Canada. The Bruce name is also linked to the Bruce Trail and the Bruce Peninsula.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bruce Peninsula</span> Peninsula in Southern Ontario, Canada

The Bruce Peninsula is a peninsula in Ontario, Canada, that divides Georgian Bay of Lake Huron from the lake's main basin. The peninsula extends roughly northwestwards from the rest of Southwestern Ontario, pointing towards Manitoulin Island, with which it forms the widest strait joining Georgian Bay to the rest of Lake Huron. The Bruce Peninsula contains part of the geological formation known as the Niagara Escarpment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sauble Beach, Ontario</span> Unincorporated settlement in Ontario, Canada

Sauble Beach is a beach community and unincorporated area in the town of South Bruce Peninsula, Bruce County, in the northern area of southwestern Ontario, Canada. It is on the Bruce Peninsula, along the eastern shore of Lake Huron, on the north edge of the Saugeen First Nation. The beach takes its name from that given by early French explorers to the sandy Sauble River, originally "La Rivière Au Sable" also indicating that the river emptied into Lake Huron at a sandy beach. The river was labelled with the French name on maps until 1881, when it became the Sauble River; in early years, a sawmill was built on the river, and later, a hydro electric plant.

The Carolinian forest refers to a life zone in eastern North America characterized primarily by the predominance of deciduous (broad-leaf) forest. The term "Carolinian", which is most commonly used in Canada, refers to the deciduous forests which span across much of the eastern United States from the Carolinas northward into southern Ontario, Canada. These deciduous forests in the United States and southern Ontario share many similar characteristics and species hence their association. Today the term is often used to refer to the Canadian portion of the deciduous forest region while the portion in the United States is often referred to as the "Eastern deciduous forest".

Saugeen First Nation is an Ojibway First Nation band located along the Saugeen River and Bruce Peninsula in Ontario, Canada. The band states that their legal name is the "Chippewas of Saugeen". Organized in the mid-1970s, Saugeen First Nation is the primary "political successor apparent" to the Chippewas of Saugeen Ojibway Territory; the other First Nation that is a part of Chippewas of Saugeen Ojibway Territory is Cape Croker. The Ojibway are of the Algonquian languages family. The First Nation consist of four reserves: Chief's Point 28, Saugeen 29, Saugeen Hunting Grounds 60A, and Saugeen and Cape Croker Fishing Islands 1.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eastern massasauga</span> Species of snake (rattlesnake; Sistrurus catenatus)

The eastern massasauga is a rattlesnake species found in central and eastern North America from southern Ontario in Canada and throughout the Midwestern and Eastern United States. Like all rattlesnakes, it is a pit viper and is venomous; it is the only species of venomous snake in Ontario.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blackfin cisco</span> Species of fish

The blackfin cisco was a North American salmonid fish in the freshwater whitefish sub-family Coregoninae. This silvery, deep-bodied fish with black fins, large eyes, a blunt snout and a terminal mouth, was one of the largest forms of ciscoes. The blackfin cisco used to inhabit the Great Lakes of North America until recently, but has been reported to have gone extinct. The blackfin cisco is a member of the C. artedi complex, whose taxonomy has not yet been resolved, and it may not represent a valid species.

The Robinson Treaties are two treaties signed between the Ojibwa chiefs and the Crown in 1850 in the Province of Canada. The first treaty involved Ojibwa chiefs along the north shore of Lake Superior, and is known as the Robinson Superior Treaty. The second treaty, signed two days later, included Ojibwa chiefs from along the eastern and northern shores of Lake Huron, and is known as the Robinson Huron Treaty. The Wiikwemkoong First Nation did not sign either treaty, and their land is considered "unceded".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fauna of Canada</span> Native animals of Canada

The fauna of Canada consist of approximately 200 mammal species, over 460 native bird species, 43 amphibian species, 43 reptile species, and 1,200 fish species. The biology survey of Canada cites that there are approximately 55,000 species of insects, and 11,000 species of mites and spiders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shortjaw cisco</span> Species of fish

The shortjaw cisco is a North-American freshwater whitefish in the salmon family. Adult fish range to about 30 cm (12 in) in length and are silver, tinged with green above and paler below. One of the members of the broader Coregonus artedi complex of ciscoes, it is distributed widely in the deeper lakes of Canada, but populations in the Great Lakes have been declining and it is no longer present in Lakes Michigan, Huron, and Erie. It feeds mainly on crustaceans and insect larvae and spawns in the autumn on the lake bed. It is part of the important cisco (chub) fishery in the Great Lakes. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated its conservation status as "vulnerable". Shortjaw cisco have however evolved from the cisco Coregonus artedi independently in different lakes and different parts of the range, and conservation assessments therefore should be made on a lake-wise rather than range-wide basis.

The kiyi is a species of freshwater whitefish, a deepwater cisco, endemic to the Great Lakes of North America. It previously inhabited Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron and Lake Ontario, but is now believed to persist only in Lake Superior where it is common. The various deepwater ciscos are also called chubs. The kiyi is part of the large group of related northern ciscos known as the Coregonus artedi complex.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Redside dace</span> Species of fish

The redside dace is a species of ray-finned fish in the family Cyprinidae, found in the United States and Canada. It is unique among minnows, being the only species to routinely feed on flying insects by leaping from water. Thus, it acts as a conduit for nutrient transfers between terrestrial and aquatic environments. The species can be used as an ecosystem health indicator, as it is sensitive to environmental disturbances.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wildlife of Canada</span> Overview of the wildlife of Canada

The wildlife of Canada or biodiversity of Canada consist of over 80,000 classified species, and an equal number thought yet to be recognized. Known fauna and flora have been identified from five kingdoms: protozoa represent approximately 1% of recorded species; chromist ; fungis ; plants ; and animals. Insects account for nearly 70 percent of documented animal species in Canada. More than 300 species are found exclusively in Canada.

Molega Lake is a large lake in Queens County, Nova Scotia approximately 30 minutes outside of Bridgewater. The surrounding area is a mainly seasonal cottage area called Molega Lake Park with some year round residential subdivisions. The place around the lake is also known as place with land with high percentage of gold.

Saugeen and Cape Croker Fishing Islands 1 is a First Nations reserve consisting of 89 islands in Lake Huron off the western coast of the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario. They extend north of Chief's Point 28 for 11 miles (18 km) up to Pike Bay. These islands are shared between the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and Saugeen First Nation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Key River</span> River in Ontario, Canada

The Key River is a short river in Central Ontario, Canada. It flows 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) from Portage Lake west to its mouth at Key Harbour in Georgian Bay of Lake Huron. The river allows access to Northeastern Georgian Bay for recreational anglers, cottagers, and canoeists from Ontario Highway 69. The river is mostly bound by the French River Provincial Park on its northern shore, and by Henvey Inlet First Nation Reserve on its southern shore.

References

  1. "Protected Planet | Fathom Five National Marine Park Of Canada". Protected Planet. Retrieved 2020-10-22.
  2. "State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park of Canada". Parks Canada. 2010. Retrieved 2020-09-28.
  3. "Canada 150: Five national parks to visit with the free discovery pass". CTV News. 24 May 2017. Retrieved 31 May 2018.
  4. "Fathom Five National Marine Park | The Canadian Encyclopedia". www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca. Retrieved 2023-09-14.
  5. "Parks Canada Hosts Opening Ceremony for a New Visitor Centre at Fathom Five National Marine Park of Canada and Bruce Peninsula National Park of Canada". www.canada.ca (Press release). Parks Canada. Retrieved 31 May 2018.
  6. Parks Canada Agency, Government of Canada (2021-01-21). "Parks Canada attendance 2019-20". www.pc.gc.ca. Retrieved 2022-11-07.
  7. 1 2 Parks Canada Agency, Government of Canada (2019-11-05). "Visitor Centre - Fathom Five National Marine Park". www.pc.gc.ca. Retrieved 2022-11-07.
  8. Parks Canada (1998). "Fathom Five National Marine Park Management Plan".{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  9. Parks Canada (2010). "Fathom Five National Marine Park of Canada : state of the park report, 2010".{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  10. 1 2 Canada, Environment and Climate Change (2016-11-22). "Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park: multi-species action plan". www.canada.ca. Retrieved 2022-11-07.
  11. 1 2 Canada, Environment and Climate Change (2011-10-28). "Dwarf Lake iris (Iris lacustris): COSEWIC assessment and status report 2010". www.canada.ca. Retrieved 2022-11-07.
  12. 1 2 Canada, Environment and Climate Change (2022-01-19). "Lakeside Daisy (Tetraneuris herbacea): COSEWIC Assessment and status report 2021". www.canada.ca. Retrieved 2022-11-07.
  13. "Monarch". ontario.ca. Retrieved 2022-11-08.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 "Monarch Butterfly: Endangered Species Facts, Info & More". WWF.CA. Retrieved 2022-11-08.
  15. 1 2 "Migratory monarch butterfly now Endangered - IUCN Red List". IUCN. Retrieved 2022-11-08.
  16. 1 2 3 "Massasauga rattlesnake". ontario.ca. Retrieved 2022-11-08.
  17. 1 2 3 COSEWIC assessment and status report on the massasauga, Sistrurus catenatus : Great Lakes/St. Lawrence population, Carolinian population, in Canada. Jonathan Choquette, Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa, ON. 2013. ISBN   978-1-100-22153-3. OCLC   863767819.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) CS1 maint: others (link)[ page needed ]
  18. 1 2 3 4 5 "Eastern ribbonsnake". ontario.ca. Retrieved 2022-11-08.
  19. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the eastern ribbonsnake, Thamnophis sauritus, Atlantic population, Great Lakes population, in Canada. Ronald J Brooks, Jennifer Anne McNeil, Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. 2012. ISBN   978-1-100-22152-6. OCLC   865224852.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) CS1 maint: others (link)[ page needed ]
  20. 1 2 3 4 5 "Eastern whip-poor-will". ontario.ca. Retrieved 2022-11-08.
  21. Mills, Alex (2009). COSEWIC assessment and status report on the whip-poor-will, Caprimulgus vociferus, in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa: Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. ISBN   978-1-100-12934-1. OCLC   481011510.[ page needed ]
  22. 1 2 Wang, Xiuquan; Huang, Guohe; Liu, Jinliang; Li, Zhong; Zhao, Shan (15 September 2015). "Ensemble Projections of Regional Climatic Changes over Ontario, Canada". Journal of Climate. 28 (18): 7327–7346. Bibcode:2015JCli...28.7327W. doi:10.1175/JCLI-D-15-0185.1.
  23. Lawrie, R. E., 2017. Lake Huron’s turtles and the wetlands they call home. Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation.
  24. "Great Lakes Fishery Commission - The Fishery". www.glfc.org. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
  25. Blok, Andrew (2021-02-02). "30 Years Later: Mussel invasion legacy reaches far beyond Great Lakes". Great Lakes Now. Retrieved 2022-11-07.
  26. McGuire, Meg (2021-05-12). "Lampreys: ugly? Maybe, but they play a big role in river health". Delaware Currents. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
  27. "Home // Endaayang | Saugeen Ojibway Nation Environment Office". www.saugeenojibwaynation.ca. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
  28. Lowitt, Kristen; Johnston-Weiser, David; Lauzon, Ryan; Hickey, Gordon M. (February 2018). "On food security and access to fish in the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, Lake Huron, Canada". Journal of Great Lakes Research. 44 (1): 174–183. Bibcode:2018JGLR...44..174L. doi:10.1016/j.jglr.2017.10.009.
  29. Bilyea, Cory (16 May 2022). "Saugeen Ojibway Nation announce collaboration with Parks Canada, NDMNRF". The Canadian Press. Toronto. ProQuest   2665658633.
  30. Canada, Parks Canada Agency, Government of. "Diving". www.pc.gc.ca. Retrieved 2018-11-28.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  31. Canada, Parks Canada Agency, Government of. "Big Tub and Little Tub dive sites". www.pc.gc.ca. Retrieved 2018-11-28.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)