Action FFM-1: Identify the Causes of Fish Tumours and Other Deformities Which Originate Within the AOC
Action FFM-2: Marsh Monitoring Program
Action FFM-3: The Fish Harvest Survey
Action FFM-4: The Fish Contaminant Monitoring Programs
Action FFM-5: The CWS Surveys of the Common and Black Tern Populations
Action FFM-6: Analysis of Contaminant Levels in Bird Eggs
Action FFM-7: Monitoring of Population Changes Due to Habitat Enhancement
Action FFM-8: Reproductive Assessments of Gulls and Terns
Action FFM-9: Evaluate Influence of Water Levels and Flows on Spawning and Production
Action FFM-10: Determine Minimum Water Levels and Flow Rates Necessary for Spawning
Action FFM-11: Monitoring Water Quantity
Action FFM-1: Identify the Causes of Fish Tumours and Other Deformities Which Originate Within the AOC
Current Status: UNDERWAY
BUIs Addressed: Fish Tumours and Other Deformities
Studies should be carried out, along with any monitoring which may be required, to positively identify which contaminants originating within the AOC are contributing to Fish Tumours and Other Deformities. Particular emphasis should be given to those contaminants already suspected of contributing to the problem (i.e., PAHs in sediments) and to the causes of deformities which have been observed in Munuscong Bay.
- In 2009, ECCC collected AOC-resident fish consisting of 141 white suckers (an indicator species) across a diverse age range. Fisheries & Oceans Canada performed the liver tumour diagnoses and released its findings in 2012, suggesting a tumour prevalence rate of 10.6% (i.e.,15 fish collected from the St. Marys River exhibited tumours). The sampling and diagnosis costs were $46,000 (not including salary).
- In 2013, with financial support from the MECP, ECCC hired Dr. Paul Baumann and a research team from the University of Toronto to run a full analysis of the data, determine the cause of the fish tumours, and recommend next steps. Completed in mid-2013, this work recommended:
- Comparing the age distribution of liver tumours in St. Marys River white sucker from the original 1985-1990 surveys to those from the 2009 survey;
- Collecting a targeted series of sediment samples near the Essar Steel Algoma location (including the Algoma Slip) and analyze them for PAHs; and
- Repeating the 100 fish survey within the AOC in 2015 to obtain more information on changes in tumour prevalence and exposure after remediation events, including a subset to be sampled for bile to ascertain the presence of PAH bile metabolites, or for blood to quantify genotoxic damage to red blood cell nuclei using the comet assay.
- In March 2014, the results were presented to BPAC, and the implications and proposed next steps were discussed.
- ECCC is pursuing Dr. Baumann’s recommendations listed above: a) The original data from the 1985-1990 surveys could not be found; therefore, a comparison of the age distribution of liver tumours detected then versus 2009 cannot be completed. b) As mentioned under NPS-5, with ECCC's financial support ($15,000), Algoma Steel completed a sediment survey within the boat slip to provide current detailed information about contaminant concentrations, including PAHs. Results show elevated levels of PAHs. c) In August 2015, ECCC completed fieldwork for the follow-up fish tumour survey, which collected 100White Suckers from the AOC. The fish were analyzed for liver tumours by the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture in January 2017, and upon review by a third party it was confirmed six had tumours. This is down from 10.6% in 2009 and 9.2% in a 1985-90 survey. A report was finalized in July 2018. The total cost was $65,000.
Action FFM-2: Marsh Monitoring Program
Current Status: COMPLETE
BUIs Addressed: Degradation of Fish and Wildlife Populations, Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat
A Marsh Monitoring Program was established to provide baseline information on marsh bird and amphibian populations and their habitat. This is a cooperative project with the involvement of the Long Point Bird Observatory, Canadian Wildlife Service, Great Lakes Sustainability Fund, and the U.S. Great Lakes Protection Fund. The program is coordinated by the Long Point Bird Observatory and implemented by volunteers. Marsh monitoring surveys were conducted in the St. Marys River AOC from 1994 to 1996. Study sites were located in the St. Marys River marsh (Echo Bay and Pumpkin Point) on the Canadian side of the river, and at Lake Nicolet Marsh and Munuscong Lake Wildlife Management Unit Marsh in Michigan. The study concluded that the AOC supports healthy marsh bird and amphibian populations; however, efforts should be made to rehabilitate marsh habitat and to continue with these surveys in order to properly address habitat loss in the St. Marys River watershed.
- In August 2016, ECCC-CWS completed its 5- year monitoring effort (2011-2016) to assess baseline wildlife habitat conditions and evaluate the degree of impairment (if any) of coastal wetland water quality, and breeding marsh bird, amphibian, aquatic macroinvertebrate and submerged aquatic vegetation communities within the AOC. Non-AOC reference sites were also evaluated for comparison, and an index of biotic integrity (IBI) was used to factor in several metrics in the overall assessment. Total project cost was $150,000 (not including salary).
- Stages of the study involved: in 2011, ECCCCWS (with help from the local MNRF office) initiated the acquisition and review of existing data, imagery and documentation on baseline conditions and habitat availability within the AOC. In 2012, a reconnaissance survey was carried out for site selection based on geophysical parameters. In 2013, 2014 and 2015 breeding bird and amphibian (key indicator species) surveys were undertaken at selected sites. In June 2015, the project lead presented preliminary results to BPAC.
- The final report was shared with BPAC in October 2016, and the project lead presented and discussed the results at BPAC's meeting in December 2016. The main conclusions detailed in the final report include:
- Water quality within the AOC;s coastal wetlands is comparable to nonAOC reference sites; suggesting overall water quality can be considered not impaired. Algoma University's water quality survey (2013-15) corroborates this.
- Breeding marsh birds in the AOC are in relatively undisturbed condition; thus this can be considered not impaired.
- There is no clear response to disturbance within the amphibian and aquatic macroinvertebrate communities, suggesting they can be considered not impaired.
- There are some differences between submerged aquatic vegetation communities in the AOC versus non-AOC reference sites, but the overall area is not impaired for this community type.
- The wildlife habitat component of the Loss of Fish and Wildlife BUI had been designated as "Requires Further Assessment" since the Stage 2 report in 2002. After this 5-year monitoring effort, the AOC's coastal wetland habitat and biotic communities were found "Not Impaired", thus satisfying the wildlife component of the BUI delisting criteria (i.e., coastal wetland wildlife habitat conditions within the AOC are comparable to those of suitable reference sites, as assessed using an index of biotic integrity).
- Although the wildlife component of the Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat BUI has been found to be "Not Impaired", the entire BUI will not be redesignated until all elements of the delisting criteria have been met. The delisting criteria states the BUI will no longer be impaired when: i) coastal wetland wildlife habitat conditions within the AOC are comparable to those of suitable reference sites, as assessed using an index of biotic integrity (ACHIEVED); ii) rapids habitat conditions are enhanced through feasible conservation and restoration measures identified in the Stage 2 Remedial Action Plan (see Action FF-6); and iii) the closely linked "Degradation of Fish Populations" BUI is no longer deemed impaired (see Action FFM-3).
Action FFM-3: The Fish Harvest Survey
Current Status: COMPLETE
BUIs Addressed: Degradation of Fish Populations
The first Fish Harvest Survey was completed in 1999-2000 as a cooperative effort by provincial, state, and native fisheries management agencies in Ontario and Michigan. The goal was to determine the total fish extraction from the St. Marys River by all sources (ie., angling, commercial and subsistence fishing).
- MNRF and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) have been conducting joint creel surveys examining the fish harvest in the river. The most recent survey synopsis from 2000-09 (by the St. Marys River Fisheries Task Group) is posted on the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission website. A short summary was reported to the public in March 2011 and covered a summary of all the creel surveys since 1998.
- In 2009, Fisheries & Oceans Canada compared the status of fish communities from four distinct areas of the river (the upper river above the compensating works, the main river, Lake George, and the lower river) and provided an overall assessment of the fish community using an index of biotic integrity (IBI) approach. The study concluded, “The overall health of the St. Marys River fish community compared favourably with healthy reference sites from Lake Huron.” An IBI combines several metrics to provide an overall assessment of fish community health (not just population levels), including: mortality rates, age-class structure, survival to spawning age, reproductive success, total biomass, productivity, richness, assemblage, and abundance.
- In 2014, DFO initiated a follow-up 2-year survey that used the IBI approach again, and relied on the Mississagi River near the North Channel as the reference site. The total cost was $57,000. Sampling was carried out in 2014, and the preliminary results discussed with BPAC in February 2015. The early findings rank the AOC’s IBI score lower than the reference site’s (56.6 vs. 65.9, where 60-80 = very good and 40-60 = average). IBI scoring relies on biomass more than richness and diversity, so the number for the AOC is lower than the reference site because of relatively less biomass, despite the St. Marys River having high biodiversity. And the AOC’s fish community is dominated by native species, which is very positive. With a score just 3.4 points below the “very good” level, the AOC is considered to have good biotic integrity.
- DFO conducted the second year of fieldwork in summer 2015, and is currently reviewing the data. A final report is anticipated in 2019 which will be shared with BPAC as part of the discussion on the current status of the Degradation of Fish Populations BUI as it relates to the delisting criteria.
- In summer 2017, MNRF and MDNR partnered to complete a river-wide creel survey of the St. Marys River. This has not occurred since 1998 as funding was the principle impediment. A report is expected in 2019.
Action FFM-4: The Fish Contaminant Monitoring Programs
Current Status: UNDERWAY
BUIs Addressed: Restrictions on Fish and Wildlife Consumption
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment will continue with Fish Contaminant Monitoring Programs in the St. Marys River and tributaries. Results are used to determine consumption advisories in the AOC.
- The MECP monitors fish contaminants through the Fish Contaminant Monitoring Program.
- In 2013, the MECP reviewed the availability of fish contaminant data for the AOC and identified priorities for monitoring. Limited collections were completed in 2014 and 2015; additional fish were collected in 2016 in order to provide an update on contaminant levels in comparison to reference sites. The preliminary results suggest that the levels of contaminants in fish at St. Marys River AOC have declined such that beneficial use of fish consumption can be considered "Not Impaired". Final results will be available by the end of 2019-2020 fiscal year. A fish eating survey, however, will also need to be conducted to confirm the status of this BUI.
- In December 2014, ECCC completed a population assessment for the terns based on nest count surveys it conducted between 2010 and 2013, supplemented with historical breeding data from 1978-80, 1989, 1999-00, and 2007-08. Population trends for other colonial waterbirds were included to provide a broader context of trends in diversity and abundance within the AOC. Key facts include: - overall, the total number of colonial waterbird nests on the Ontario side of the river increased by almost 23% between 1999 and 2008; largely driven by dramatic increases in Ring-billed Gulls. - despite natural fluctuations, Common Tern populations have had no significant change over the past 30+ years, with 70 nests found in 1978-80 versus 78 in 2007-08; - evidence from nest count surveys between 1980 and 2013 suggest trends in populations of nesting Common Terns in the AOC are likely related to factors consistent with the life history strategies of the species, and are not specific to influences in the AOC; - Black Terns seem to be limited on the Ontario side of the river, with a breeding colony found only at Echo Bay. It is not possible to report on temporal trends in abundance of Black Terns in the AOC due to limited data, but there is no evidence to suggest that breeding status within the AOC differs from those nesting at sites downstream in the North Channel. - the relative low population of nesting Black Terns is likely reflective of low densities reported throughout the region, Ontario and the Great Lakes basin; not due to AOC-specific conditions
No further action required.
Action FFM-6: Analysis of Contaminant Levels in Bird Eggs
Current Status: COMPLETE
BUIs Addressed: Degradation of Fish and Wildlife Populations, Bird and Animal Deformities or Reproductive Problems
Analyze contaminant levels in eggs from herring gull, black tern, and common tern nests in the AOC. This should include an evaluation of the contaminant levels in eggs from sites near highly contaminated areas such as the Algoma slag dump, or wherever bird deformities have been observed.
- In February 2014, ECCC completed a report on its 3-year common tern and herring gull study, which was based on fieldwork and laboratory analysis in 2011, 2012 and 2013 to assess deformities, reproductive health, and chemical contamination (in eggs) of these indicator species. The report was shared with BPAC in March 2014, which followed a presentation of the preliminary findings the previous June. An addendum was circulated in December 2014 with added detail on embryonic deformities. The total project cost was $157,000 (not including salary).
- The study’s conclusion is, “there is little evidence of impaired reproduction or deformities in colonial waterbirds [herring gulls and common terns] attributable to local contamination effects within the St. Marys River AOC”. Key findings include: - contaminant levels are low overall and not sufficiently elevated to have an adverse impact on reproductive success and development [this is the case for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other organochlorines, dioxins/ furans, heavy metals like mercury, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)]; - no physical deformities have been detected within gull or tern chicks [the original issue identified by the RAP]. There is a low incidence of embryonic deformities that cannot be linked to contaminant burdens or to geographical area (i.e., there is no significant difference between AOC and non-AOC bird colonies); and the reproductive success for herring gulls within the AOC is high, and that of the common tern is similar to the rest of the region.
- In January 2016, the Bird and Animal Deformities or Reproductive Problems BUI was officially re-designated to “Not Impaired,” consistent with the decision by the United States and State of Michigan in February 2015. The previous designation of “Requires Further Assessment” had been in place since 2002.
Action FFM-7: Monitoring of Population Changes Due to Habitat Enhancement
Current Status: COMPLETE [Wildlife Habitat] PENDING [Fish Habitat]
BUIs Addressed: Degradation of Fish and Wildlife Populations, Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat
This action is to be addressed only after fish and wildlife “habitat enhancement efforts” are implemented
A monitoring program should be developed to assess change in fish and wildlife populations in the AOC in response to habitat enhancement efforts.
Wildlife: see Action FFM-2, FFM-6, and FFM-8.
Fish: In 2009, the DFO produced a Nearshore Fish Community Survey that concluded the overall health of the St. Marys River fish community compares favourably with healthy reference sites from Lake Huron. DFO is undertaking a follow-up survey in 2014-2015, with results expected in 2017.
Wildlife: No further action required. As outlined under Action FFM-2, Action FFM-6, and Action FFM-8; through a number of comprehensive studies the wildlife component for both the Degradation of Fish and Wildlife Populations BUI and Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat BUI have been determined to be Not Impaired.
Fish: DFO is to complete its second Nearshore Fish Community Survey to evaluate the overall health of the St. Marys River fish community, and the results will be reviewed in parallel with the latest fish creel survey results from the St. Marys River Fisheries Task Group. It will be presented to BPAC in 2019. In addition, it is anticipated there will be a post-construction monitoring component of the proposed aquatic habitat restoration project on Whitefish Island being planned in partnership with Batchewana First Nation (see Action FF-6).
Action FFM-8: Reproductive Assessments of Gulls and Terns
Current Status: COMPLETE
BUIs Addressed: Degradation of Fish and Wildlife Populations, Bird and Animal Deformities or Reproductive Problems
Reproductive assessments of herring gulls, black terns, and common terns should be done within the AOC boundary. Deformities should be assessed in common terns in the St. Marys River.
- Refer to Action FFM-6. The reproductive success for Gulls within the AOC has been found to be at healthy levels, and that of Terns has been found to be similar to that found within the region (i.e., non-AOC areas).
- The Bird and Animal Deformities or Reproductive Problems BUI will be designated Not Impaired in 2015; consistent with the decision by the United States and State of Michigan in February 2014.
Action FFM-9: Evaluate Influence of Water Levels and Flows on Spawning and Production
Current Status: ADDRESSED
BUIs Addressed: Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat
Design and implement studies to evaluate the influence of water levels and flow rates on spawning and fish production in the St. Marys River and St. Marys Rapids.
This and other actions related to St. Marys River water levels/flows are beyond the scope of the RAP program. The associated policies and controlling measures are the purview of the International Lake Superior Board of Control and regulations set by the International Joint Commission (IJC). In November 2014, the Board of Control announced it was adopting Regulation Plan 2012 (effective January 2015) as the means for regulating Lake Superior outflows in a manner that will allow for more natural flows in the St. Marys River, with smaller month-to-month changes in flows compared to the previous plan in place since 1977. The Board cites that as an important factor in the sustainability of the river’s ecosystem and for protecting Lake Sturgeon habitat from rare but serious impacts.
The Regulation Plan 2012 is the outcome of the IJC’s International Upper Great Lakes Study (2007- 12). The study – a 5-year, $17.6 million binational eff ort – examined alternative water-level regulation scenarios (including potential ecological impacts) on Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, and Erie. Th e Ecosystem Technical Working Group of that study provided information on the potential ecological impacts on the St. Marys River rapids should the water level/flow regulations change. In March 2012, upon completion of the study, the Study Board recommended “Lake Superior Regulation Plan 2012” as the improved regulation plan governing outflows from Lake Superior. Th e Study Board – made up of a panel of experts from Canada and the U.S. – believe the proposed plan offers important environmental benefits over the status quo, including benefits to the St. Marys River.
Action FFM-10: Determine Minimum Water Levels and Flow Rates Necessary for Spawning
Current Status: ADDRESSED
BUIs Addressed: Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat
Design and implement a study to determine minimum water levels and flow rates necessary for 78 spring and fall spawning fish species in the St. Marys River and St. Marys Rapids.
Refer to Action FFM-9, as the same argument applies for removing this action from the list.
Action FFM-11: Monitoring Water Quantity
Current Status: ADDRESSED
BUIs Addressed: Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat
As a connecting channel, water levels in the St. Marys River reflect the water supply from Lake Superior as regulated by the International Lake Superior Board of Control. The Board’s approach has been to attempt to “balance the levels of Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron about their mean levels, giving consideration to their natural ranges.” (IJC 2001). Fisheries concerns in the St. Marys Rapids were recognized in 1990 with adoption of the current Lake Superior regulation plan, Plan 1977A. This marked a considerable improvement in ensuring sufficient water for some critical life processes over the long term. However, issues remain around short and medium term flow alterations in the rapids, for maintenance and study purposes and water level changes affecting riparian, wetland and littoral habitats in the lower river. The International Lake Superior Board of Control of the International Joint Commission could contribute to addressing these fisheries concerns through their expertise in regulating water levels in the Great Lakes.
Refer to Action FFM-9, as the same argument applies for removing this action from the list.
ECCC and the U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers monitor St. Marys River water quantity as part of the International Joint Commission’s Lake Superior Board of Control and its program for monitoring the water level of Lake Superior and ordering adjustments to the Compensating Works at the St. Marys Rapids as per the water level/flow regulations of the day. As mentioned under Action FFM-9, effective January 2015, the Board of Control is adopting Regulation Plan 2012 as the means for regulating Lake Superior outflows in a manner that will allow for more natural flows in the St. Marys River.