While I agree with all the…

While I agree with all the comments and statements below (borrowed from CWF), I'd like to preface by saying I was astounded to learn that fewer than 100 eels returned to Lake Ontario last year, and action is still purportedly three years in the works. Three years? I understand economy and wage hikes may be more prevalent in everyone's minds these days, but without a world to support us--without biodiversity, a healthy planet, and immediate action in any of these situations facing us, nothing else matters. Not the economy, foreign affairs, wage hikes, infrastructure. None of it. The only way any of those agenda notes are capable of being achieved is by first having a stable, healthy environment and planet to support them.

  American Eel are an important part of Ontario’s ecosystems. Clearly an immediate action is needed to ensure that they are not lost from Ontario. The government response statement outlines a good path forward for research and planning, but it fails to call for sufficient short-term actions. The response statement should be revised as follows:

  • Revise Action 7 to require specific and immediate reductions in the mortality of adult eels as they migrate through hydropower facilities.

 • Revise Action 8 to require immediate provision of upstream passage (e.g., eel ladders) for juvenile eels at barriers in the lower reaches of rivers in Ontario, including the Carillon Generating Facility at the base of the Ottawa River.

 • Under Action 9, commit to reviewing hydropower mitigation plans for American Eel, and requiring revisions or revoking exemptions when hydropower producers fail to take reasonable steps to reduce the adverse effects of hydropower facilities on the species.

[Original Comment ID: 211790]