American Eel are an…

American Eel are an important part of Ontario’s ecosystems and Canada's biodiversity. It is the responsibility of the provincial government to safeguard this species at risk against becoming lost altogether from our waters. Clearly an immediate action is needed and the measures that should be put in place are already known. 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.

  It is unacceptable that business as usual continues with hydro facilities while a species is being decimated to the point of endangerment, especially when reasonable alternatives exist such as passageways, ladders and slowing turbines during peak eel movement times.

[Original Comment ID: 211891]