American Eel are an…

American Eel are an important part of Ontario’s ecosystems, and are in critical condition. This planning process is a good step forward, but there is still an immediate need for action if we are not to lose this species from our province. The government response appears heavy on research and planning, which are important, but I believe it lacks some important and urgent short-term actions needed to help this species.

  I support comments made by the Canadian Wildlife Federation regarding proposed revisions to the government response statement, as follows:

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

 2. 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.

 3. 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.

  Thank you for your consideration of the immediate needs of a species at risk.

[Original Comment ID: 211937]