American Eel are an…

American Eel are an important part of Ontario’s ecosystems and cultural heritage. Clearly immediate action is needed to ensure that they are not lost from Ontario and Ontario waterways shared with other jurisdictions. The long-awaited government response statement outlines a good path forward for research and planning, but it fails to call for immediate actions. At very least, 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.

  In addition, many important details included in the Recovery Strategy are missing from the Government Response Statement.

  The Ontario government must step up to take a leadership role in preserving this ancient and iconic species and there is no indication in the GSR that it intends to do so.

[Original Comment ID: 211964]