American Eel are an…

American Eel are an important part of Ontario’s ecosystems. With 10,000 times less eels left than there were in the 1980s, immediate action is needed to ensure eels 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 current and future 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.

  The above themes are written in the response statement, and need to be strengthened to require immediate action to ensure eels are not lost from Ontario.

 Thank you.

 Amy

[Original Comment ID: 211801]