GIFL Project: Aquatic Ecology

The objectives of the ecological studies have been to establish a thorough understanding of the existing terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems within the project study area in order to avoid or minimize impacts to significant and sensitive features and to inform the design and mitigation recommendations as the project progresses.

The following list outlines the aquatic ecological investigations that have been undertaken:

1. Waterbody and Watercourse Assessments
2. Waterbody and Watercourse Habitat Mapping
3. Waterbody and Watercourse Fish Community Sampling
4. Waterbody Fish Spawning Surveys (including drone surveys)

• Northern Pike Spawning Surveys
• Walleye Spawning Surveys

Aquatic Existing Conditions 2023 Field Investigations

Aquatic Existing Conditions 2022 Field Investigations

The results of these investigations are documented in the Aquatic Existing Condition Report. They will be appropriately summarized in the Detailed Project Description (DPD) submitted to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC).

The ecology teams are working closely with the design team to ensure ecological features and functions are protected to the extent feasible.