Key terms
Fish
Any aquatic animal that depends on and carries out its life in entirety in aquatic environments. They are generally coldblooded vertebrates, meaning they have backbones. They also have gills and fins. The term “fish” can also refer to shellfish, meaning aquatic creatures that have no backbone and have a body wrapped in shells, like clams, scallops, mussels and oysters.
Mussels
A type of shellfish that can live in either saltwater or freshwater habitats. They have a long, asymmetrical shell.
Some examples of mussels in the Alto study area include the black sandshell, the elktoe and the flutedshell.
Fish habitat
Areas frequented by fish, or on which fish depend, to carry out reproduction, growth, feeding and finding shelter. These can include ditches, drains, wetlands, rivers and even areas that are dry for parts of the year. Some examples of fish in the Alto study area include the white sucker, walleye and largemouth bass.
Why study fish and mussels?
All fish, mussels and their habitats are protected under the federal Fisheries Act. Understanding fish and mussel habitats, and the other species that depend on them, is important for their protection. By examining the conditions in a specific area, we can understand how to maximize environmental protection. For example, if a bridge is needed, how would piers in the water affect fish and mussels?
These studies will describe the type of fish, mussels and their habitats and determine baseline conditions for future studies.
What do fish and mussel studies involve?
Alto planners will review available data on the water systems and their fish and mussel species. Areas for further study will be chosen following this review. The study areas will be selected using mapping databases, aerial photography and may also be informed by local communities.
Physical characteristics
Such as their dimensions, substrate composition, vegetation composition and shoreline conditions.
Water chemistry and velocity
pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, conductivity.
Significant habitat features
groundwater upwellings, suitable spawning habitat, suitable species-atrisk habitat
Fish and mussel sampling
to describe the fish and mussels using that habitat