Chapter 16 - Freshwater Fishes in the Arctic Oil-Field Region and Coastal Plain of Alaska

Abstract

This chapter describes the population influences and responses to development of freshwater fishes in the Arctic oil-field region and the coastal plain of Alaska. Oil development currently poses little risk to freshwater fish species because freshwater habitat capable of supporting fish year-round is in limited supply in the oil fields compared to other nearby regions and the design and placement of facilities, such as bridges and culverts or water withdrawal facilities, have incorporated features to minimize impacts to those populations that are present. The major freshwater systems, such as the Sagavanirktok, Colville, and Canning river systems, lie outside or adjacent to the oil-field region. As the oil-field region grows with the development of new fields, additional information on freshwater fishes will be needed to ensure that development continues to proceed with minimal impact to the populations. Both development programs and fish need fresh water in winter, and these needs are usually in conflict. A better understanding of winter habitat requirements of freshwater fishes, particularly in shallow coastal plain lakes, would assist in designing water withdrawals that do not adversely affect fish populations.