Loss of Fish Habitat as a Consequence of Inappropriately Constructed Stream Crossings

Abstract

Abstract In the light of declines in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) stocks, we sought to determine the extent to which stream crossings along a newly constructed section of the Trans Labrador Highway (TLH Phase II) in southern Labrador accorded with government regulations for fish habitat protection. We surveyed crossings of permanent streams over a 210 km road segment, containing 4 bridges and 47 culverts. Fifty-three percent of culverts posed problems to fish passage, due to poor design or poor installation. We conjecture that cost and inadequate environmental oversight in the field explain the weak compliance with the relevant fisheries guidelines. Our research has prompted the federal regulator to instigate remediation of problems with the Phase II part of the highway. In addition many of the planned stream crossings for Phase III of the TLH were re-designed, and a commitment to careful monitoring of the installations has been made by the federal regulator in cooperation with the indigenous inhabitants.