Redside Dace (Clinostomus elongatus) population status and habitat provisioning in restored stream reaches of Peel Region.

The objective of this project is to investigate the relationship between habitat restoration activities and the biological outcomes of fish communities in the Humber River, Ontario, with a specific focus on outcomes for the endangered Redside Dace. We will evaluate landscape and instream habitat parameters among restored and not-restored sites to determine the effectiveness of restoration and specific restoration activities. Specifically, we will evaluate changes in habitat parameters based on data collected prior to and after restoration and relate this information to the status of the fish community during the same time periods. We will also evaluate the status of Redside Dace in restored and not-restored sites and develop a habitat suitability model for the species based on habitat parameters that are most strongly associated with presence and abundance of the species. Our work will inform restoration prioritization actives, species at risk recovery planning, and watershed planning.

Faculty Supervisor:

Nicholas Mandrak

Student:

Partner:

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (Vaughan, ON)

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services; Public administration

University:

University of Toronto

Program: