2010-06 - Iyimtaak - N4 - EM1 - ANG

i y i m t a a k ᐊ ᔨ ᒥ ᐦ ᑖ ᒄ ᙮ information bulletin — Number 4, june 2010

Eastmain-1 Hydroelectric Development

Waterfowl use of bays developed in Eastmain 1 reservoir (2006, 2007 and 2009)

Photo 1 — Canada goose

Bay development Using dikes to block off certain bays of a reservoir Two bays of Eastmain 1 reservoir were diked in 2005 can protect them from drawdown, that is, change in and 2006. This measure, which is being tested, is the reservoir’s water level. Creating these diked bays intended to encourage tallymen to use the reservoir (see Figure 1) promotes the development of wetlands for their traditional hunting, fishing and trapping activities­. that attract waterfowl.

A sense of commitment…

to people and their communities

Eastmain-1 Hydroelectric Development

Diked bay

Dike

b

Reservoir High level

Dike

Low level

a

Reservoir

a

b

Diked bay

Figure 1 — Diked bay of a reservoir

Environmental monitoring Environmental monitoring was conducted to describe waterfowl use of the diked bays and compare it to their use of other, undiked bays. The objective was to count waterfowl present on both types of bay during the following periods: • Spring migration • Nesting • Brood rearing In 2009, at the beginning of migration, waterfowl used the diked bays more than the undiked bays. However, the reverse was observed at the peak of migration.

During nesting, slightly more pairs and broods were observed in diked bays, compared to undiked bays.

Since 2006, a general increase in the number of breeding pairs and broods has been recorded in all bays of Eastmain 1 reservoir.

The Canada goose (see Photo 1 and 2), a species prized by the Cree, seems to particularly appreciate the environments created by blocking off the bays. In fact, the greatest number of individuals was inventoried in this type of bay.

After three years of monitoring, it has been noted that waterfowl make very good use of the diked bays, although the latter do not seem to stand out from other bays overall. The diked bays are a new habitat for the common loon in the Eastmain 1 reservoir area.

In the absence of drawdown, it can nest along the shoreline.

In summary, waterfowl use of diked bays provides interesting opportunities for traditional hunting activities.

GLOSSARY Waterfowl: all wild birds that live on the seacoast and in lakes, swamps, rivers and ponds Migration: movement of an animal species as a group Nesting: building and occupying a nest Brood: recently hatched birds For more information, please contact: Martin Desgagné, Advisor - Native Affairs and Projects 1 800 903-9705, ext. 4951 This Information Bulletin is published by Hydro-Québec Direction régionale La Grande Rivière

A sense of commitment…

to people and their communities

Photo 2 — Canada goose