2011-05 - Iyimtaak - N6 - EM1 - ANG

i y i m t a a k ᐊ ᔨ ᒥ ᐦ ᑖ ᒄ ᙮ information bulletin — Number 6, may 2011

Eastmain-1 Hydroelectric Development

Spawning grounds developed in tributaries of Eastmain 1 reservoir In 2005 and 2006, walleye, lake whitefish and brook trout spawning grounds were developed in tributaries of Eastmain 1 reservoir.

Number of spawning grounds developed Spawning grounds Walleye/whitefish

Brook trout

In tributaries

4

3

In dike bays

3

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Picture 1. Cleanliness of the substrate­in a streambed spawning ground

Picture 3. The red line traces the contour of the spawning­ ground.

The physical characteristics of the spawning grounds developed (picture 3), e.g., depth, flow velocity and substrate* quality­ (picture­ 1), were noted during the monitoring activities.

Monitoring consisted in documenting the spawning of fish by collecting eggs using nets placed on or near the spawning grounds (picture­ 2).

Picture 2. Harvesting brook trout eggs.

Flow conditions at all spawning grounds met the requirements for target species reproduction and corresponded to design criteria.

It was confirmed at all sites that the spawning grounds were stable and clean, and that spawning actually occurred. Thus all spawning grounds were productive, but not necessarily for the target species intended (see table).

Walleye

Confirmed spawning by species vs. type of spawning grounds developed Lake whitefish

Brook trout GLOSSARY *Substrate: rocky riverbed and bedrock

Spawning grounds developed for each target species

Number of spawning grounds

Confirmed spawning Walleye

Lake whitefish

Brook trout

Walleye/whitefish

7

a

5

3

—

Brook trout

3

3

2

1

b

a) For example, it was thus confirmed that walleye spawned in 5 of the 7 walleye/whitefish spawning grounds. a) It was also confirmed that lake whitefish spawned in 2 of the 3 brook trout spawning grounds.

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 plants and wildlife