Matsqui Bank Stabilization Project

Bank Stabilization at Matsqui Dyke

Ashlee Prevost, Staff Biologist

Considering the impending bank stabilization initiatives in the form of spurs along the Matsqui Dike (see previous issue), the LFFA has been commissioned to conduct an ARIS hydro-acoustic survey to assess fish presence and habitat use along the proposed construction area.

This entails deploying our ARIS Explorer 1800, at five equidistant sites for 6-8 hours a day (1-2 days a week) along the proposed construction reach.

So far, the LFFA has conducted 25 surveys since starting on October 16th and is planning to increase the duration of surveys from 8 to 24-hour sessions. This work is extremely important as it is a long-term project to understand how construction of the spurs will affect fish presence and habitat use before, during and after construction. Furthermore, we would like to conduct a fishing portion of the program to determine how fisheries are affected by the construction of spurs within this area.

It is our goal to assure that the conservation of these habitats and traditional fisheries are considered a top priority throughout the entirety of the project.

We have also acquired additional funding through the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund to retain a biologist and hire two field technicians for this project. This funding will allow us to perform the 24-hour surveys and conduct the analysis in house.

So far preliminary data, has shown the presence of migrating salmonid species and white sturgeon. By implementing longer survey times, we hope to capture more information of presence and use over different diel periods.

Pictured below: LFFA equipment at work near Matsqui Dyke