The Richelieu River, Quebec, is a highly-regulated waterway subject to numerous anthropogenic influences from municipal effluents and agricultural activities. Parasite communities in 234 spottail shiners (Notropis hudsonius) were examined from 4 localities in late spring 2003 and 2004. Parasite component community similarity among localities could not be directly linked to available upstream water quality measurements or anthropogenic activity and was best explained by precipitation. This study suggests that fish parasite species composition and richness in the Richelieu River are influenced by environmental parameters which in turn ultimately are driven by a combination of climatic conditions and anthropogenic activities in the watershed.
Supplemental Information
The St. Lawrence Action Plan (SLAP) 2011 to 2026 (see http://planstlaurent.qc.ca/en/home.html) is the latest Canada-Quebec Agreement on the St. Lawrence and builds on the four previous agreements implemented since 1988.
The agreement aims to conserve and enhance the St. Lawrence. It is based on strong collaboration and the pooling of resources and expertise between the governments of Canada and Quebec. As part of their respective responsibilities for the management of the St. Lawrence basin, these two governments recognize the need for close cooperation to tackle the environmental challenges facing this important ecosystem. Other partners are also joining in this initiative, including local organizations, environmental groups, research centres, and universities.
For more information on SLAP, please visit https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/environmental-funding/ecosystem-initiatives/st-lawrence-action-plan.html