Wild fish community data (species, abundance, diversity, length, weight) are available for tributaries of the Athabasca River (Steepbank, Ells, Firebag, High Hills, Dunkirk, Horse, Muskeg, Tar, Calumet, Dover, McKay, Alice, Red Clay, Eymundson, Big Creek, Pierre, Hangingstone, Beaver, and Poplar) and for rivers and creeks adjacent to Christina Lake (Christina River, Sunday Creek, Birch Creek, Sawbones Creek, Jackfish River and Unnamed Creek).
The composition and diversity of fish communities in these waterbodies have been evaluated over time to identify changes in the presence and abundance of fish species in areas varying in proximity to industry activity (open-pit mining and steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD)), including sites located outside of the Athabasca Oil Sands deposit that are not influenced by industry. Sites located outside of the development footprint or deposit provide information on the natural variability of these fish communities over time. Baseline conditions were established through autumn surveys (non-lethal) of fish communities in 2013, 2017-2019, and 2021-present, which have assisted in tracking spatial and temporal changes in fish communities in the region. Length, weight, species identification, and external assessment were performed on each fish collected before being returned to the water at the site of capture. This monitoring activity compliments and supports the Wild Fish Health program.
Supplemental Information
Regional Aquatic Monitoring Program (RAMP) Alberta:
http://www.ramp-alberta.org/data/Fisheries/default.aspx
Supporting Projects:
Canada-Alberta Oil Sands Environmental Monitoring