ML070160342
| ML070160342 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | FitzPatrick  |
| Issue date: | 03/31/1999 |
| From: | Govt of Canada, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources |
| To: | Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| jmm7 | |
| References | |
| Download: ML070160342 (2) | |
Text
Environment topics at a glance Ministry of the Environment Deepwater sculpin Myoxocephalus thompsoni N
Length: 51 to 76 mm (two to three inches)
N Weight: Seven to 15 grams
(.24 to.5 ounces)
N
==
Description:==
Flattened head, eyes on top of the head and close together, large mouth and fine teeth; two dorsal fins, the first one being small and the second one having a large base, a square caudal fin, an anal fin with a long base, small pelvic fins and large fanlike pectoral fins N
Coloring: Back and upper parts of the sides are grey-brown, lower parts of the sides are lighter and under parts of the sides are speckled; there are four to seven marks on the back; fins have bars, except for pelvic fins which are pigment-ed or immaculate N
Common names: Lake sculpin, deepwater blob, scorpion fish, Great Lakes four horn sculpin N
Habitat: Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Ontario in very deep water
Background
The Great Lakes deepwater sculpin was once abundant in Lake Ontario but had not been observed since 1972. The deepwater sculpin is susceptible to contaminants; it is believed that this species was eliminated from Lake Ontario because of exposure to DDT. The return of the deepwater sculpin is a good indicator that water quality in Lake Ontario is improving.
In 1987 the deepwater sculpin was desig-nated threatened and soon could be desig-nated as endangered in the Great Lakes if factors affecting its vulnerability are not reversed. Although it is still found in lakes Superior, Huron and Michigan, the Great Lakes deepwater sculpin was considered eliminated in Lake Ontario and probably also in Lake Erie.
The return In 1996 the Ministry of Natural Resources netting program captured a single deepwa-ter sculpin in the eastern basin. Follow-up netting in more suitable deep water off Rocky Point and Cobourg revealed two addi-tional deepwater sculpin.
The deepwater sculpin is not considered a sport fish, but its appearance in Lake Ontario is significant because, if it fully returns, it Deepwater sculpin return to Lake Ontario One of the positive indications of improved water quality in Lake Ontario is the return of fish species, including deepwater sculpin, which had almost vanished as a result of pollution and overfishing.
March 1999
Ministry of the Environment 2
PIBS: 3628B 3M 99 Printed on 100% recycled paper
including 75% post-consumer fibre could provide food for larger species of fish including the lake trout. Although the signs for the return of the sculpin are encouraging, efforts to reduce contaminant levels in Lake Ontario must continue if the Great Lakes deepwater sculpin is to thrive.
Other signs Lake Ontario is getting healthier The health of Lake Ontarios ecosystem has improved dramatically since the 1960s and 1970s. Improvements that reduced phospho-rus discharges from sewage treatment plants have resulted in the elimination of severe algae growth that once plagued Lake Ontario. Phosphorus levels are now well below the Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement objective.
Levels of persistent toxic substances have declined significantly in fish and wildlife. Lake Ontario waterbird populations are reproduc-ing normally and show no signs of contami-nant-related deformities. In fact populations of some species such as the double crested cormorant are now at an all time high.
Although the signs of Lake Ontarios recovery are many, there is still more work to be done before Lake Ontario and the other Great Lakes are fully restored and fish and wildlife populations are thriving.
For more information:
Sport Fish Contaminant Monitoring Program Ministry of the Environment Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Branch 125 Resources Rd.
Etobicoke, ON M9P 3V6 (416) 235-6220 or 1-800-820-2716
© Queens Printer for Ontario, 1999