Author(s): Francois Plante; Marie Clement; Daniel Caissie
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Abstract: The removal of dams is becoming an increasingly popular technique in the restoration of riverine fish habitats. With the aging of numerous small dams in North America, this approach to stream restoration is likely to be employed more frequently. The access to spawning grounds, juvenile habitats, and thermal refuges is fundamental for fish to complete their life cycle. In order to quantify both positive and negative impacts related to dam removals, physical and biological parameters were monitored before, during, and after decommissioning of a dam on White Rapids Brook (Miramichi River, NB). Results showed that the dam removal, as conducted in this study, induced minor events of high suspended-sediments and that juvenile Atlantic salmon utilized previously inaccessible habitat (upstream) within one year of the dam removal. Planned work sequence and proper mitigative techniques were key components in protecting fish habitat. Moreover, results showed that when proper techniques were implemented, negative impacts were minor compared to the long-term benefits.
Year: 2009