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News release
Minister Chevrette designates Copper Redhorse as first wildlife species to be protected by law in Quebec
Quebec City, April 8, 1999 – Guy Chevrette, Minister of Transport, Minister Responsible for Native Affairs and Minister Responsible for Wildlife and Parks for Quebec, has announced that the copper redhorse is the first wildlife species to be officially designated as a threatened species under the Quebec Act respecting Threatened or Vulnerable Species.
"In adopting the Act respecting Threatened or Vulnerable Species, Quebec was one of the first governments to fall into step with the worldwide movement to protect threatened species and biodiversity with a view to sustainable development. This official recognition, which confers on the copper redhorse legally protected status as a threatened species, once again confirms Quebec’s commitment and determination to safeguard all endangered wildlife species within its boundaries," said Minister Chevrette.
The copper redhorse is considered to be a threatened species because of its limited geographical distribution, low population density and increasing rarity.
It is a large fish belonging to the family Catostomidae. It owes its name to its colour, which ranges from shiny copper to olive on its back, head and upper sides. It feeds exclusively on mollusks, mussels and snails.
The copper redhorse is now found only in a few rivers on the St. Lawrence Plain. It is extremely rare in the St. Lawrence River and has probably disappeared in many sectors. A few hundred individuals are thought to remain. Furthermore, the size of spawners indicates that the population is gradually aging, a sign that the fish is not reproducing at an adequate rate.
The copper redhorse lives in the rivers draining Quebec’s most populous areas. Habitat degradation and decades of pollution, increased sedimentation and habitat fragmentation due to the construction of dams are the main reasons why this endemic Quebec species has disappeared from some previously known locations and its population is declining.
Reproductive studies have shown that because of pollution, the species is suffering from a physiological problem: it is having difficulty releasing eggs and sperm. This worrisome observation augurs ill for the species’ survival.
By designating the copper redhorse a protected species, the Government of Quebec has shown its determination to ensure the survival of this species, which is vital to the ecological balance of the aquatic environment. An action plan has been in place since 1995 under the St. Lawrence Vision 2000 Federal-Provincial Agreement. Although the copper redhorse is not a popular catch, sport and commercial fishers are not permitted to catch it in any of its known habitats.
The survival of this fish cannot be assured unless its habitats are also protected. Under the Wildlife Habitat Regulations, copper redhorse habitats are protected, as are those of other fish species. In the case of the copper redhorse, particular attention will be paid to certain segments of the Richelieu, Yamaska, Noire and Mille Îles rivers.
In conclusion, Mr Chevrette said, "At a time when broad public consultations are taking shape on an integrated water management plan for Quebec, the designation of the copper redhorse as the first threatened wildlife species to be protected by law in the province places wildlife biodiversity and conservation as a whole at the forefront of concerns about the quality and enhancement of this rich natural heritage."
Source:
Louise Barrette
Communications Directorate
Tel: (418) 521-3823, extension 4163
For information:
Esther Boily
Press Attaché to the Minister Responsible for Wildlife and Parks
Tel: (418) 643-6980
Également offert en français
Date modified: 1999/04/08 – Important Notices
