Another Tool in Ontario’s Recovery Toolbox: Developing Expertise in the Culture of “At Risk” Mussels

Session: 08a. - Restoration of Native Fishes

Christopher Wilson, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, [email protected]
Tim Drew, Fish Culture Section, Fish and Wildlife Services Branch, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, [email protected]
Jake Ruegg, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, [email protected]
Ryan Zheng, Ministry of Naural Resources and Forestry, [email protected]
Jennifer Smith, Ministry of Natural Resources, [email protected]
Justin Chan, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, [email protected]
Kevin Loftus, ON Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry, [email protected]

Abstract

In 2012, a panel of aquatic species at risk specialists from government, academia and the NGO community recommended that Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s Fish Culture Section take steps to develop expertise in the culture of aquatic ‘at risk’ species to help support recovery efforts.  More recent assessments of aquatic SAR research and recovery needs have reiterated the need for the development of such expertise.  This presentation describes the approach taken by Fish Culture Section to develop this expertise, the progress made, the set-backs encountered and the lessons learned over the subsequent five years. The presentation also describes our efforts to build awareness of and support for this work and the results of those efforts.  Sufficient culture expertise has now been developed that Fish Culture Section has the capability to produce modest numbers of juvenile mussels of several species to support life history and toxicology research as well as small scale stocking initiatives.       

1. Keyword
mussels

2. Keyword
fish hatcheries

3. Keyword
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

4. Additional Keyword
culture

5. Additional Keyword
species at risk