Dispersal Potential of Asian Carps in the Québec St. Lawrence River Network Based on Barrier Mapping

Session: Poster session

Rémy Pouliot, Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs, [email protected]
Guillaume Côté, Ministère des Forêts, Faune et Parcs, [email protected]
Annick Drouin, Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs, [email protected]
Frederic Lecomte, Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs du Québec, [email protected]
Olivier Morissette, Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs, [email protected]

Abstract

The capture of a gravid diploid Grass Carp (GC) in the St. Lawrence River (SLR) in 2016 was a reality check that Québec’s waters were at risk of being invaded by Asian carps. Positive detections of GC eDNA were observed along the SLR and in two of its tributaries. Together, they suggest that GC is present in Québec waters since at least 2015 and the need for immediate actions to address this issue.

Assessing the risks of dispersal of Asian carps from the SLR to Québec inland waters is one of the main objectives of the recently implemented Québec Asian Carp Program (2016). Identification and localization of existing barriers to Asian carps dispersal in the various tributaries of the SLR were used to determine tributaries at risk of being invaded. A total of 230 potential barriers were classified according to the Asian carps biology and the physical characteristics of the potential barrier. Of all barrier characterized, 77% of identified barriers are dams, following by waterfalls (18%) and locks (8%). Of all barriers considered, 25 % would not restrain carp dispersal while 41% needs other field investigations. Around 5 000 km of tributaries, including SLR, could be at risks of being invaded.

1. Keyword
risk assessment

2. Keyword
habitats

4. Additional Keyword
Asian carps

5. Additional Keyword
Fish effective passage

6. Additional Keyword
Québec province