Sturgeon Impact Study

The second phase of a Lake Sturgeon study is taking place in the St. Lawrence River near the Mercier Bridge. As part of on-going discussions with the Quebec Transport Ministry, the Kahnawà:ke Environment Protection Office (KEPO) raised concerns about potential impacts of bridge modifications to the known and potential sturgeon spawning grounds near the bridge. This led to the development of a multi-year study to assess potential project impacts. The first phase of this work took place in 2019 and identified suitable habitat within the study area for Lake Sturgeon. Phase 2 of the project will confirm whether the identified potential habitat is being actively used by sturgeon. This will be done by placing egg mats on the bottom of the river and counting eggs that have landed on them. Fishing will also take place to identify locations where sturgeon are gathering during the spawning period. The project will be done in collaboration with the Quebec Wildlife Ministry, a consultant hired by KEPO, a local fisherman and staff from KEPO. Work is set to begin when suitable conditions for spawning are present, sometime between the last week of April and mid-June.